Instructions and
Procedure Descriptions
Procedure Description
• Procedure: Events that produce a predictable
outcome
• Examples: Requesting vacation days,
manufacturing an engine part, discipline for
sexual harassment, balancing a checkbook
• A procedure description informs a reader by
helping the reader understand what happens
Instructions
• Different from a procedure description
• Instructions inform the reader by explaining
how to perform a procedure
• Examples: product manuals, assembly
instructions, “how-to” instructions,
assignments
• Instructions also persuade readers. How?
Discussion
• Why are procedure descriptions and
instructions particularly important in
today’s society?
• New and changing technologies
• More accountability, regulations, and red
tape
Instructions
• General Instructions—instructions that
explain how to perform a generic procedure
• Specific Instructions—instructions that
explain how to perform a procedure under
conditions involving particular equipment,
surroundings, or other variables
• Trimming a hedge vs. using a 22-inch Craftsman
Bushwacker electric hedge trimmer
• Changing a tire vs. changing a tire on a 2006 Toyota
Corolla
• Drawing geometric shapes vs. drawing a specific
geometric design
Instructions: Components
• Brief introduction explaining the purpose
and importance of the procedure
• List of materials, equipment, tools, and skills
required
• Actual instructions: numbered, step-by-step,
detailed explanation of how to perform the
procedure
• Typically one or more visuals for clarification
Instructions: Guidelines
• Use short, simple commands that start with a verb.
• Avoid “recipe shorthand” that omits small words such
as a, an, and the.
• Separate steps unless closely related or simultaneous.
• Try to avoid more than about nine steps at a time.
• Use subdivisions for complicated or long steps
Example:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2258249_make-ladder-golf-game.html
3. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot
sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the
center of the pipes with the open end of the Tconnector facing up. Do this again to make a
second piece. Add 1-foot sections to either end
using elbow connectors. This is the base that will
support the ladder form.
3. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot
sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the
center of the pipes with the open end of the Tconnector facing up.
4. Repeat this step to make a second piece.
5. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow
connectors. NOTE: This is the base that will
support the ladder form.
3. Make the base of the ladder form.
3a. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2foot sections of pipe, so that the T-connector
is in the center of the pipes with the open end
of the T-connector facing up.
3b. Repeat this step to make a second piece.
3c. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow
connectors.
Instructions: Avoiding Liability
• Note, caution, warning, and danger
– Note—alerts to information that will make the
procedure easier or more efficient
– Caution—alerts to risk of equipment failure or damage
– Warning—alerts to possible equipment damage,
serious injury, or death
– Danger—alerts to probable serious injury or death