Instructions and Procedure Descriptions

1. Instructions and Procedure Descriptions

2. 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

3. 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?

4. Discussion Why are procedure descriptions and instructions particularly important in today�s society? New and changing technologies More accountability, regulations, and red tape

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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 T-connector 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.

10. 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 T-connector facing up. Repeat this step to make a second piece. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors. NOTE: This is the base that will support the ladder form.

11. Make the base of the ladder form. 3a. 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 T-connector facing up. 3b. Repeat this step to make a second piece. 3c. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors.

12. 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