Instructions
Purpose
Instructions are a form of Explanation writing
The purpose is to tell the reader how to do or make something.
The information is presented in a logical sequence of events which is broken up into small sequenced steps. These texts are usually written in the present tense.
The most common example of a procedural text is a recipe.
Types of Procedural Texts
There are different procedural texts for different purposes:-
- Texts that explain how something works or how to use instruction/operation manuals, for example, how to use the video, the computer, the tape recorder, the photocopier, the fax.
- Texts that instruct how to do a particular activity, for example, recipes, rules for games, science experiments, road safety rules.
- Texts that deal with human behaviour, for example, how to live happily, how to succeed.
Features
- Goal - clearly stated (often in the heading).
- Materials - listed in order of use.
- Method - the steps are chronological and are numbered or listed.
- Recipes usually have the information presented in at least two basic groups: ingredients and method.
- Games instructions usually include instructions on how to play, rules of the game, method of scoring, and the number of players.
- Scientific experiments usually include the purpose of the experiment, equipment, procedure, observations and conclusion.
- Focuses on generalised people rather than individuals (first you take, rather than first I take).
- The reader is often referred to in a general way, ie. pronouns (you or one).
- Action verbs (imperative verbs), (cut, fold, twist, hold etc).
- Simple present tense (you cut, you fold, you mix).
- Linking words to do with time (first, when, then) are used to connect the text.
- Detailed information on how (carefully, with the scissors); where (from the top); when (after it has set) .
- Detailed factual description (shape, size, colour, amount).
e-Learning tools to support instruction writing
Planning
Presentation Tools to mix text and illustration
- Book Creator is a free iPad app that allows for inclusion of text, images and sound in creating eBooks.
- Comic and Meme Creator is a free Android app for making eBooks.
- Powerpoint or Keynote can also be used to create eBooks.
Photos
Using a camera to record the steps in a "How to" text will assist planning and can enhance the presentation. Photos can be cropped, rotated and enhanced using free software or apps.
Updated on: 18 Mar 2020
