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