Writing Strategies
➦ Instructions are the several elements of good manual or guidelines writing which are used for carrying out a procedure or performing a task. They are generally written in active voice and organized in numbered lists in a logical sequence.
➦ The text in instruction is often supplemented by images, graphics and other illustrations. They mostly use the second-person point of view, such as you, your, yours directly addressing the reader.
Seven Key elements of Good Instructions Writing
1. Title
➦ The title is the first important key element of good instruction writing. The title tells the reader what is the purpose of the instruction.
➦ The title is generally written on the tope of the page in the center. It should be clear and give a hint about what the instructions will be about.
➦ For example, “How to Make a Paper Airplane” is a good title for instructions on making a paper airplane.
2. Introduction
➦ After the title, we should begin by providing an overview of the task laid out by the instructions. In this, we should explain the process, or encourage the reader to read and follow the instructions.
➦ This is a very important key element of good instruction writing because what you will include in the introduction depends largely on the nature of your subject and the characteristics of your audience. It’s like setting the stage for what’s to come.
3. Definition
➦ The definition should be immediately be given after the first use of the term. While defining we should first know the level of the vocabulary of our intended audience because the audience may not understand the technical term we are using.
➦ So, we should not use the technical term which the audience may not understand. For example, if you’re giving instructions on how to play a game, you might define what each piece is called and what its purpose is.
4. Preparation
➦ Here the readers are told to maintaining the necessary conditions before beginning the task. The necessary requirements needed to complete the task are arranged in this step.
➦ This could include gathering materials, setting up a workspace, or making sure you have enough time to complete the task without interruptions. It’s like gathering all your tools before you start building something.
5. Warnings and Precaution
➦ Warning and precautions is a very important element that characterize good instruction writing because it’s our responsibility that the tasks are done safely and successfully.
➦ We should explain the safety conditions to carry out the task as the person following the instructions should be prevented from safety hazards, injuries, and other problems.
6. Steps
➦ This is the main part of the instructions and maybe in the longest section too. Here list the steps according to the order in which they are to be carried out.
➦ Do not leave any rooms for gaps or confusion between steps. Include just one action for each numbered item in written instruction.
➦ Each step should be clear and concise, with one action or piece of information per step. Think of it like a recipe – you wouldn’t put all the ingredients together at once, would you?
7. Closing
➦ Some of the instructions use closing, which is kept in brief. Here we will tell the audience how they can make sure that they followed the instructions correctly and successfully.
➦ You can also summarize the main steps, or mention other methods of carrying out the task.
➦ If the above elements are included while writing instructions then the instructions become effective as they are clear, complete, consistent, and understandable.
➦ By including all of these elements in your instructions, you can make sure that your reader understands what they need to do and can complete the task successfully.
References
- Strategies for writing – The University of Nottingham. (n.d.). https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studyingeffectively/writing/strategies/index.aspx
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Last, S. (2019, January 1). 7.7 Writing instructions. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/technicalwriting/chapter/writinginstructions/
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I am Smirti Bam, an enthusiastic edu blogger with a passion for sharing insights into the dynamic world of business and management through this website.
I hold a MBA degree from Presidential Business School, Kathmandu, and a BBA degree with a specialization in Finance from Apex College,
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