Writing an instruction manual | English homework help

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WRTG 393 students,

Writing assignment #2 will be an instruction manual. For this assignment, you will write a document that provides coherent and well designed instructions on completing a task. 
The manual will include the following sections:

  • Title Page
  • Overview or Introduction
  • Equipment and materials needed
  • Definitions (if appropriate)
  • Instructions
  • You must have at least two graphics in your instructions
  • Warnings or statements of caution as appropriate

There is no minimum or maximum number of words for this assignment. Your goal is to write coherent, well designed instructions for a user.

 

Helpful websites on writing instructions:

  • Jerz’s literacy page features a fine set of tips on writing instructions. Please click here to view the site.
  • David McMurrey has a very helpful website on writing instructions. Please click here to view the webpage.
  • Wikibooks has an excellent guide to writing instructions. Please click here to view the site.

 

Other helpful guides on writing instruction manuals:

  • The Tech Writing Handbook by Dozuki, which is one of the resources listed in our class, has the following:

    • an appendix that provides tips in writing instructions and incorporating graphics into instructions. Click here to access it.
    • chapter 6, “Photographing the process.” Click here to access it.
    • chapter 7, “Using Other Visuals.” Click here to access it.

  • The Mayfield Handbook, which is also one of the resources listed in our class, features excellent tips on writing instructions.

    • One particular section of the handbook that you will find helpful can be accessed by clicking here.

    Examples of instruction manuals for you to look at:

    • To see an example of an instruction manual on setting up a VPN, click here.
    • You may observe a video instruction on swimming. Note how the author lists the equipment and then proceeds to mention the steps involved. The video is over 10 minutes long. You might just take a look at the first couple of minutes to see how he lists the equipment and then proceeds to the steps.

 

Length:

There is no minimum or maximum number of words for this assignment. Your goal is to write coherent, well designed instructions for a user.