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
The minimum length is approximately 6 pages with the instructions being a minimum of 750 words and the technical description being a minimum of 500 words, for a minimum total of 1,250 words. Incorporate your definitions either into the text of the technical description and instructions, or into a glossary.
Helpful websites on writing instructions:
- Jerz's literacy page features a fine set of tips on writing instructions.
- David McMurrey has a very helpful website on writing instructions.
- Wikibooks has an excellent guide to writing instructions.
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:
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- an appendix that provides tips in writing instructions and incorporating graphics into instructions.
- chapter 6, "Photographing the process."
- chapter 7, "Using Other Visuals."
The Mayfield Handbook, which is also one of the resources listed in our class, features excellent tips on writing instructions.
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- One particular section of the handbook that you will find helpful can be accessed.
Examples of instruction manuals for you to look at:
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- To see an example of an instruction manual on setting up a VPN.
- 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:
The minimum length is approximately 6 pages with the instructions being a minimum of 750 words and the technical description being a minimum of 500 words, for a minimum total of 1,250 words. Incorporate your definitions either into the text of the technical description and instructions, or into a glossary.
§ Supporting information presented from other sources is paraphrased or summarized rather than presented as direct quotation. Direct quotations are not used..