How to write an instruction
what is an instructioninstruction, what it consists of and what its function is
to recognise and create forms of verbs in the imperative
to formulate sentences precisely
to write an instruction
In everyday life we very often come across functional texts. One of them is instruction which is related to such genres as guidance, recommendation, command. The aim of all these forms is to describe in a very simple and unambiguous way the rules of conduct and operation in specific situations. Instructions are not always easy to read – but they are very useful, especially if you want to do something efficiently.
Below are the points from the toaster operating instruction. Arrange them in the right order.
- Use the toasting level adjustment slider to select the desired toasting level (from 1 – light – to 5 – strong toasting).
- Insert the plug into the power outlet.
- Place the toaster on a dry and flat surface.
- Put the bread into the holes for the bread.
- To slide the bread into the toaster, move the lever down until it locks in place. The toasting cycle is started.
- When toasting is complete, the toasting lever automatically lifts to its initial position.
- Remove the toast. Caution! The toast is hot!
Colour all the verbs that the sender uses to address the recipient. Note their mood. Consider why this is the form that appears in the instructions.
yellow
1. Place the toaster on a dry and flat surface.
2. Insert the plug into the power outlet.
3. Put the bread into the holes for the bread.
4. Use the toasting level adjustment slider to select the desired toasting level (from 1 – light – to 5 – strong toasting).
5. To slide the bread into the toaster, move the lever down until it locks in place. The toasting cycle is started.
6. When toasting is complete, the toasting lever automatically lifts to its initial position.
7. Remove the toast. Caution! The toast is hot!
Arrange the washing steps shown in the illustration above in order.
- Rub back of each hand with the palm of other hand with fingers interlaced.
- Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand using rotational movement.
- Wash the wrists of both hands by rubbing them around.
- Begin rubbing your hands together to distribute the soap. Rub hands palm to palm.
- Rub tips of fingers in opposite palm with circular motion.
- Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced.
- Apply some soap by pressing the soap dispenser 3 times. Don't touch it by hand, press it by your elbow.
- Rub with backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlaced.
Principles for writing an instruction
Instruction is a genre in which the recipient is the most important. It is also a functional text. It is necessary to communicate in simple words who and how should act, how to use something properly. A concise but well thought‑out composition is very important in instructions. So how to write an instruction?
First of all, we distinguish two types of instruction: user’s, maintenance instruction, e.g. of an object, devicedevice; operating instruction, e.g. quick, ad hoc handling of matters that endanger our safety („fire instruction”), and longer operationoperation, even consisting of multi‑stage activities („instructions for completing the document”).
Secondly, it is important that the content of the instruction is arranged in chronological order (i.e. each action described should precede the next one). First of all, it is necessary to predict how the instruction will be read by the recipient and what he/she will do (this condition must be met even when writing genres related to an instruction such as a “culinary recipe”). What forms should be used? Verbs in 2nd person imperative („prepare”, “go”, “exchange”, “use”). The expressions communicating that something is ‘allowed – forbidden’ („mind”, “remember”, “do not do something”) – are important in the descriptiondescription of devices, e.g. electronic. They warnwarn of danger. Phrases that describe the next steps (e.g. “first”, “then”, “after”, “now”, “immediately after”) – it is worth to associate them with the style of the culinary recipe. Before writing an instruction one should think about its stages – they should be graphically distinguished. More and more often there are instructions in which the words are accompanied by pictures, such as instructions for efficient evacuation in the means of transport. Anyone who has ever been on a plane could (and had to!) listen to such instruction before taking off.
Precise description is important in instructions. It is also important that the language used is clear and comprehensible. So try rewriting the instructions below according to the example given. Replace the forms with simpler ones – typical for instructions.
Example: Before crossing the street, make sure that there is no car on the right or left side. → Before you cross the street...
The table below shows a general model of the instruction. Working in groups, find the user instruction for any device (mixer, iron, computer keyboard, etc.) on the Internet. Check whether it is built according to the following model. Share your observations with the other students.
INSTRUCTION |
BEFORE USE |
DESCRIPTION |
PREPARATION |
OPERATION |
MAINTENANCE |
SAFETY RULES |
Choose one person who will create spatial figurines from paper (e.g. a model of an airplane, a ship or a hat). While observing his/her activities, enter them into the table in the notebook or on the board. Finally, in a group, draw up an instruction. Present it to another group. If the instruction is well prepared, the representatives of the second group will certainly have no difficulty in making the same figurine.
Draw any object, e.g. an electronic device you have come up with. Then send a drawing to your colleague asking him/her to write down the operating instruction for the device.
Use the following genre template to prepare your own instruction. This could be an instruction entitled, for example: How to tell a funny joke?
What will it be? | task description |
Who is it for? | image of the recipient |
What needs to be prepared? | a list of the things needed |
How to do it? | a list of the subsequent activities/stages of the procedure |
What should you be aware of? | warnings |
Keywords
instruction, advice, recommendation, warning, operation
Glossary
instrukcja
wskazówka
zalecenie
ostrzeżenie
obsługa
urządzenie
opis