Language Arts: Technical Writing and Instructions
Writing clear steps, directions, and procedural texts
Language Arts: Technical Writing and Instructions
Writing clear steps, directions, and procedural texts
Language Arts - Grade 9-12
- 1
Read this instruction: "Put the device together and turn it on." Rewrite it as a clearer set of numbered steps for a first-time user.
Break the task into smaller actions and put them in the correct order.
A clearer version is: 1. Place the base on a flat surface. 2. Attach the top section to the base until it clicks into place. 3. Plug the device into a power outlet. 4. Press the power button to turn on the device. This version breaks the task into specific steps and uses precise actions. - 2
A student writes these directions: "Open the app. Do the assignment. Submit it." Explain two ways these directions could be improved for clarity.
These directions could be improved by adding specific details about which assignment to open and how to submit it. They could also be improved by including the correct order of actions and any needed information such as where to click or what button to select. - 3
Rewrite this sentence to make it more precise: "Use the thing on the side to change it."
Replace vague words like "thing" and "it" with exact nouns.
A more precise version is: "Turn the knob on the right side of the machine to adjust the temperature." This revision replaces vague words with exact terms that tell the reader what to do. - 4
Put these steps in the best order for sending an email attachment: A. Click Send. B. Open a new email message. C. Select the file to attach. D. Click the attachment icon.
The best order is B, D, C, A. First open a new email message, then click the attachment icon, next select the file, and finally click Send. - 5
Read this warning statement: "Be careful when using the chemicals." Rewrite it to make the safety instruction more specific and useful.
State the exact safety actions instead of using general words.
A more useful warning is: "Wear safety goggles and gloves when handling the chemicals, and avoid breathing in fumes." This version tells the reader exactly what safety actions to take. - 6
Why is it important to consider the audience when writing instructions? Give one example.
It is important to consider the audience because different readers need different levels of detail and vocabulary. For example, instructions for a child using a school website should use simpler language and more step-by-step guidance than instructions written for an experienced technician. - 7
Read this set of directions: "First, print your document. Then edit for mistakes. Finally, save the file." Identify the problem with the sequence and rewrite the steps correctly.
Think about what should happen before printing.
The problem is that the steps are out of order. A correct version is: "First, edit the document for mistakes. Next, save the file. Finally, print the document." This order makes the process more efficient and logical. - 8
Write a short set of 3 to 4 steps explaining how to log in to a school account. Use numbered steps and clear command verbs.
An effective response is: 1. Open the school website in your browser. 2. Click the Login button. 3. Enter your username and password. 4. Select Sign In to access your account. These steps use clear verbs and logical order. - 9
Technical writing often avoids unnecessary opinion. Rewrite this sentence in a more objective style: "Luckily, the amazing software lets you easily fix your boring formatting problems."
Remove words that show emotion or personal judgment.
A more objective version is: "The software includes tools for correcting formatting issues." This revision removes opinion words and keeps the focus on factual information. - 10
A classmate wrote instructions for assembling a shelf but left out the list of materials. Explain why including materials or tools is important in technical writing.
Including materials or tools is important because readers need to know what items to gather before they begin. A materials list helps prevent delays, reduces confusion, and makes the instructions easier to follow successfully.