Lesson 2: Writing Instructions
Estimated Time: 25 minutes
Lesson Objective: At the end of this lesson, you will be able to write targeted and detailed writing instructions
“Good instructions are unambiguous, understandable, complete, consistent, and efficient.”
John M. Penrose
Guidelines to follow when writing instructions
Writing clear instructions for process analysis essays is essential, so let’s have a look at what to consider when writing a process-analysis essay. Determine the target audience: Who are the readers? What knowledge do they need to understand this process? Before you start writing, take the time to think who your audience is and what they expect from your paper. This will help you determine what you need to address, as well as what language to use while doing so. Ask yourself the following question: Is your audience educated in the topic? Do you need to provide them with some background, specific information? Should you cover the basics, Or should you move onto the advanced things? And for example what language should you use in the essay?
Following these techniques will help you write adequate instructions for the process analysis essay.
- What equipment is needed? Offer clear descriptions of any tools or materials needed to carry out the process. A process essay discusses how a thing is done, and we all know that in order to do something, you need to use some materials or tools. Therefore, before you start writing, create a complete list of the tools or materials the reader will need to finish the task you are explaining.
- Do any cautions need to be given? Explain the trouble spots and what the reader ought not to do. Include warnings where appropriate. If needed, tell what should not be done or why something should be done.
- Include every important step. Skipping an important step is a mistake that is likely to be made especially when you are writing something that is familiar to you. You have to slow down and examine every element of the process. Leaving out a step of the process will make your essay look like an unreliable source of information.
- Give complete instructions. Remember that your readers do not know how to perform the task; that’s why they are reading the instructions. Include all steps, no matter how obvious they seem to you, and include necessary background information.
- Be specific. For example telling the readers to “remove the old oil filter” is inadequate; they might not know where to locate the oil filter or how to remove it. To be specific, you may want to go through the process, or even better to convince a friend to go through it, and take notes on exactly what you do and when you do it.
- Does the process have definitions that need to be clarified? Define any terms that your readers may not be familiar with. If there are necessary items that need to perform the process, mention these items to the reader early enough in your directional process analysis.
- Make the sequence clear. Use plenty of transitions to indicate the chronological sequence of steps. Every step should have expressions like “first,” “second,” “next,” “at the same time,” or fifteen minutes later.” the readers should never have to guess when, or in what order the steps should be followed.
- Use the second person (you). Since you are speaking directly to the readers; use the imperative verb form. For example: “you should allow at least two hours for the paint to dry. Process papers can be written in the second person, but use your professor’s instructions.
- Avoid the telegraphic style. To ensure readers will be able to understand the instructions, do not omit words like “a” and “the” and do not rely on abbreviations.