For this assignment, There are two options:
- an instruction manual for a product or process
- a manual for an organization
• An instruction manual for a product or process
o Instruction manuals explain to readers how to operate something or make something.
o Helpful resources
- "Instructions, procedures, and policies," a chapter from Tebeaux and Dragga in eReserves
- Jerz's literacy page features a fine set of tips on writing instructions. Click here to view the site. http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/technical-writing/instructions-how-to-write-for-busy-grouchy-people/
- David McMurrey has a very helpful website on writing instructions. Click here to view the webpage. https://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/instrux.html
- Wikibooks has an excellent guide to writing instructions. Please click here to view the site. https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Professional_and_Technical_Writing/Instructions
• A manual for an organization
o Manuals are written for employees in an organization. They serve as a reference for the employees, and they often can serve to protect the organization. Manuals of this nature outline policies and regulations. Topics on which manuals can be written include the following:
- Break times and lunch periods throughout the day
- Dress codes
- Sick time and vacation policies
o Helpful resources
- "Instructions, procedures, and policies," a chapter from Tebeaux and Dragga in eReserves
- Writing Revisable Manuals http://www.techcommunicators.com/emanuals/wrm/chap01/01-00_intro.htm
Requirements
The instructions will include the following sections:
• Title Page
• Overview or Introduction
• Equipment and materials needed (as appropriate)
• Definitions (as appropriate)
• Instructions
- provide a graphic for steps of the instructions that need a graphic
- at least three graphics should be original
- graphics borrowed from other sources need to be cited in APA format
- all graphics should be labeled
• Warnings or statements of caution (as appropriate)
Overall, chapter 10 from Tebeaux and Dragga should be read thoroughly as you begin this assignment. Different types of instructions call for different strategies. The chapter from Tebeaux and Dragga is an excellent resource in guiding your approach.
Other helpful guides on writing instructions:
• 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. http://www.dozuki.com/Tech_Writing/chapter/A
- chapter 6, "Photographing the process." http://www.dozuki.com/Tech_Writing/chapter/6
- chapter 7, "Using Other Visuals." http://www.dozuki.com/Tech_Writing/chapter/7
• The Mayfield Handbook, which is also one of the resources listed in our class, features excellent tips on writing instructions.
- o Section 2.8.3 of the handbook, Instructions and Procedures, will be particularly helpful. http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/tsw/instruct.htm
• Examples of instruction manuals for you to look at:
- an example of an instruction manual on setting up a VPN. http://www.pearsoned.ca/highered/divisions/text/lannon4/data/tech_writing/VPNUserManual.pdf
- 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYg_FCYQ9_8
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.