Technical Writing

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Project 3: Instructions

Choose a Task
Select a task that you know how to do well so that you can share your own expertise. You need
not choose a difficult task or something that requires specialized skills and knowledge, but your
topic should be a task for which someone might reasonably seek instructions. Do not submit a
recipe.

Write Instructions
The audience for your instructions is people who have never completed this particular task. If
any prior knowledge or skills are required to successfully complete the task, state that clearly in
your introduction. Include these elements:

• Title
• Introduction
• List of supplies needed
• Numbered steps (Each step should describe ONE action, expressed as a command, or

imperative sentence.)
• Safety information (This may be placed at the beginning of the document or with the

relevant step. Use design features like images, colors, or bold text to call attention to
safety information.)

• Conclusion

Include Graphics
Incorporate images that help your reader better understand the steps in the process of
completing your task. Place each image close to the words that describe the relevant step. You
may create your own images, such as charts, diagrams, or photographs, or find appropriate
images on the web. Cite the source of any image that you do not create yourself.

Perform a Usability Test
When you are familiar with a process, it can be difficult to predict what others will find difficult or
confusing. After writing a draft of your instructions, give them to another person to follow and
complete the task. If possible, watch them complete the task and at the end, ask them questions
about their experience. Use this feedback to revise your document for usability.

Grading

Criteria

The specific rubric for evaluating this project is on page 2 of this document. Use it as a checklist
for evaluating your own work before you submit it to be graded.

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Category & Points
Possible

Criteria

Title and Introduction

10 points

• Title begins with “How to” or a gerund
• Title clearly identifies task described
• Introduction explains purpose of task and skills required
• Parts, tools, and supplies are listed completely

Instructional Content

40 points

• Steps are numbered
• Each step defines a single task
• Steps are written in imperative mood (command voice)
• Steps are concise
• Comments, notes, or examples are included with relevant

steps
• Feedback statements help reader assess progress
• Conclusion, if necessary, provides follow-up advice or

trouble-shooting tips

Audience Awareness

20 points

• Intended audience is clear
• Instructions are appropriate for audience’s skill level and

knowledge
• Technical terms are defined
• Safety warnings are prominently displayed

Document

Design/Graphics

20 points

• Uses effective typefaces, type sizes, line spacing and
margins

• Uses white space effectively
• Uses style and design features consistently
• Employs graphics that assist reader in completing task
• Placement of graphics corresponds with relevant text

Grammar and

Mechanics

10 points

• Clear and correct sentence structure
• Free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Project 3: Instructions
Choose a Task
Write Instructions
Include Graphics
Perform a Usability Test
Grading Criteria