Assignment Dates

A tablet screen showing a video with an orange mixing bowl full of batter and a wooden spoonWhat I Want You to Do

Write instructions that explain how to use or care for the item you focused on in your Technical Description assignment. Your project can be a recipe, but you are not limited to recipes. You will need to have personal access to the item so that you can use it and and take photos of as you write your instructions.

You will write numbered steps, using action verbs in the imperative mood. Your project will include photos or illustrations demonstrating the steps.

Why I Want You to Do It

No matter what your career, you will write instructions for others on your team and possibly your customers and clients. Learning more about the genre will help you do your best in those situations. Instructions explain in step-by-step order exactly how to do something. Someone who reads your instructions should be able to follow along, doing each thing that you say, and ultimately arrive at results that are similar to yours.

Show/Hide Relevant Course Objectives

Relevant Course Objectives

  • How to analyze your audience and purpose so that you can choose the best way to present information clearly and effectively.. [CLO 1]
  • How to write documents you may encounter in the workplace, such as letters, memos, instructions, proposals, reports, and presentations. [CLO 4]
  • How to use colors, layout, and formatting that make your documents understandable and easy to read. [CLO 6]
  • How to take advantage of design principles, including contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity, to communicate your ideas effectively. [CLO 6]
  • How to choose words, phrases, sentences, lists, and other text features to communicate effectively with readers. [CLO 7]

Where You Can Find Help

How You Do It

  1. Review the Instructions Project Criteria to understand the requirements for the Full Draft.
  2. Skim through some of the examples linked above and the information in Chapter 20 of the textbook (pp. 569–587).
  3. Choose a topic for your instructions:
    • Pick a topic that directly relates to the item you chose for your Technical Description assignment.
    • Choose an uncomplicated topic to keep the project manageable; however, choose something that another Virginia Tech student would consult instructions for. No “How to make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich" instructions.
    • Do not choose any of the topics that are used in the Student Examples listed above.
  4. Do some feasibility research to decide which topic will make the best focus for your project. Think about the following questions:
    • Do you know how to complete the task OR are you confident you can learn it quickly?
    • Do you have access to everything you need to complete the task?
    • Do you know someone who can test your instructions for you?
  5. Obtain access to the materials for your topic. Remember to take photos that you can use to illustrate your Full Draft.
  6. Use the information in the textbook and on the Tip Sheet: Instructions to compose your instructions.
  7. Success Tip
    You should be able to answer “True” to each question before you submit your work to the Full Draft Submission. If you do not meet each of the criteria listed, your draft will be marked Incomplete and you’ll need to revise.
    Review your draft by comparing it to the Instructions Self-Check.
  8. Choose one of these options based on your Self-Check:
    • If you answered “True” to every question, move on to the next step. You’re ready to submit your work.
    • If you did not answer “True” to every question, follow this process:
      • Return to your draft and revise so that you can answer “True.”
      • Review your draft with the Instructions Self-Check after you revise.
        • If you answered “True” to every question, move on to the next step. You’re ready to submit your work.
        • If you did not answer “True” to every question, continue revising until you can.
  9. Submit your Full Draft here once you are ready. See How do I submit an online assignment? if you need help with Canvas.

How to Find Feedback After Your Submit Your Work