Adv. Tech Writing
WRTG 393 students,
Writing assignment #2 will be an instruction manual. For this assignment, you will write a document that provides coherent and well designed instructions on completing a task.
The manual will include the following sections:
• Title Page
• Overview or Introduction
• Equipment and materials needed
• Definitions (if appropriate)
• Instructions
• You must have at least two graphics in your instructions.
• Warnings or statements of caution as appropriate.
There is no minimum or maximum number of words for this assignment. Your goal is to write coherent, well designed instructions for a user.
Helpful websites on writing instructions:
• Jerz's literacy page features a fine set of tips on writing instructions. Please click here to view the site.
• David McMurrey has a very helpful website on writing instructions. Please click here to view the webpage.
• Wikibooks has an excellent guide to writing instructions. Please click here to view the site.
(see the following page)
Other helpful guides on writing instruction manuals:
• The Tech Writing Handbook by Dozuki, which is one of the resources listed in our class, has the following:
o an appendix that provides tips in writing instructions and incorporating graphics into instructions.
o chapter 6, "Photographing the process."
o chapter 7, "Using Other Visuals."
• 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.
• Examples of instruction manuals for you to look at:
o an example of an instruction manual on setting up a VPN
o 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.
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.
Due Date:
The instructor will post the due date. Keep in mind that this will be a draft. It can be a very rough draft or incomplete draft if you do not have a polished product yet.
You will receive comments from me on this assignment. You will submit a final draft of the assignment into the assignment folder after receiving my comments on your first draft.