Writing assignment #1 will be an instruction manual.

Instruction manuals explain to readers how to operate something or make something. Helpful resources on how to write an instruction manual include the following:

 “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. 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.

  Requirements

  The instruction manual will include the following sections or features:

•   Title Page

•   Overview or Introduction with necessary background information such as time needed,

  skill ability, relevance, context, stage setting, etc.

•   Equipment and materials needed (as appropriate)

•   Definitions (as appropriate)

•   Instructions

o provide a graphic for steps of the instructions that need a graphic

o at least three graphics should be original

o graphics borrowed from other sources need to be cited in APA format o all graphics should be labeled

•   Warnings or statements of caution (as appropriate)

•   Page numbers for all pages of the manual

  In addition, please note that the manual should be single-spaced.

  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.

   

   

   

   

   

  Document Design excellent good fair needs improvement not passing is single-spaced 3 points   2.4 points   2.1 points   1.8 points   0 points   has page numbers 2 points   1.5 points   1 point   0.5 points   0 points   has a sufficient amount of white space to allow for easy navigation 3 points   2.4 points   2.1 points   1.8 points   0 points   uses a font that is appropriate for the audience 2 points   1.5 points   1 point   0.5 points   0 points   Title Yes No       has a title 2 points   0 points   Grammar and punctuation excellent good fair needs improvement not passing demonstrates accurate word forms 5 points   4 points   3 points   2 points   0 points   demonstrates accurate sentences 5 points   4 points   3 points   2 points   0 points   demonstrates accurate punctuation 5 points   4 points   3 points   2 points   0 points   Overview or Introduction Excellent Good Fair Needs Improvement Does not pass Provides a description of the specific task or procedure that will be explained. The strategies described in the McMurrey resource or other resources are used in writing the introduction 4 points   3.2 points   2.8 points   2.4 points   0 points   Number of Graphics has many graphics, and they are integrated with the list of steps has some graphics, but more would help the reader to follow the instructions the reader is not able to complete the task because does not have adequate number of graphics to clearly show the reader how to follow the instrucionts has no graphics   number of graphics 10 points   8 points   5 points   0 points   Number of original graphics has three original graphics has two original graphics has one original graphic has no original graphics   originality of graphics 15 points   10 points   5 points   0 points   Purpose and clarity of graphics Excellent Good Fair Needs Improvement Does not pass graphics enhance the instructions 10 points   8 points   6 points   4 points   2 points   graphics are clear to the reader 3 points   2 points   1 point   0.5 points   0 points   graphics are labeled and cited (as necessary) in APA format 5 points   4 points   3 points   2 points   1 point   graphics are consistent and aligned appropriately for the document 10 points   8 points   7 points   6 points   5 points   List of Steps excellent good fair needs improvement not passing instructions begin with an imperative verb 8 points   6.4 points   5.6 points   4.8 points   0 points   steps are numbered 4 points   3.2 points   2.8 points   2.4 points   0 points   the list of steps provide clear instructions on how to complete the task 10 points   8 points   6 points   4 points   0 points   The steps are "nested," with sub-steps listed under main steps when appropriate 4 points   3.2 points   2.8 points   2.4 points   0 points   Overall Score Excellent 90 or more Good 80 or more Fair 70 or more Needs Improvement 60 or more Does not pass 0 or more

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:

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.