Technical Instruction Assignment Description

 

Using the discussion and examples in Anderson plan and write a set of instructions of 3 to 4 pages (minimum). Here are the essential requirements:

 

1) A cover memo to introduce the assignment. 2) A task analysis of the instruction set. 3) A set of instructions that will enable your readers to operate some device or perform some process used in your major. The procedure must involve at least 4 major steps (including sub-steps). With the permission of your instructor, you may also choose from topics that are not related to your major. Such topics might include the following:

  • Using some special feature of a desktop publishing or spreadsheet program

  • Operating a piece of equipment used in your major

  • Changing a bicycle tire

  • Rigging a sailboat

  • Starting an aquarium

 

Your instructions should guide your readers through some specific process that your classmates or instructor would actually perform. Do not write generic instructions for performing a general procedure. For instance, do not write instructions for “Operating a Microscope” but rather for “Operating the Thompson Model 200 Microscope.”

 

Be sure to divide the overall procedure into groups of steps rather than presenting all the steps in a single list. Use headings to label the groups of steps.

 

When preparing your instructions, pay careful attention to the graphic design of your finished communication. You must include appropriate illustrations or graphics, and you may rely heavily on graphics if they are the most effective way for you to achieve your objectives. Be sure to clearly refer to your illustrations or graphics within the text and to label and title your illustrations and graphics for quick reference. (based on Paul Anderson’s “Instructions” assignment. Technical Communication: A Reader-Centered Approach. 5th Ed. 2003. 620-621.)

 

 

NOTE: The assignment description mentions a set of instructions involving at least 4 major steps; this means major steps and sub-steps of the task. For example, if you were to build a dog house, the major steps could include: build the floor, build the frame, add the walls, build the roof, and attach the roof. For each major step, there would be sub-steps (for example, before building the floor for the doghouse, you will need to have drawn a simple blueprint that includes dimensions and you will need to have gathered all the required materials and tools for building the floor).