WRITING INSTRUCTIONS Instructions are those step-by-step explanations of how to do something: how to build, operate, repair, or maintain things.

Ultimately, however, good instruction writing not only requires these techniques but also:

Clear, simple writing A thorough understanding the procedure in all its technical detail Your ability to put yourself in the place of the reader, the person trying to use your instructions Your ability to visualize the procedure in great detail and to capture that awareness on paper Finally, your willingness to go that extra distance and test your instructions on the kind of person you wrote them for.

1.

Know your audience Instructions must be written so that impatient, fatigued, or even terrified readers can understand with minimal effort.

2.

Provide a one line introduction Example: The following is a set of instructions to be observed by. . . . Given below are eight instructions to be observed by . . . . Here are the instructions to be followed by . . . .

3.

Write Each Step as a Command Use imperative sentences that is, phrase each step as if your reader has just asked, "What should I do next?" Answer by giving a direct command in the active voice: "Add two cups of flour."

4.

Omit Needless Words People who read instructions are trying to accomplish a specific task. Restrict your main text to just those things the reader must know to perform the desired task.

5.

Proceed in Strict Chronological Order (You must determine order spatial, directional, etc.) When you are describing steps that must be completed in a certain order, common sense insists that you start with the first step. Number each step to emphasize the sequence.

6.

Use Numbers for Commands, Bullets for Options Because some readers will only need help for one section of a larger operation, divide your instructions according to discrete subtasks. If you want your reader to perform tasks in a specific sequence, number

the steps. If you want your reader to choose from among a list of options, bullet the options (otherwise the reader won't know when to stop). Write brief introductions to each section, to clarify whether a list of steps is supposed to be sequential or optional. Conclusion Write each step as a command. Number each step in chronological order. Remember: Your job is to help a reader perform a particular task; your job is not to teach the reader everything you know about the subject.

Sample 1:
Instructions to be followed in a Computer Laboratory Here are the instructions to be followed by students in a Computer Laboratory: 1. Keep the environment clean. Remove the footwear outside the laboratory. Keep the system, key boards and the monitor clean and dust free forever. 2. Maintain strict silence in the laboratory. Concentrate on the work and don't meddle with the work of other students. 3. Operate the systems gently. Keep the mouse on the mouse pad in order to avoid any wear and tear. Follow the regular procedures for log in and log out. 4. Save the programmes often. Unexpected failure of power may cause total deletion. In case of power failure, a UPS shall be utilized. 5. Keep the laboratory and systems immuned from virus. Check the floppies with the help of virus scanners before use. 6. Dont exploit the systems by playing games, watching obscene movies and mailing unparliamentary messages, affecting your moral etiquette. 7. Have a vigil on the air conditioner. If any defect is identified, rectify it. 8. Keep the environment of the laboratory enticing. Use perfumes to give a pleasant odour. Exercise 1. As the Maintenance Engineer of a software company, give a set of eight instructions that are to be followed by the lab assistants while handling sophisticated equipment. 2. Your younger brother is appearing for the XII standard Board Examinations in March. Give him a set of eight instructions.