Ch. 14: Additional Exercise 9

Brainstorming a Set of Instructions

Choose a simple utilitarian item in your classroom, such as a pencil sharpener, a stapler, a filing cabinet, a projection screen, or a chalkboard. In groups of three or four, brainstorm a set of instructions for using this item. Consider the following questions:

  1. Are there any special terms your reader will need to learn and understand?

  2. What kinds of graphics would help your reader carry out the instructions?

  3. What safety information should you include in the instructions?

  4. What are the major steps in the task? Can the steps be broken down into logical categories? If so, into what categories?

  5. At what point in your instructions might a reader become confused or uncertain? How can you address that confusion or uncertainty?

  6. How would you conclude this set of instructions?

Be prepared to share your set of instructions with the class.