Identify the topic of your instruction manual and briefly describe what you intend to write about in your technical description and instructions.

WRTG 393 students,

The following are the instructions for the instruction manual memo with audience profile. This assignment is designed to help prepare you in writing the Instruction Manual, which is an assignment you will write later in the semester.

In writing this memo, please use the following format for the top of the memo:

To: your instructor’s name

From:

Date:

Subject:

Then, in constructing the memo, answer the following questions by deleting the blue text in the brackets and replacing it with the requested information.

What is your topic?

[Identify the topic of your instruction manual and briefly describe what you intend to write about in your technical description and instructions.]

 

Who is your intended audience and what is their profile?

[Identify your intended audience and include a profile of your audience and relevant characteristics. Focus on relevant characteristics.]

 

Length:

There is no maximum or minimum number of words for this assignment. Your goal is to write a clear memo in preparation for your instruction manual.

 

 

2nd Assignment:

 

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 http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/technical-writing/instructions-how-to-write-for-busy-grouchy-people/  to view the site.
• David McMurrey has a very helpful website on writing instructions. Please click https://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/instrux.html to view the webpage.
• Wikibooks has an excellent guide to writing instructions. Please click http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Professional_and_Technical_Writing/Instructions to view the site.

 

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:

  • an appendix that provides tips in writing instructions and incorporating graphics into instructions. Click http://www.dozuki.com/Tech_Writing/chapter/A to access it.
  • chapter 6, “Photographing the process.” Click http://www.dozuki.com/Tech_Writing/chapter/6 to access it.
  • chapter 7, “Using Other Visuals.” Click http://www.dozuki.com/Tech_Writing/chapter/7 to access it.

• The Mayfield Handbook, which is also one of the resources listed in our class, features excellent tips on writing instructions.

  • One particular section of the handbook that you will find helpful can be accessed by clicking http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/tsw/instruct.htm

  Examples of instruction manuals for you to look at:

  • To see an example of an instruction manual on setting up a VPN, click http://www.pearsoned.ca/highered/divisions/text/lannon4/data/tech_writing/VPNUserManual.pdf
  • You may observe a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYg_FCYQ9_8 . 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.