คำแนะนำ

Instructions Introduction

What Are Instructions?

• Instructions are the ==sequence of steps explaining how to complete a task==

Audience - Who Reads Instructions?

Different Types of Readers:

• People who need to perform a task they don't know how to do
• People who buy a new product and are using it for the first time (owner's manual)
• Some readers read instructions carefully, paying attention to every word
• Some readers rely more on graphics
• Others will try to go through the steps without reading the instructions first

Key Consideration:

ไม่ว่าผู้อ่านจะเป็นใคร สิ่งที่เราต้องสนใจมากที่สุดก็คือ Hazard alerts เนี่ยแหละ (ความปลอดภัยของผู้อ่าน)

• Always ensure the reader's safety with appropriate hazard alerts

Exercise 1: Analyzing Instructions (BlackBerry Example)

Discussion Questions (Work in Pairs)

1. Organization Analysis:
   • How are the instructions organized?
   • How would you describe the structure?
2. Reasoning:
   • Why are they organized like this?
3. Consider:
   • Order: What comes first and why?
   • Formatting: Whitespace, bolding, etc.
   • Diagram locations
   • Cautions/warnings
4. Alternatives:
   • Are other forms of organization possible?
   • Is there anything you would change?

BlackBerry Setup Example Structure

• Title: "Welcome to BlackBerry®"
• Introduction paragraph explaining the setup process
• CAUTION box at the top (before steps)
• Main section: "Insert the SIM Card and Battery"
• Numbered steps (1-9) with sub-steps
• Four figures at the bottom showing the process visually
  

Where to improve:

• Make some texts bold, and red
• Whitespace management
• Move the diagram to right side of the steps (2 columns)

Exercise 2: Analyzing Driving Directions

Discussion Questions (Oral)

1. How are these instructions organized?
2. What is different from the organization of the other instructions?
3. Do you think the organization makes sense? Could it be improved?

Driving Directions Example Features

• Title: "Driving Directions"
• Physical Address provided
• Multiple sections based on starting point:
  • "From the North or South via I-95"
  • "From East on HWY 264"
• Numbered steps in each section
• No graphics
• Simple list format

Important Notes About Instructions

ในห้องสอบ เวลาฟังก็เขียน Notes ไว้ก่อนนิดนึง พอเสียงจบเลยเริ่มเขียน

Key Principles

DO:

• Clearly understand the sequence of events before writing
• Organize instructions logically
• Use visual aids (diagrams/graphics) if necessary
• PLAN to make sure you have the order correct before writing
• Use whitespace effectively
• Arrange graphics appropriately
• Use warnings when necessary

DON'T:

• Confuse instructions with a list of tips and advice
• Create visual layouts that confuse the reader
• Use unclear or unhelpful formatting

Goal:

• The visual layout should increase understanding, not confuse the reader

Instructions Structure

Primary Structure (Compulsory Elements)

1. TITLE
2. STEPS

Secondary Structure (Optional but Recommended)

ถ้าอยากได้คะแนนดี ๆ ใน Graded Writing Test

• INTRODUCTION (after the title)
• WARNINGS/HAZARD ALERTS
• GRAPHICS

Note: Which secondary elements are necessary depends on the type of instruction text

Structure 1: Title

Requirements

• Should be simple and clear
• Tell the reader exactly what the instructions are about

Two Main Title Types

1. **"How to..." Format:
   • How to Cook an Omelette
   • How to Install the J112 Shock Absorber
2. Gerund (-ing) + Object Format:
   • Cooking an Omelette
   • Installing the J112 Shock Absorber

Structure 2: Introduction

Purpose

• Inform the reader briefly about the process you are about to explain

Content May Include

• Background information
• Purpose
• Scope
• Organization
• Advice
• (Varies depending on text type)

Key Vocabulary

• Use words such as:
  • Steps
  • Procedure
  • Process
  • Directions
  • Instructions

Example

"The following 8 steps can help you to cook the perfect omelette."

Structure 3: Steps

What Is a Step?

• A step is the action a reader performs
• All instructions require a list of chronological steps

Characteristics of Effectively Written Steps

Must:

• Contain an action (something the reader does)
• Proceed forward in time
• Use the imperative mood (command verb + object) - ขึ้นด้วยคำกริยาเลย
• Use short sentences
• Include only one action per step (3c)
• Include sufficient, precise details

May:

• Include sub-steps if necessary (3d)

Structure 3b: Two Ways to Write a Step

Method 1: Begin with Imperative Verb

Format: Command verb + object

Examples:

• Push the red button to start the machine
• Insert the USB cable into the USB port

Method 2: Begin with Dependent Clause/Phrase

Format: Dependent clause/phrase + comma + imperative verb

แต่สังเกตว่า ส่วนของการกระทำหลัก ๆ ก็ยังเป็น Imperative Mood อยู่ดีนะ Add the ingredients

Examples with Dependent Clauses:

• After the pan gets hot, add the ingredients
• If you need a receipt, press the green button

Example with Adverbial Phrase:

• At the junction, turn left

Structure 3c: One Action Per Step

Rule

• Include only one action per step
• Exception: Two actions can be combined if they occur simultaneously

Example: Before vs. After

❌ BEFORE - Overloaded Step:
"Start the engine and run it to idling speed while opening the radiator cap and inserting the measuring gauge until the red ball within the glass tube floats either to the acceptable green range or to the dangerous red line."

• ไม่ต้องเขียน Paragraph อะไรขนาดนี้

✅ AFTER - Separated Steps:

1. Start the engine
2. Run the engine to idling speed
3. Open the radiator cap
4. Insert the measuring gauge
5. Determine whether the red ball within the glass tube floats to the acceptable green range or up to the dangerous red line

Key Principle

"Limit the information within each step. Don't overload your reader by writing lengthy steps."

Structure 3d: Sub-Steps

When to Use Sub-Steps

• Use sub-steps only when the major step is too broad to be understood or followed

Example: Guitar Chord

✓ Correct Use of Substeps:

• Main Step: Play a G major chord
• Sub-steps:
  • a. Place your first finger on the third fret of the bottom string
  • b. Place your second finger on the second fret of the fifth string
  • c. Place your third finger on the third fret of the first string

✗ Overgeneralized (No Substeps):

• "Play a G major chord" → (Too vague without further detail)

Important Note:

"Whether to use substeps depends on your audience's knowledge and experience with the procedure."

Structure 3e: Explanations

What Is an Explanation?

• An extension of the step it explains
• A sentence that comes after the step (if necessary)
• NOT another step or action

Typical Explanations Include

1. Why a step is important
2. What will happen after the step
3. More details on how to perform the step
4. What not to do and why
5. Quick definitions

Examples of Explanations

คือพวกนี้มันก็ไม่ได้อยู่ใน Primary Structure หรือว่าอะไร แต่ถ้าเขียนใน #FinalExam จะช่วยในเรื่อง Content Score

Format

Step (imperative). Explanation (additional sentence).

Examples

Example 1:

• Step: Rinse the boiled egg with cold water
• Explanation: The cold water will make the egg easier to peel

Example 2:

• Step: Press the PROGRAM button on the remote control
• Explanation: The MENU will appear on the screen

Example 3:

• Step: Take the first left onto Highway 5
• Explanation: Liberty Community College will be on your right

Structure 4: Graphics

Purpose

• Graphics are used to help readers do the steps

Guidelines

DO:

• Make each graphic correspond to a specific step or steps
• Let the reader know when to look at each graphic
• Place the graphic next to the step, or refer to it in the text
• Include plenty of white space

DON'T:

• Include useless or confusing graphics that don't help the reader do a step

Exercise 3: Kettle Instructions Practice

Task

Make a title and copy the following steps. Add graphics and more explanations (if necessary)

Steps Provided

1. Open the lid of your kettle and pour in water
2. Close the lid and place your kettle on the base
3. Turn your kettle on and wait for the orange light (When the kettle has boiled it will automatically stop)
4. Remove it from the base and pour the boiling water into your cup

Requirements

• Graphics are there to HELP UNDERSTANDING
• Use them carefully and logically
• Consider layout/size/necessary detail
• You should be able to EXPLAIN your choices

Graphics Examples from Document

Example 1: Brewing Espresso

Features:

• Title split across two pages: "Brewing the Espresso" and "Brewing the Espresso (Continued)"
• Numbered steps integrated with numbered graphics
• Graphics placed adjacent to corresponding steps
• Clear visual flow

Example 2: Ventilator Controls

Features:

• Large, bold graphics for low-tech audience
• Single detailed diagram referenced by multiple steps
• High contrast and clear labeling
• Minimal text, maximum visual information

Example 3: HP Tri-Color Installation

Features:

• Six-panel sequential graphics
• Numbered panels (1-6)
• Graphics-only approach (no text steps)
• Clear visual progression
• Caption: "Instructions Using Pictures Only"

Structure 5: Hazard Alerts

Three Levels of Hazard Alerts

Make sure to include square around it \boxed{}

Formatting Requirements

**CRITICAL: **

• Write CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER in ALL CAPS
• Use BOLDFACE FONT so the reader does not miss it
• Place them BEFORE the reader makes the mistake
• Explain WHY it is dangerous
• Use text boxes and white space so the reader sees it

Hazard Alert Best Practices

Writing Safety Information

Key Principle:

"When you write safety information, be clear and concise. Avoid complicated sentences."

Examples

❌ COMPLICATED:

"It is required that safety glasses be worn when inside this laboratory"

✓ SIMPLE (Option 1):

"You must wear safety glasses in this laboratory"

✓ SIMPLE (Option 2):

"Wear safety glasses in this laboratory"

✓ EVEN SIMPLER (Phrase):

"Safety Glasses Required."

Pro Tip

"Sometimes a phrase works better than a sentence"

Operating Instructions Example

Frypan Operating Instructions

Steps:

1. Before first use, the frypan must be cleaned. Ensure the temperature control probe is not attached to the frypan during the cleaning process. Wash your frypan and lid with hot water and mild detergent. Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly. Your frypan is now ready for use
2. Season the cooking surface by applying a thin coat of cooking oil and rub in with paper toweling
3. Insert the control probe into the inlet on the side of the frypan
4. Plug the power cord into the power outlet and turn on
5. Set the temperature control probe to the desired temperature setting

Exercise 4: Warning Practice

Task

Think of a warning to write after step 5 of the frypan instructions

Hint

Consider making it about:

• How you use the apparatus
• What you should put in it
• What you should NOT put in it
• When to use certain features

Instructions: Recipes

Tested in Graded Writing 2 - เจาะมาเรื่องอาหารโดยเฉพาะเลยนะอันนี้

Recipe-Specific Structure

Primary Structure (Required):

1. Title
2. Ingredients/Equipment list
3. Steps

Secondary Structure (Optional but Recommended):

• Graphic (after title)
• Introduction (after title/graphic)

Important Notes

About Optional Structures:

• Including optional structures is likely to improve your content score
• It will NOT affect your structure score

About Secondary Structure Score:

• Determined by how you logically organize and connect the steps
• Key questions:
  • Did you include all steps?
  • Do they match the order and organization of the video/source?

Recipe Scoring Guidelines

Content Score Improved By

Structural Elements:

• Including main optional structures (introduction and graphics)
• Including both equipment AND ingredients
• Including warnings and explanations
• Making sure layout is visually attractive and helpful to the reader
• Writing more detail (as long as it is relevant)

Language Score Improved By

Grammar & Vocabulary:

• Using the imperative in the steps
• Using correct vocabulary for:
  • Equipment
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
• General grammatical accuracy

Important Note

"The recipe examples that follow are not models, just examples. They are not perfect and can be improved, e.g., in layout"

Recipe Requirements Summary

Must Include

• List of ingredients before the steps (REQUIRED)

May Include

• List of equipment (pots, pans, forks, etc.)

Optional

• Introduction
• Graphics

Recipe Examples from Document

Example 1: Chilli con Carne

Structure:

• Title: "1. Chilli con Carne"
• Graphic (photo of dish)
• Introduction paragraph
• Ingredients list (detailed with measurements)
• Method section (numbered steps 1-5)
• Serving suggestion at end
  • ไม่มี Equipment แต่ไม่มีไม่เป็นไร แต่ถ้ามีก็ช่วย Content Score

Example 2: Sweet-and-Sour Chicken

Structure:

• Title with prep/cook time
• Subtitle describing the dish
• Two-column layout:
  • Left: Ingredients with measurements
  • Right: Numbered steps (1-8)
• Steps correspond to circled numbers
• Efficient use of space

Assignment: Write a Recipe

Requirements

Must Include:

• Title
• Introduction
• Ingredients and equipment
• At least 8 steps
• At least 2 explanations
• At least 1 graphic
• At least 1 CAUTION statement

Important Rule

"Don't COPY from the internet"

Exercise 5: Peer Correction

Use the Rubric to Score Your Peer

Scoring Categories:

1. Content /5
2. Structure /5
3. Language /5

Guidance

• Use the earlier slides to guide your marking
• Be constructive and specific in feedback
• Consider all elements discussed in the lesson

Key Takeaways

Essential Elements of Good Instructions

1. Clear Title - Reader knows exactly what to expect
2. Logical Organization - Steps flow chronologically
3. Precise Steps - One action per step, using imperatives
4. Helpful Graphics - Placed strategically to aid understanding
5. Safety First - Hazard alerts placed before dangerous steps
6. Reader-Focused - Consider audience knowledge level

Remember

• Instructions guide action
• Clarity is paramount
• Visual layout matters
• Safety cannot be compromised
• Test your instructions with real users when possible