Writing+resources

Our technical writing focus for this term is Procedural Text type. You've all seen this text type before: instructions, recipes, any text that tells you what to do in a set of steps.

This cute little video gives you a visual on the idea...

media type="youtube" key="9raR-Xv75rI?rel=0" height="480" width="853" align="center" Here's a document that lists the features of a procedural text and the kind of language used: __Procedural Text__ Ms Gatzke 2003


 * The purpose of a procedure is to tell the reader how to do or make something.
 * The information is presented in a logical sequence of events, which is broken up into small sequenced steps.
 * The most common example of a procedural text is a recipe.

Texts that instruct how to do a particular activity recipes, rules for games, science experiments, road safety rules, how to do it manuals. Texts that instruct how to operate things how to operate an appliance, a machine, the photocopier, the computer
 * __ Types of Procedural Texts __**

=Features= A procedure usually has four components Goal or Aim: states what is to be done Materials: listed in order of use includes items needed to complete task Method: a series of steps Evaluation: how the success of the procedure can be tested

Headings, subheadings, numbered steps, diagrams, photographs are often used to help clarify instructions.

The text usually:
 * __ Language __**
 * is written in the simple present tense (do this, do that)
 * focuses on generalized people rather than individuals (first you take, rather than first I take)
 * the reader is often referred to in a general way, i.e. pronouns //(you or one)//
 * action verbs //(cut, fold, twist, hold etc)//
 * linking words to do with time //(first, when, then)// are used to connect the text
 * detailed information on how //(carefully, with the scissors)//; where //(from the top)//; when //(after it has set)//
 * detailed factual description //(shape, size, colour, amount)//