Technical writing

 UMUC | WRTG 393 Guidelines for Instructions Summary of the Assignment Task: In this assignment, you will write a set of instructions that explain to a user how to operate a device, how to make something, or how to accomplish a task. Length: There is no minimum or maximum word count. However, your instructions must have 25 or more steps. More information on the number of steps is provided below. Graphics: You must include graphics, ideally one for each main step. § at least 10 graphics should be integrated into your set of instructions § at least four graphics should be original § graphics should be labeled, described, and cited in APA format, including your own (Last name, 2018 § Use the Insert>Caption feature in MSWord to assist with this. Brief Description and Strategies to Follow: Keep in mind the following principles when writing this assignment: § You must have at least 25 steps. § Each step is to be numbered and is to begin with an imperative verb, as the resources in the class indicate. § Sub-steps should be nested under main steps. § More information on this strategy is given in the resources provided in the class on writing steps for instructions. § If you are writing about a piece of equipment, you must be specific about the brand and type. Some examples are as follows: § If you write about changing oil in a car, you cannot write a general set of instructions on how to change oil in any car. You must write about how to change oil in a specific car (e.g., a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado). § This will involve showing the reader exactly where the jack is, what type of oil to use, what size of wrench to use when loosening the bolt, etc. § If you write about changing a tire in a car, you cannot write a general set of instructions on how to change a tire in any car. You must write about how to change a tire in a specific car (e.g., a 2011 Scion XB). § This will involve showing the reader exactly where the jack is, how to use the jack for the car, where the spare tire is, what size of lug wrench to use when loosening the lug nuts, etc. If you write about how to use a digital voice recorder, you cannot write a general set of instructions on how to use any digital voice recorder. You must write about how to use a specific digital voice recorder (e.g., a Panasonic RR-US490). § This will involve taking pictures of the device, showing exactly where the record and play buttons are, etc. Ideally, each main step will include a picture or graphic to help readers follow the instructions.  Sections to Include in Your Set of Instructions The set of instructions will include the following sections: § Title Page § Overview or Introduction with necessary background information such as target audience, time needed, skill ability, relevance, context, stage setting, etc. § Equipment and materials needed § Keep in mind that your instructions will be written to a non-technical, or lay, audience. Be sure to list all equipment or materials needed for that audience demographic. § Definitions § Your instructions will be written to a non-technical, or lay, audience. Be sure to define any terms as appropriate for that audience demographic. § Instructions § Number all of the main steps, as the resources for the class indicate. § Provide a graphic for steps of the instructions that need a graphic. § Ideally, all graphics will be original. The requirement for the assignment is that you have four original graphics. § NOTE: All graphics should be cited in APA format (including your own) to adhere to source requirements. Original graphics do not need to be listed on your References page, but they should be labeled within the body of your Instructions: (Your Last Name, 2018). Warnings or statements of Caution (as appropriate) should be integrated throughout the set of instructions. Helpful Guides and Resources Overall, Chapter 10 from Tebeaux and Dragga is an excellent resource in guiding your approach and should be read thoroughly as you begin this assignment. Different types of instructions call for different strategies. § The Tech Writing Handbook by Dozuki, which is one of the resources listed in our class, has the following: § an appendix that provides tips on writing instructions and incorporating graphics into instructions § Chapter 6, “Photographing the Process” § Chapter 7, “Using Other Visuals” § The Mayfield Handbook, which is also one of the resources listed in our class, features excellent tips on writing instructions. § Section 2.8.3 of the handbook, Instructions and Procedures, will be particularly helpful. § Some sample sets of instructions written by previous students in WRTG 393 are provided in our class in LEO. NOTE: You will receive feedback on your Instructions draft by participating in usability testing with your classmates, which will be very helpful in revising your final document for grading. Due Date(s) Draft posted in Discussions for Usability Analysis: 11:59pm EST 3.25.19 Revised draft for grading in Assignments: 11:59pm EST 4.8.19