Focus on a single individual who will perform what you tell him or her to do.
I. Section One: Introduction (For simple processes, no more than one paragraph)
B. State for whom the instructions are intended and where they will be carried out.
C. Give the scope of the instructions (Where they will begin and where they will end.).
D. Tell how long it should take the performer to complete the task.
E. Define any terms your reader may need to understand the performance instructions.
F. Tell your reader to read all of the instructions before beginning the process.
II. Section Two. Optional Parts
B. List the materials and equipment needed to perform the process. These are usually listed by name only, but an explanation and description of the equipment may be needed.
C. Give a description of the equipment or mechanism involved in the process.
D. Use Visual aids.
III. Section Three: Outline of the Process
B. List only the equivalent of the Roman numerals of the process.
C. Be sure to list the steps in chronological order.
IV. Section Four: The Actual Performance Instructions
B. Use a separate paragraph for each step.
C. Use the active voice and the imperative mood.
D. Do not use telegraphic prose: include function words.
E. Give warnings and cautions when needed (see your text).
F. If a sequence of steps is repeated, repeat all of the steps of the sequence (Don't say: "Repeat steps 1-6")
G. If the instructions are complicated or lengthy, use an outline system of numbers and letters to indicate major and minor routines.
V. Section Five: Conclusion
B. Depending upon the purpose of the instructions, use one of the following for a conclusion.
2. State the advantages of this process over some other similar process.
3. Describe how this process is related to similar processes.