Assignment Paper

Writing Assignment #1
Set of Instructions for a Website
Summary of the Assignment:
• Task: In this assignment, you will write a set of instructions that explain how to
accomplish a task on a website.
• Length: There is no minimum or maximum word count. However, your instructions
must have 6 or more steps. More information on the number of steps is provided below.
• Graphics: You must include at least one graphic for each step.
o at least 6 graphics should be integrated into your set of instructions
o all graphics should be screen captures of the website you are demonstrating
o all graphics should be labeled
Brief Description and Strategies to Follow:
Please keep in mind the following principles when writing this assignment:
• You must provide instructions on how to accomplish a task on a website.
Some examples of topics are the following. (Keep in mind that you may select your own
topic. These are just examples to help you consider various topics.)
o how to check your balance in your checking account online
o how to perform a function in your class in LEO
o how to find and borrow a book on your local public library’s website
o how to pay a fee on the website for the Motor Vehicle Association in Maryland
(or the equivalent for your state)
o how to change your credit card information on Amazon’s website
• You must have at least 6 steps.
• Each step is to be numbered and is to begin with an imperative verb, as the resources in
the class indicate.
• Every step will include a picture or graphic to help the reader 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 background information about why a user would want to
accomplish the task you are describing.
• Instructions
o number all of the main steps, as the resources for the class indicate
o provide a graphic for steps of the instructions that need a graphic
▪ all graphics will be screen captures of the website.
▪ all graphics should be labeled
Helpful Guides and Resources:
• Chapter 10 from Tebeaux and Dragga, which is available in the e-reserves section of the
class, is a helpful document to review as you begin this assignment.
• The Tech Writing Handbook by Dozuki, which is one of the resources listed in our class,
has an appendix that provides tips in writing instructions and incorporating graphics into
instructions.
• The Mayfield Handbook, which is also one of the resources listed in our class, features
excellent tips on writing instructions.
o 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.