INSTRUCTIONS

 

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

HS 8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH

(Learning material)

INSTRUCTIONS

An instruction is a direction for carrying out a procedure or for performing a task.

It can be oral or written. It is a piece of information passed on to the reader regarding what he/she should do/ and shouldn’t do. It is a step by step guide explaining how to make or do something. It is a modified form of recommendation.

Correct instructions can turn a pile of wood into a beautiful desk.

Activity: 1

            1. Open a fresh page in your class work note book.

2. Draw a line across the page from left to right. (Draw the line across the middle of the page

3. Draw a small house in the centre of the space above the line.

4. Draw a coconut tree to the right of the house.

5. Draw a man standing under the tree.

6. Draw a small cowshed to the left of the house.

7. Draw a fence, in the centre of the space below the line.

8. Draw a gate leading to the house in the middle of the fence.

9. Show the drawing to your faculty.

Guide lines for writing instructions:

            1. Create a title

                        Prefix the instruction with a clear heading.

                        Ex: Instruction on ‘How to………..’

            2. Use action verbs in the beginning (Use the direct imperative form

                        Ex: Close the lid tightly

                               Keep the lab clean.

                               Avoid……

                               Don’t…….

                               Maintain…….

                               Handle………

                               Keep away

            3. Use short clear sentences with words that are common

            4. Avoid words with more than one meaning.

            5. Make sure to include any caution, warning or dangers.

                        Ex: Warning: Handle with care

                               Caution: Don’t touch the wire.

            6. Use a numbered list when the order is important.

            7. Otherwise use a bulleted list.( when the order is not important.)

            8. Leave enough space between any two instructions.

Activity: How to make a cup of coffee

            1. Give a suitable title:

                        Instructions on ‘How to make a cup of coffee.’

            2. Mention the ingredients required:

                        Ingredients required:

                                    1. Instant coffee powder

                                    2. Half a cup of milk

                                    3. A cup of water to boil

                                    4. Required amount of (one tea spoon) sugar

            3. Give Instructions:

                        1. Enter the kitchen

                        2. Take a cup of water in a small vessel.

                        3. Switch on the stove.

                        4. Place the vessel on the stove and allow the water to boil.

                        5. Add some sugar, when the water starts boiling.

                        6. Add a tea spoon of instant coffee powder and some milk.

                        7. Allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes.

                        8. Switch of the stove.

                        9. Remove the vessel from the stove.

                        10. Pour the coffee into a cup.

                        11. Serve it hot.

Examples:

1. Write eight instructions on’ How to keep your ATM transaction safe and secure’

Answer:

Instructions on ‘How to keep your ATM transactions safe and secure’

            1. Keep your ATM card in a secure place.

            2. Cover keypad when entering pin.

            3. Change your pin first time and regularly there after

            4. Do not ask for help from strangers.

            5. Do not hand over ATM card to any unknown person.

            6. Do not keep any record of your pin- memorise it instead.

            7. Do not leave ATM cabin till your transaction is complete.

2. Write 8 instructions on how to use your card safely.

Answer:

USE YOUR CARD SAFELY

            1. Please guard against hoax calls. Do not provide information

            2. Change your pin regularly.

            3. Memorise your pin. Never keep it with the card or write it anywhere.

            4. Do not share your ATM card, PIN and internet banking details with anyone .

 

            5. Do not allow anyone near you or take their help to complete transactions.

6. In case of any foreign device or suspected add-on on the machine, do not swipe your card.

7. Visit your branch to register your mobile number and get SMS alerts for transactions.

8. Block your card immediately on loss.

 

3. Write a few instructions on’ How to prepare yourself to excel in interviews

Answer:

            INTERVIEWS ARE LIKE EXAMS, PREPARE YOURSELF TO EXCEL

 

1. Keep all the documents (resume, passport size photos, mark sheets, certificates, etc.)

ready in a formal folder

2. Remember to dress for success.

3. Prepare responses to common interview questions including your introduction, strengths and weaknesses.

4. Arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the reporting time- allow you to get settled and ask previous interviewees for feedback on their interviews.

5. Keep your body language in check-

a) Dos: smiling, making eye contact, having solid posture, active listening, nodding

b) Don’ts: slouching, looking in the distance, playing with pen, fidgeting in chair, mumbling

            6. Before entering the interview room, put your phone on silent mode or switch it off.

7. Research the responsibilities for the job, and practice answers to why you have applied and what value you can add in the role.

8. Research the company you have applied for and at the end of the interview ask relevant questions to the interviewers. This shows your interest.

 

4. Write eight instructions to keep your body fit at 40

Answer:

Instructions on ‘How to keep your body fit at 40’.

1. Make sure you eat too less before you sleep; let your supper be light meal that includes fruits, follow it up with a walk if possible; or small activity that relaxes you such as reading a book or listening to soothing music.

If hunger pangs strike you again, sip buttermilk or milk.

2. Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day; water by itself is a great detoxifying agent.

3. Maximise physical activity and incorporate yoga into your everyday routine.

4. Get started on an annual medical check up to catch emerging diseases early. Find a great physician who understands your body and knows your medical history.

 5. Go for a weekly oil massage for the whole body. Gingelly oil is the best.

Self application works too, the massage must be done top-down generally and in a circular motion for the face. This improves blood circulation, nerve strength and helps fight stress.

6. Eat protein rich food. Sundal made with different grams and pulses are ideal.

7. Avoid curd at least dinner time, as it increases cholesterol. Switch to buttermilk.

8. Eat on time. Stick to home cooked food.

 

5. Write a few instructions for washing clothes manually

Answer:

            Instructions on washing clothes manually

           

1. Take a bucket of water.

            2. Add some detergent powder to the water and mix it well.

            3. Put the dirty clothes in it and soak for an hour.

            4. Scrub the clothes.

            5. Take out the clothes and rinse them in clean water.

            6. Wring out water and spread the clothes to dry.

 

6. Rearrange the following instructions in the right order.

            A. Using the chamois leather, polish the car until it sparkles.

            B. Wash the car thoroughly.

            C. First clean the inside of the car with a vacuum cleaner.

            D. Fill with soapy water.

            E. Then fetch a bucket from the garage.

            F. Rinse the car with clean water.

Answer:

            1. C     2.E       3. D     4. B     5. F      6.A

Activity:

Follow the instructions: (no talking)

            1. Take a sheet of paper.

            2. Fold the paper in half. (Top to bottom)

            3. On the right hand side of the paper, write the words,’ Instructions test.’

            4. Fold the paper in half again.( side to side)

            5. Draw a smile face on the front of the card.

            6. Write your name on the card.

            7. Fold the paper in half from top to bottom again.

            8. Ignore step five.

            9. Pass the paper to the instructor.

 

 

How people read instructions:

People read instructions in one of the following three ways:

 

1. Some, but only a few, read instructions all the way through before beginning to follow any of the steps.

2. Others read and perform each step without looking ahead to the text.

3. And still others begin a task without reading instructions and turn to them only when difficulties arise.

 

Of these three categories of people, which category do you belong?

 

INSTRUCTION-RECOMMENDATION: A COMPARISION

1. An instruction is a direction for carrying out a procedure or for performing a task.

2. A recommendation is a suggestion given on a particular issue. You don’t have to follow it. But it is recommended.

3.A recommendation is more like a suggestion and an instruction is like an order.

4. An instruction is a modified form of recommendation. Instructions are to be followed.

Examples:

Instruction	Recommendation
Add concentrated sulphuric acid	Concentrated sulphuric acid should be added
Keep all the cutting tools in good condition	All the cutting tools should be kept in good condition
Don’t smoke here	You should not smoke here
Don’t run	You must not run
Take 300 g of flour	You will need 300g of flour
Maintain absolute silence in the class	You should maintain absolute silence

 

Instructions	Recommendation
Write 8 instructions on’ How to keep your ATM transactions safe and secure	Write 8 recommendations to keep your ATM transactions safe and secure
Answer:	Answer:
1. Keep your ATM card in a secured place.	1. You should keep your ATM card in a secured place
2. Cover key pad when entering pin	2. It is advisable to cover your key pad when entering pin.
3. Change your pin regularly	3. You must change your pin regularly
4. Do not ask for help from strangers	4. You should not ask for help from strangers
5………….	5……….
6………….	6……….
7…………..	7………..
8…………	8…………

 

Instructions-Quiz

1. What is the purpose of instructions?

            a) to sell things

            b) to tell people how to do something

            c) to persuade people to do something

2. Which of these is not a set of instructions?

            a) a recipe

            b) a horror story

            c) direction from one place to another

3. Which of these is a set of instructions?

            a) a leaflet telling people about a new restaurant and the food it sells

            b) a leaflet included with a model showing you how to build it

            c) a leaflet asking people to join a campaign against litter

4. It is important to do what when writing instructions?

            a) list the right steps in the right order

            b) list the right steps in any order

            c) show the end result and let the reader work out the steps.

5. What are ingredients?

            a) small screws used for putting things together

            b) a price list showing you how much something will cost to make

            c) a list of things you will need when following a recipe

 

Assignment:

1. Write a set of eight instructions that are to be followed by a student in a college library.

2. Write a set of instructions to improve your language skills

3. Write a set of eight instructions to be followed by people to manage the heat during the summer.

Additional example on instructions:

Write a few instructions for succeeding on the day of the examination.

Answer:

Instructions for succeeding on the day of the examination

1. Wake up early so that you do not need to rush through having breakfast and getting ready.

2. Check the venue and time of the exam to make sure that you have not confused the day/time/venue.

3. Have a balanced breakfast and eat nothing risky. Bananas are always a good option.

4. Before leaving home, check that you have everything that you will need –ID, stationary, map to the exam venue, etc.

5. Head to the exam with plenty of time. A lot of unexpected events can happen on your way there and you do not want to be late.

6. If there are people around who are panicking, avoid them. They are not doing any favour.

7. Go to the toilet before exam starts. Exam can be quite long and there is no time

8. Remember to write your register number on the exam paper. You would not believe how many people have forgotten to do it.

9. Read all the questions carefully before starting and quickly plan how much time to allot to each.

10. Start answering the questions that you feel most confident about. There is no need to answer the questions in order.

11. If your brain freezes, just start writing anything and you will soon remembering more details.

12. Don’t spend more time than you planned on a particular section/ question or you might run out of time to answer other questions.

13. Use every minute of the exam and if you have time left, review your answers before handing back the answer script.

14. Stay calm. You have done your home work and have nothing to fear.