Instructions Introduction

We feel that the unit on giving instructions should actually comprise two sub-units: the giving of instructions and the describing of the objects used in the instruction.

With a bit of consideration the reason for this is quite clear. We give instructions to explain the use of a new piece of equipment or a new procedure for completing a task to people who are unfamiliar with the equipment or task.

The company IKEA, that sells its ‘self-assembly’ furniture worldwide, solves the language problem by giving the instructions on how to assemble its furniture diagramatically, that is, through the use of pictures and arrows. This works - just about! - for putting together a furniture kit, but this will not work for more complex instructions.

Imagine the senario...

“To improve the calibration of the motor we will of course need a torque wrench...”

“What is a torque wrench?”

“The torque wrench is the ... (description)”..

or...

“Nowadays we always make our colour printouts using the HP 2398Z...”

“What is a HP 2398Z?”

“The HP 2398Z is the... (description)”

Can you give a good description of a ‘torque wrench’ and a Hewlett Packard printer? After going through the section on describing things, this task should at least be easier!

We suggest, therefore, that you begin this unit on ‘instructions’ by first going through the section on ‘describing things’.

To go directly to the section on ‘Instructions’ click on the button below, else click on the ‘Descriptions’ button, or the arrow facing right, to follow the prescribed route through this course.