Expository Writing

How to Writing to
Explain
Instructions

Think About Your

Purpose and Audience

Purpose: What are you

going to explain how
to do? Why did you
choose this topic?
Audience: Who will
be reading your paper
or listening to your
presentation?

Brainstorm

What materials are

needed to do this
activity?
What are the steps for
doing this activity?
Use a graphic
organizer to list your
steps.
Be specific!

Write a Draft

Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction.

Write the instructions in a logical order, one step
at a time.
Use transition words such as first, next, then,
when, after, and finally to indicate order of steps.
Be sure to include all the steps, and explain each
one clearly so the reader or listener will be able
to picture it.
Remember to end with an interesting conclusion.

Revise and Edit

Reread your draft.

As you read, imagine you
dont know how to do your
activity. Check to see if
you included all the
necessary steps. Are your
instructions clear?
Proofread for spelling,
capitalization, punctuation,
and vivid word choice
before you publish.