Complex Processes

Student Guide

Assignment Summary
This assignment will consist of three parts.
 Part one: Read a how-to article that describes a complex process, then answer questions about
it.
 Part two: Write your own instructions for a complex process of your choice to guide others in
performing a specific task.
 Part three: Present or demonstrate your process to your peers or to a teacher.

Assignment Instructions: Part One

Step 1: Read the how-to article.

a) Read the article “How to Change Your Oil and Filter.”

Step 2: Answer questions about the article.

a) Respond to the short-answer questions.

b) Submit your completed answers.

Assignment Instructions: Part Two

Step 1: Choose a specific, complex process to write about.

a) Choose a process that you are comfortable describing or that you have an understanding of.

i. For example, you might describe how to cook a family recipe, maintain a bicycle, beat a
challenging video game level, create an app, code a game, sew something, craft
something, build something, repair something, draw or paint something, or execute a
skilled athletic maneuver.

Step 2: Research the process you chose.

a) Identify methods for completing the process.

b) Take notes on important details.

Step 3: Create an outline.

a) Outline the process step by step.

b) Include specific details to support each step of the process.

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Step 4: Write up the process.

a) Compose a step-by-step instructional guide on how to complete the process.

b) Choose words that help you describe the order in which steps will be completed.

i. For example, use the words first, once, after, next, now, then, and finally.

c) Consider your audience.

i. Describe the process so that a person with no background knowledge of the task could
successfully complete it.

d) List required or recommended materials, ingredients, equipment, or tools.

e) Provide specifics for any required or recommended temperature, time, weights, or

measurements.

f) Recommend techniques or strategies to make the process go more smoothly.

g) Discuss any pitfalls or common mistakes to avoid in the process.

h) Use images, diagrams, or drawings to support the written explanation.

Step 5: Revise your written work.

a) Use the checklist to check for common errors and make sure your written work is ready for
submission.
b) Make any necessary edits. If you were unable to check off all of the requirements on the
checklist, go back and make sure that your process is complete. Revise and edit your work
as needed to ensure that it is of high quality.

c) Save your process instructions before submitting them.

d) Upload your instructions and submit them through the Virtual Classroom.

Assignment Instructions: Part Three

In this final part of the assignment, you will prepare to present the steps of your process to your peers or
your teacher.
Step 1: Prepare the speech.

a) Prepare a version of your instructions that can be presented to a live audience.

i. Consider whether you need to adjust any of the descriptions.

ii. Consider the background of the audience and whether they will be familiar with certain
terms, concepts, or methods used in the process you are describing. Adapt your work as
necessary.

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 Student Guide (continued)

b) Prepare a visual cue, such as note cards, to help you remember the steps and how to explain
them.

Step 2: Prepare the presentation.

a) Identify and acquire the instruments, tools, props, ingredients, or other materials necessary to
demonstrate how to complete the process.

b) Identify and make any visual aids, such as slide shows or poster boards, that might help you
present the process to an audience.

c) Determine whether your presentation will be:

i. a full and accurate demonstration of the process, executing the steps in real life.

ii. a mock demonstration of the process, executing the steps with stand-in props.

iii. a speech with supporting visuals, but not a demonstration executing the steps.

Step 3: Revise your presentation.

a) Use the checklist to check for common errors and make sure your presentation is ready to
go.
b) Make any necessary edits. If you were unable to check off all of the requirements on the
checklist, go back and make sure that your process is complete. Revise and edit your work
as needed to ensure that it is of high quality.

Step 4: Present your how-to process to your peers or teacher.

Part One: Short-Answer Responses

After reading “How to Change Your Oil and Filter,” complete the table by responding to the questions
in 2–3 complete sentences. Your responses should be free of errors in spelling and grammar.

What is the purpose of

these instructions?

Who is the intended

audience for the
instructions?
What type of language is
used in the guide? Is it
appropriate for the
audience?
Are these instructions easy
to follow or difficult? Why?
What is the tone of the
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guide? Is it formal, informal,

or a bit of both?
How are images used in the
guide? What purpose do
they serve? Do they add to
or detract from the
instructions?
How do these instructions
address common mistakes
or pitfalls to avoid during
the process?

Are the instructions visually

appealing, well organized,
and clearly labeled?

What elements of the

instructions are effective?
What elements, if any, are
ineffective?

Do the instructions meet

their purpose? Why or why
not?

Part Two: Writing Instructions for a Complex Process

After writing instructions for a complex process of your choice, use this checklist to edit your work.
Make revisions based on your review, then submit your assignment.
 Did you use correct grammar and mechanics?
 Did you present the process in a series of easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions?
 Did you use words such as first, once, after, next, now, then, and finally to describe the order
of the process?
 Did you list any required or recommended materials, ingredients, equipment, or tools?
 Did you provide details about any required or recommended temperature, time, weights, or
measurements?
 Did you recommend techniques or strategies to make the process go more smoothly?
 Did you warn of any pitfalls or common mistakes to avoid in the process?
 Did you include images, diagrams, or drawings to support the written explanation?

Part Three: Preparing to Present Instruction for a Complex Process

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 Student Guide (continued)

After preparing to present instructions for a complex process of your choice, use this checklist to
ensure that you are ready for the oral presentation.
 Have you organized the presentation in a series of easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions?
 Have you created cue cards, notes, a poster board, or a multimedia presentation to use
during your oral demonstration?
 Have you incorporated requirements from the written assignment in your oral presentation?
o Did you list any required or recommended materials, ingredients, equipment, or
tools?
o Did you provide details about any required or recommended temperature, time,
weights, or measurements?
o Did you recommend any techniques or strategies to make the process go more
smoothly?
o Did you warn of any pitfalls or common mistakes to avoid in the process?

 Have you secured or prepared the necessary materials, ingredients, equipment, or tools?
 Have you acquired any props you plan to use?
 Have you prepared images, diagrams, or drawings to support the instructions?

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