5 – Writing a set of instructions: note-taking

p.147-9

Unambiguous return instructions should explain a collection

of processes, such as a recipe or guidance for making a
product from a kit.
Make an attempt not to appear irritating! Because the
advice you're giving includes a range of formalities, you may
need to qualify your verbs. "May," "might," "can," "could,"
"ought to," and other verb phrases are examples. They can
help you get the proper level of respect from your audience.
Because your readers may become unsatisfied, irritated, or
even infuriated as a consequence of your instructions, write
each step as if they're wondering, then react promptly with
a short verb phrase.
The reader will be able to comprehend what to do more
easily if the verb is plain.

Reduce in mind that you should:

• explain each stage of the procedure;
• keep the quantity of information in each step to a minimal
minimum;
and • use bullet points or numbers.