The Genre of

Instructing
 INSTRUCTION or PROCEDURE TEXT

It is a texts that describes how to make or to

do something
 Types of Procedure

Non-
Proc
Proc
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Instr
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 Grammatical Features
» the notion address is a key feature of instruction. It is refered to direct or indirect
addressee
» Action verbs are used to represent the processes in completing a task
» Verbs are usually in Simple present tense. Verbs in simple past tense are also used in
procedural recount
» Adverbs are often used to qualify verbs and to provide extra information about how a
task should be completed
» Sequencing connectives are used to ensure processes are placed in a correct order of
time
» Conditional connectives are used to provide a premise upon which a command or
statement is based
» Modality is used to lessen or heighten the degree of obligation in completing a task.
 Structures

Procedural Instruction Non-Procedural Instruction

» Goal
» Materials ????
» Sequence of steps
 Procedural Instruction
Chicken Soup Goal
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces 2 celery stalks, sliced crosswise
8 cups water 4 garlic cloves, crushed Materials/Ingredients
Salt 6 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium onions, thinly sliced

1. Bring chicken, water, and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil in a large stockpot.

Skim foam. Add onions, celery, and garlic.
2. Reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
3. Remove breast, and set aside. Add carrots. Simmer, partially covered, for
40 minutes. Sequence of steps
4.Remove remaining chicken; discard back and wings. Let cool slightly.
Remove meat from bones, and cut into bite-size pieces.
5. Stir in desired amount of chicken; reserve the rest for another use. Skim
fat. Season with salt.
Non-Procedural Instruction
 task

1. Directions - How do we get somewhere?  Very specific instructions including location

names and titles. Formal language is required and the addition of a map will make
your instructions so much easier to understand. 
2. Instructions - How do we do something?  Your language must meet the needs of
your audience and you may need to include a diagram if there are complex elements
to complete.
3. Recipes - How do we cook something?  Recipes are a universal text.  There is a very
clear expectation of the audience so never stray from the essentials.  Ingredients,
method and a few visuals are essential.
4. Rules for games - How do we play this?  Be conscious of your audience and write in a
style and language they will understand.  You are almost guaranteed to require
visuals in this style of writing.
5. Manuals - How do we operate this?  Are there any warnings we need to be aware of
before proceeding?  Be very specific in your explanation.
Thank you