Process Paper Assignment

Instructions Assignment

Description

You are assigned to write a collaborative paper giving instructions to another group in the class. You need to choose a process that can be completed during class on the due date. At the beginning of class on the due date, your group will supply the paper and any materials to complete the process. These instructions should describe a process that is not familiar to most people in the class. The process should be complicated enough to warrant a paper explanation. Please choose only processes that are legal and appropriate for campus! Remember, another group in our class has only the class period to complete the process and write a usability memo about the instructions.

Audience

You have two audiences: the teacher and another group in the class.

Specifications

The process should represent enough of a challenge that it should take at least three double-spaced pages to describe it. The final copy, however, need not be in standard double-spaced format. Use good document design and use spacing to fit that design.

I require that your paper include at least one useful graphic. Of course, you may use more (and I encourage you to do so!) Place the graphic in the document so that the reader can find it and use it easily. Label graphics as Figure 1: Side View of a Fork, or something similar.

Organization

Introduction:

Give an overview of the paper so the group knows what it is getting into. Describe the general process and list the steps.

Materials/Equipment:

Describe the materials or equipment. Use visuals if needed. Be sure to bring all the materials your process requires so a group can perform the process.

Steps:

Describe each step. Organize the steps chronologically. Visually organize the steps so the reader can follow easily.

Warnings:

Include any safety warnings prominently in the text at the time the reader needs them.

Summary:

Don’t just end with the last step—give an ending to your paper. Summarize the process or give purposes to the process or say one last word. Tie it up.

Graphics:

You must use at least one graphic. Make it clear and useful. Make sure that graphics are labeled and referred to in the text where appropriate.

Language

Use the command (imperative) form of verbs to avoid wordiness.