A mini-lesson brought to you by Sheon Procedural Text A mini-lesson brought to you by Sheon
The Purpose . . . A procedure tells the reader how to do or make something. The information is presented in a logical sequence of events, which is broken up into small sequenced steps. The most common example of a procedural text is a recipe.
Types of Procedural Text Texts that instruct how to do a particular activity: Recipes Rules for Games Science Experiments Road Safety Rules How-to Instruction Manuals
Types of Procedural Text Texts that instruct how to operate things: How to operate an appliance How to operate a machine How to operate the photocopier How to operate the computer
Features of a Procedure A procedure usually has four components. Headings, subheadings, numbered steps, diagrams, photographs are often used to help clarify instructions.
Goals or Aim: States what is to be done
Two Materials: Listed in order of use includes items needed to complete task
Method: A series of steps Three Method: A series of steps
Evaluation: How the success of the procedure can be tested Four Evaluation: How the success of the procedure can be tested
Language of the Text: Is written in the simple present tense (do this, do that) Focuses on generalized people rather than individuals (first you take, rather than first I take) The reader is often referred to in a general way, i.e. pronouns (you or one) Action verbs ( cut, fold, twist, hold, etc.)
Language of the Text: Linking words to do with time (first, when, then) are used to connect the text Detailed information on how (carefully, with the scissors); where (from the top); when (after it has set) Detailed factual description (shape, size, colour, amount)