Write a Procedural Text

What is a Procedural Text? A text that tells your reader how to do or make something. Examples: recipes, rules for games or sports, science experiments, and how-to guides. Similar to Steps-in-a-Process and Sequence of Events text structures

Characteristics of Procedural Texts A good procedural text… Explains how to do or make something. May include a list of materials needed to make something. Has numbered steps that tell what to do. Has steps that clearly describe one part of the process. Has steps that may include a drawing or diagram. Has steps that follow the order needed to do something.

Writing a Procedural Text Ask yourself… What do I want to tell my reader how to make or do? What are the steps in the directions? What materials do I need?

Organization of Procedural Texts The purpose is to tell the reader how to do or make something. The information is presented in a logical sequence of numbered steps.

What is a good topic? Something many people would be interested in learning how to make or do. Includes steps that are not too complicated. Can be explained easily.

How do I choose my topic? It should be something you already know a lot about. You find it interesting. It is something you think your audience will enjoy reading. It is something you think other people would like to learn how to do or make. Do you need to talk to an expert first?

Are these good topics? How to build a kite. How to grow a butterfly garden. How to build a house. How to train a dog to sit. How to drive a car. How to draw a picture of a horse. How to make a paper snowflake.

Who is your audience? Who will be reading your text? Which topic would most interest that audience? Be sure you determine whether your audience knows a lot, a little, or nothing about your topic before you begin.

Write a Draft Begin with an introduction that introduces your reader to what they will be reading and learning about. This is NOT a step in the process. This should grab your reader’s attention and tell them what he or she will be learning about.

Procedural Text Structure Decide how to put your notes into complete sentences or steps. All steps need to be numbered. Some steps might include a drawing or diagram. Be sure you use precise verbs.

Transitions It is important that your directions are clear and easy for the reader to understand. Making smooth transitions from one idea to another is very important.

Transition Words Chronological Order… first, at the beginning, and to start with help the reader understand this is the first step. next, and then, and after that remind the reader to keep reading to find out more information about the procedure. finally, in the end, and at last let the reader know that they have reached the last step.

Voice Your writing should… sound natural, not forced. be written in the present tense. be like you are speaking directly to the reader. tell someone to do something, so imperative (command) sentences are used.

Revising Do any steps need to be rearranged to make the procedure flow more smoothly? Have you included all the steps necessary to successfully complete the project or activity? Do any sentences need to be rewritten in a different tense or voice? Have you used clear transitions?