Objective: to understand the conventions of instruction texts and apply to writing a set of instructions.

Can you think of any instruction texts? Directions Rules for playing games Recipes DIY manuals

Read the following description of how to make beans on toast. Is it a useful set of instructions? If not, why not? I dont know much about cooking, but I can make beans on toast. The toast should be golden brown and really hot. You can cook the toast in a toaster or under the grill. I always burn my fingers on the grill, so I use the toaster- I love the noise it makes when it pops up!. You can use butter or margarine on your toast but I like butter best. I should have mentioned that while you are cooking your toast you need to cook the beans otherwise your toast will be cold and soggy- yuck! So put the beans in a saucepan and turn the heat up quite high. Of course you need to take the beans out of the tin before you cook them. Make sure you dont have too much heat otherwise you will burn the beans. When they are hot enough- dont stick your finger in to test them because you could burn it- put the beans on the toast and enjoy!

Conventions of instruction texts Are written in the imperative (commands). Are written in the present tense. Can include some sentences containing you but shouldnt use I. Have short sentences covering one instruction. Use connectives related to time or chronology e.g. then, next. Punctuation is limited to commas and full stops. Doesnt use emotive language to describe the product or personal information. Presented in clear logical steps, in short paragraphs. Often begin with a list of ingredients, materials or equipment. Include a title or statement of what is to be achieved.

Buttered Tagliatelle with Parmesan 250g tagliatelle, plain or verde 40g butter Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, to serve 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, to garnish Cook the tagliatelle in plenty of boiling salted water for 5 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, until al dente. Drain the tagliatelle, rinse with hot water and drain again. Melt the butter in the saucepan. Add the tagliatelle and toss to coat evenly with the butter. Transfer the pasta to a warmed serving dish or individual dishes. Sprinkle with some pepper, Parmesan cheese and parsley and serve immediately. Serves 4 title List of ingredients Written in imperative Connective related to time Short sentences Punctuation limited to full stops and commas Clear, logical steps to follow

You have arrived on your island and your next task is to design a shelter for you to live in during your stay. You are to write clear instructions as to how it should be constructed and support this with a diagram. (apply the conventions that weve discussed earlier) Think carefully about what resources and tools you have. Your shelter could be a tent, tree house, tepee. Use your imagination and the natural resources on your island. Consider what you will need shelter from- sun, storms, wild animals.