INTRODUCTION TO PROCEDURE TEXT

A procedure/manual/instructional text tells the readers how to do something. This might include instructions for how to carry out a task, directions for getting to a place, and rules of behavior.

 A manual/instructional/procedure text is usually organized to include:

·  the goal of the activity

·  any materials needed to achieve the goal

·  steps to accomplish the goal

Some manual/instructional/procedure texts have optional stages such as explaining reasons for a step, providing alternative steps, giving cautions, or mentioning possible consequences. Directions, rules and spoken procedures will have a slightly different structure from those which give instructions to make something.

The following Sequence of Instructions is commonly used:

·         First, …

·         Second, …

·         Third, …

·         Fourth, …

These Linking Words are also frequently used in manuals:

·         Then, …

·         And then, …

·         After that, …

·         Afterward, …

·         Before, …

·         After, …

·         At last, …

·         The last, …

·         Finally, …

Procedure texts are commonly in Simple Present Tense; therefore, they use the present form of verb (Verb 1) in sentences. Look at the following examples:

a. Adobe After Effects offers an effective, easy-to-implement addition to your project.

b. It looks very nice in any production.  

In the “Steps” part, a procedure text mostly use Imperative Sentence to express command and it begins with action verbs in the present form of verb (Verb 1). Look at the examples below:

a. Go to Text Animation Presets through the Effects & Presets panel.

b. Preview and choose the right animation preset for your projects in Adobe Bridge.

Watch this video for a sample of a procedure in Multimedia work field: