Good instructions let someone complete a task correctly without confusion — they’re clear, correctly ordered, and written from the reader’s point of view. Whether it’s a recipe, a setup guide, or a workplace procedure, the test is simple: can a first-timer follow it and succeed? Here’s how to write instructions that pass.
The structure
Procedure text usually has three parts:
- Goal — what the reader will achieve (often the title: “How to reset your password”).
- Materials — anything they need before starting (tools, ingredients, accounts).
- Steps — the actions, in order, one instruction per step.
Write each step well
- One action per step. Don’t bundle three tasks into one numbered step.
- Start with the verb. “Click Save,” “Add two cups of flour” — imperative and direct.
- Order matters. Steps must be in the exact sequence the reader will do them. Use numbers, not bullets.
- Be specific. “Heat the oven” is vague; “Heat the oven to 180°C” can be followed.
Write from the reader’s side
The biggest mistake is assuming knowledge the reader doesn’t have. Don’t skip the “obvious” step — the reader is doing this for the first time. Define any term they might not know, and mention what success looks like at key points (“The light turns green when it’s ready”).
Keep it scannable
People follow instructions while doing the task, glancing back and forth. Short steps, clear numbering, and a logical flow make that easy. The readability checker helps you confirm each step is simple, and the paraphraser can simplify a step that’s gotten too wordy.
Test it
The only real test is to follow your own instructions exactly — or have someone else try. You’ll instantly spot the missing step or the ambiguous wording. Then run the grammar checker for a clean final pass.
For Indonesian students: teks prosedur
In the Indonesian curriculum this is teks prosedur, with the structure tujuan (goal), alat dan bahan (materials), and langkah-langkah (steps). Its language uses command sentences (kalimat perintah) and sequence words (pertama, kemudian, lalu). Phrasera’s tools work fully in Bahasa Indonesia, so you can write teks prosedur directly.
One action per step, in the right order, written for a first-timer, and tested — that’s a procedure anyone can follow.
AI-powered — please review results before use.