1. Reading Technical Directions Text Features Following Technical Directions Feature Menu

2. Have you read instructional materials that tell you how to do any of the following? Reading Technical Directions do a chemistry experimentfix a flat tire program the remote control set the clock on a microwave oven customize your browser install computer software If so, then you are already familiar with technical directions.

3. Technical directions provide instructions for the installation and use of scientific, mechanical, and electronic products and activities. Reading Technical Directions [End of Section]

4. Technical directions are meant to help people complete tasks quickly and accurately. Text Features HeadingsNumbered Steps SubheadingsTransition Words and Phrases Special TypefacesGraphics Technical writers often use text features to help readers understand and complete the instructions.

5. Headings and subheadings call attention to distinct topics in the text and help you locate specific sections. Text Features QuickFind 1.0 Changing Your Home Page 1.Copy the URL of the desired website. 2.Pull down the Edit menu from the toolbar. Heading Subheading

6. Special typefaces—boldface and italic—call attention to important words and phrases within the instructions. Text Features Changing Your Home Page 1.Copy the URL of the desired website. 2.Pull down the Edit menu from the toolbar. 3.Click on Options. Note: A new window will open. Labels appear in boldface. Notes are in italic.

7. Numbered steps show you the sequence of actions you need to take to complete the instructions. Text Features Changing Your Home Page 1.Copy the URL of the desired website. 2.Pull down the Edit menu from the toolbar. 3.Click on Options. Note: A new window will open. Numbered steps walk you through the task.

8. Graphics—maps, charts, diagrams, and illustrations—provide visual representations of important information or concepts. Text Features Changing Your Home Page (cont... ) 5.Click in the Address field on the home page. Then, paste in the URL. 6.Click. After completing all the steps, click to go to your home page. Graphics show you exactly what buttons look like. OK

9. Changing Your Home Page (cont... ) 5.Click in the Address field on the home page. Then, paste in the URL. 6.Click. After completing all the steps, click to go to your home page. OK Transition words and phrases can guide you through the process and show you how steps are related. Text Features Transition words and phrases show the order of events.

10. What text features are used in these technical directions? Text Features Quick Check Using a Search Engine Narrowing Your Search Search for multiple terms. Example: computer games rather than games Search for exact phrases instead of individual words by placing quotation marks around the phrase. Example: “most popular computer games” [End of Section]

11. Text Features Quick Check Headings and subheadings; special typefaces (boldface and italic) Using a Search Engine Narrowing Your Search Search for multiple terms. Example: computer games rather than games Search for exact phrases instead of individual words by placing quotation marks around the phrase. Example: “most popular computer games” What text features are used in these technical directions?

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