1. “How to” Writing to Explain Instructions
Expository Writing
“How to” Writing to Explain
Instructions

2. Think About Your Purpose and Audience
Purpose: What are you going to explain how to do? Why did you choose this topic?
Audience: Who will be reading your paper or listening to your presentation?

3. Brainstorm What materials are needed to do this activity?
What are the steps for doing this activity?
Use a graphic organizer to list your steps.
Be specific!

4. Write a Draft Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction.
Write the instructions in a logical order, one step at a time.
Use transition words such as first, next, then, when, after, and finally to indicate order of steps.
Be sure to include all the steps, and explain each one clearly so the reader or listener will be able to picture it.
Remember to end with an interesting conclusion.

5. Revise and Edit Reread your draft.
As you read, imagine you don’t know how to do your activity. Check to see if you included all the necessary steps. Are your instructions clear?
Proofread for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and vivid word choice before you publish.