Sample Instructions Draft

Hello, class! Since we have another new assignment this week, I thought it would be nice for you to see some weak and strong examples again. Remember that this is a report written for an audience of a 3rd grade Girl Scout troop. Please see the announcement earlier this week for specific pointers when composing assignment.

The *first example* is a weak example that contains too many ingredients and steps, inappropriate steps for 8-9-year-olds to perform, and use of the oven and stovetop. The rationale for the assignment is only one paragraph long, which is much too short. The references are not formatted correctly, and they actually correspond to a different assignment. This example requires significant revision.

Cheese nachos are an easy snack to make and they taste great too. You will need your parents help for one or two steps because we are adding ground beef to the nachos. You can help them shop for the ingredients. Preparation time is 15-20 minutes max, which includes oven warm up time and preparation for ingredients for about 4 people.

Ingredients:

½ pound of ground beef

1 bag of tortilla chips

1 bag of shredded cheese (or 1 jar of Kraft cheese)

2 medium sized tomatoes

1 small container of sour cream

1 small jar of salsa

Follow these steps for easy bake nachos:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Turn on the stovetop. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Stir in 1 cup of salsa.

3. Drain the ground beef in a colander.

4. Arrange the tortilla chips in ovenproof baking dish.

5. Spread the ground beef over the chips.

6. Add the cheese over the beef and chips.

7. Bake in preheated oven for about 3-4 minutes (until cheese is melted).

8. When done baking, take out of the oven and top with tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream.

I chose this snack because it’s great tasting, easy to make and fun especially for Girls Scouts. The steps I took to create these instructions were thinking of a great, simple snack my family and I also enjoy. I listed simple instructions that younger kids can follow with minimal help (other than browning the ground beef). My rationale is to K.I.S.S. or Keep It Simple Silly and provide uncomplicated instructions.

References

1. Woodford, C. (2015, May 18). Microwave Ovens. Retrieved from http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/teaching-kids-to-use-a-microwave.html#ixzz3iOcXs8v6

2. Microwave [Online image]. Retrieved August 9, 2015, from www.google.com/images

The *second example* is a strong example. It contains images, simple instructions, a short list of ingredients, and a page-long rationale. It is also age-appropriate. This is a very good example, but the references list should be provided, and the images should be captioned correctly, so there is still room for improvement. I also would not say to "serve with milk" unless milk was added to the ingredients list.

INGREDIENTS:

24 Graham cracker squares

Jif Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut Spread or Jif Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Hazelnut Spread

12 Large marshmallows

DIRECTIONS:

1. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands.

2. Take out 24 graham cracker squares.

3. Place 12 squares on a microwave-safe plate.

4. Spread one tablespoon of chocolate hazelnut spread on each square.

5. Place one marshmallow on top of the chocolate hazelnut spread.

6. Place plate in microwave for 5 to 10 seconds or until marshmallow puffs.

7. Carefully remove plate.

8. Top each square with the 12 remaining squares.

smore

smore 2

Serve immediately with milk!

Rationale

The instructions were written with the target audience in mind. Third-grade Girl Scouts would be around 8-9 years old. At this age, it is important not to assume that they have any kitchen experience. It is critical to proceed as if each child has the same level of ability and understanding. Therefore, the steps are very easy to understand, yet are quite detailed when taken as a whole.

For example, the first instruction reminds the girls to wash and dry their hands. Of course, this would not be a first step with adults. But, common standards of cleanliness cannot be assumed in reference to a group of elementary school students.

The second departure is reminder to use a microwave-safe plate. In 2015, most children understand what cannot and cannot go into the microwave. However, this is a reminder to ensure that they are practicing kitchen safety.

Lastly, the instruction to carefully remove the plate is another attempt to keep the audience in mind. Often, students get excited and careless, which leads to accidents. The plate would not be hot after 5-10 seconds, but it could still be dropped or broken.

The instructions include a simple picture to show the way the ingredients should look at point. It lets the girls gauge their own progress up to that point. The second picture shows a finished product that looks achievable and delicious. Hopefully, the more realistic image will inspire the girls to look at the finished product and think “I can do this!”