How to Write Clear Technical Instructions

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This engaging video introduces students to the fundamentals of technical writing through a relatable and humorous scenario: a failed attempt at making spaghetti using a poorly written recipe. The narrator uses this "kitchen disaster" to illustrate why clarity, precision, and structure are essential when giving instructions. By analyzing the flaws in "Aunt Jane's" vague recipe, the video breaks down complex writing concepts into tangible, easy-to-understand examples. The lesson explores key pillars of effective technical writing, including specificity, conciseness, chronological ordering, and being action-oriented. It introduces advanced grammatical concepts such as nominalization—the habit of turning verbs into nouns—and demonstrates how to replace weak nouns with strong, active verbs to improve readability. The video also provides practical strategies for revision, such as asking specific questions (How many? Which kind? When?) to identify gaps in information. For educators, this video serves as an excellent launchpad for units on expository or instructional writing. It moves beyond abstract grammar rules by showing real-world consequences of poor communication (like having to scrape spaghetti off a cold plate). It includes built-in pause points for student reflection and guided note-taking, making it a ready-made interactive lesson that helps students transition from creative narrative writing to the functional, objective style required in professional and academic contexts.