Text Type - Procedural Text

Purpose
The purpose is to tell the reader how to do or make something.
The information is presented in a logical sequence of events which is broken up into small sequenced steps. These texts are usually written in the present tense.
The most common example of a procedural text is a recipe.

Types of Procedural Texts
There are different procedural texts for different purposes:-
Texts that explain how something works or how to use instruction /operation manuals eg how to use the video, the computer, the tape recorder, the photocopier, the fax.
Texts that instruct how to do a particular activity eg recipes, rules for games, science experiments, road safety rules.
Texts that deal with human behaviour eg how to live happily, how to succeed.

Features
Structure
Goal - clearly stated (often in the heading)
Materials - listed in order of use
Method - the steps are chronological and are numbered or listed
Each type of procedural text has a format.
Recipes usually have the information presented in at least two basic groups: ingredients and method.
Games instructions usually include instructions on how to play, rules of the game, method of scoring, and the number of players.
Scientific experiments usually include the purpose of the experiment, equipment, procedure, observations and conclusion.

Language
The text usually:
- focuses on generalised people rather than individuals (first you take, rather than first I take)
the reader is often referred to in a general way, ie. pronouns (you or one)
- action verbs (imperative verbs), (cut, fold, twist, hold etc)
- simple present tense (you cut, you fold, you mix)
- linking words to do with time (first, when, then) are used to connect the text
- detailed information on how (carefully, with the scissors); where (from the top); when (after it has set)
- detailed factual description (shape, size, colour, amount)