TECHNICAL PROCEDURE REPORT
TECHNICAL PROCEDURE REPORT
A technical procedure report explains how to do something. Although it is quite similar to the process paragraph that you wrote recently, it is more detailed. The process paragraph deals with a rather simple, uncomplicated process that can be related in a few fairly short steps. The technical procedure report is lengthier because it describes a more complex process, and it contains much more detail.
There are various ways to approach the procedure report depending upon the purpose. Sometimes, the purpose is to be able to perform the procedure, so you will set it up showing the various steps using direct commands as in the process paragraph. Then there are procedures where the emphasis is on understanding what happens, not necessarily how to make it happen. More than likely, if a procedure is required, the emphasis will be on how to do something; therefore, the following sample will show an effective way to set up a procedure requiring discussion and detail as opposed to simple, straightforward steps.
Example Outline (How to Change a Tire)
Introduction: It is important to know how to change a tire in case of an emergency situation
Preparation: park in a safe area, turn on hazards, apply parking break, use emergency kit pylon, wheel blocks, retrieve jack, wrench and spare tire
Procedure:
I. Jack up Car
A. place jack under frame close to flat tire
B. raise car until flat tire is loose from ground but not floating
C. insert jack stands and wheel blocks
II. Remove Flat Tire
A. loosen lug nuts in star pattern
B. jack up more so tire is off ground
C. take off lug nuts
D. slide off flat tire
III. Replace with Spare Tire
A. align the spare tire onto the wheel bolts
B. be sure the valve is facing out
C. tighten all nut by hand first, then lower
D. tighten them in a star pattern with the wrench
IV. Lower Car
A. once lug nuts are tight and hub cap it on
B. remove stands and lower rest of the way
C. put away all equipment and tools used
D. check pressure of spare tire
Conclusion: You should be able to make it to a mechanic shop or home with your spare. Spare tires are not good for long term use or high speeds
The Procedure Report
On its own, the preceding outline might be useful for someone familiar with the procedure of changing a tire. However, the outline would be absolutely meaningless for anyone who hasnt performed the procedure often.
Therefore, a procedure report would be helpful to ll in some of the necessary, missing details about outlining.
Parts of the procedure report. Like other pieces of writing, a procedure report will begin with an introduction (you can use either approach according to the amount of discussion) that clearly sets up the idea of process and what specically you will be telling the reader how to do. Then there should be a section called Preparation where you would discuss what needs to occur before the procedure begins. This, too, varies in length according to topic. At this point, you are ready to present your procedure itself, the steps along with accompanying discussion as needed. Finally, like all pieces of writing, there is a conclusion, which, in this case, would probably discuss the importance of the procedure. Essentially, the concluding section lets the reader know that the procedure is complete. Note, however, that the conclusion is never the last step of the procedure. This is a frequent error in this type of report.
Format. Commands and the use of second person point of view are appropriate for procedure. Establish the you in your introduction, and use commands to set up the steps. Because of the utilitarian nature of the procedure report, you will want to utilize headings (see Part IV, Format Tips). In addition, a procedure usually has many details which need to be presented in sequential order; therefore, a checklist is the perfect format. You provide easy access to information with a separation of details in a limited space.
Listing technique. Using the listing technique is a simple process. First, you need to write a lead-in sentence that works as a topic sentence for the list. The lead-in sentence ends with a colon. A bullet or number is used to separate each item in the list. These items should be written in parallel structure. Concluding remarks must follow the list to indicate closure; in other words, you never end a document with a bulleted or numbered item. Do not forget to use white space to separate the lead-in sentence from items in the list and the conclusion. Below is an example of listing technique.
If you use a list, please be sure to do the following:
Have a lead-in sentence.
Use numbers and levels.
Make sure items are parallel.
Have a separate conclusion.
Use plenty of white space.
Following these guidelines will ensure that your list is effective and reader friendly.
Sample Technical Procedure Report
How to Potty-Train a Puppy
Introduction
When potty-training a new puppy, the process should begin as soon as possible. This means as early as 8 weeks. More than likely, it will take some time. Owners who potty-train their puppies will be happy they spent the time to avoid cleaning up messes on a regular basis. Heres how you, too, can potty-train your puppy to save you time, energy and your sanity.
Preparation
Before you start, you will need to establish a schedule. A schedule teachers them that there is a time to eat, sleep, play and go to the bathroom. Do what works best for your schedule. Then, get your puppy used to the schedule by being consistent. . When the puppy is young, bring them outside frequently. The rule: one hour for every month old they are. For example, a two month old puppy needs an outdoor break every two hours.
Procedure
Potty-training your puppy results from these relatively easy steps:
1. Pick an outdoor zone. During potty-training, you want to choose a spot in your yard that you will focus the training in. This can be a patch of grass, patio stones, or area out of the way of foot traffic. Every time you take the puppy outside to do their business, you will want to direct them to this spot.
2. Use a consistent commands. Once you are outside and the puppy is in the desired zone, you can try using a command. The goal is to associate the command with the act of elimination. For example, you might use go potty. Now you will want to repeat this command when taking the dog outside, when directing them to the zone, and when they start to eliminate.
3. Celebrate immediately. Now it is time to celebrate success. An important step is to make your puppy feel good about eliminating where you want them to go. As soon as they are done, you can praise them with love or a treat. They will soon learn that eliminating where you want them to, is in their best interest.
4. Continue to supervise or confine. Once your puppy is getting the hang of going outside, you need to continue to supervise them when you can, and confine them when you cant. In the beginning, you should have a neighbor or friend come to let them out if you will be away for longer periods of time. One solution is to crate train your puppy when you are away to avoid accidents inside.
Conclusion
If you take the time to potty-train your puppy when they are young, it will make life easier for you both. If accidents do happen, move them to the designated spot and continue using positive reinforcement. This process can take time, so be patient with your puppy.
ACTIVITY 14-C: Technical Procedure Report
Write a technical procedure report following the procedures below.
1. Choose a procedure to explain for the report.
2. Write a thesis statement.
3. Outline the report, including Preparation and Procedures.
4. Write the nal draft from the outline.
5. Proofread carefully
Technical Report Rubric
Criteria Undeveloped Fair Excellent Comments
Outline Incomplete or missing Complete, but lacks organization Well organized working outline Thesis statement Unclear Clear, but lacking depth Clear and well developed Preparations Undeveloped Present, but not logical or missing some important information Well developed Procedures Undeveloped Present but missing steps or lacking sufficient explanation Clear and well developed procedures Mechanics Sentences are poorly written; there are
numerous incorrect word choices and errors in grammar, punctuation and
spelling Sentences are generally well-written; there are a few incorrect word choices and errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling Sentences are well-written; there are no incorrect word choices and the text is free of errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling Formatting Document is formatted poorly Formatting of the document is generally consistent and adequate. Formatting of the
document is professional
