Tutorial Writing
Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by MairaS in Articles, Being a writer, Writing tacts
In the world of modern academia, and of continuing education long after graduation, tutorial writing is fast becoming the “in” field for writers. Tutorials on how to operate some of today’s high-tech equipment are often more difficult to read than the device is to understand. It is, therefore, essential that the writer of tutorial remember the goal of the work is to instruct. Instruction, or tutorial writing, follows protocols. It introduces the subject and breaks it down into steps that, when followed, produce a desired result. It should also point out things that ought not to be done. A tutorial work on how to operate a space heater really should point out where not to use it, and when it should be turned off. A tutorial on how to set up an effective filing system should warn about common errors that will hinder the process. But, for the most part, tutorial writing is about what should be done. Good practices in tutorial writing are to keep the paragraphs short and utilize lists. Repetitive phrasing or rephrasing to emphasis key points is helpful for the reader and reinforces what has already been learned. Good tutorial writing should have the goal of instructing and simplifying any process.
