Specifications, the most exacting form of description, provide standards for performance, safety, and quality. Types of specs include industry, government, and functional standards. The World Wide Web consortium develops specification standards for Internet protocols.

Brief instructions such as quick reference cards, assembly instructions, and wordless instructions provide users with step-by-step guidelines for assembling, connecting, or using products. To fulfill their purpose, brief instructions must be clear, easy to follow, and task oriented. That is, they must focus specifically on the tasks users must complete in order to use the product.

In contrast to brief instructions, procedures are longer, typically providing background information, step-by-step instructions, and guidelines for performing an operation or completing a task. Procedures include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment, the documentation and manuals packaged with new hardware and software, as well as those that come with such products as home appliances. Companies use procedures to standardize a task and to meet health and safety requirements.

Complete manuals include background information, instructions (both brief and extended), specifications, procedures, and descriptions. Complex products or services often come with a series of manuals to serve the needs of broad audiences, from novice and experts to technical support staff.

Technical communicators also write technical marketing materials, designed to persuade readers to buy a product or service. Such materials include letters, brochures, Web pages, and high quality, full-color documents, such as those created to market new cars.

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For this lesson's assignment, then, we will:

Explore/Learn
- Read Chapter 10 in your textbook.
- Review Lesson 5: MAJOR PROJECT: Instruction Manual.
- Review Lesson 5: Layout and Design Considerations.
- Review Lesson 5: Instruction Manual Grading Criteria.
Connect/Collaborate
- Complete Lesson 5: Chpt 10 Quiz.
- Complete Lesson 5: Manual Requirements Quiz.
Experiment/Apply
- Complete Lesson 5: Manual Rough Draft (5 pgs).