Deck 19: Instructions and Procedures

Question 1

Well-designed instructions will

A) place visuals and prose steps apart from one another.
B) use a layered approach for lengthy instructions.
C) separate each step visually.
D) b and c.
E) a and c.

Answer 1

b and c.

Question 2

To avoid cluttering your instructions, use as few transitional phrases as possible.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

When choosing the phrasing of each step of instructions for a North American audience, use

A) parallel phrasing.
B) imperative mood.
C) active voice.
D) affirmative phrasing.
E) All of these answers are correct.

Answer 3

All of these answers are correct.

Question 4

A usability evaluation is appropriate for instructions but not procedures.

Question 5

When incorporating visuals into instructions,

A) illustrate difficult steps, especially for less specialized readers.
B) illustrate all actions, even those simple enough for readers to visualize on their own.
C) parallel the reader's angle of vision in performing an activity or operation.
D) a and b.
E) a and c.

Question 6

Choose the most effectively written instruction:

A) Plug it in.
B) After that, you should next empty the basket.
C) The reader should shred no more than eight pieces of paper at any given time.
D) Set the control switch to "auto."
E) Keep your hair away from the shredder, and you should also keep your sleeves away.

Question 7

Strategies for writing helpful instructions include all of the following except

A) logically ordering steps.
B) offering examples.
C) omitting background.
D) providing troubleshooting advice.
E) incorporating visual elements.

Question 8

Introductions are unnecessary for instructions.

Question 9

The audience for procedures is typically people who are not already familiar with the task.

Question 10

The steps in procedures must always be numbered.

Question 11

Standard Operating Procedures help ensure that all work is done with the same accuracy and precision.

Question 12

Cautions in instructions are used to

A) prevent mistakes that could result in injury or equipment damage.
B) alert readers to potential hazards to life and limb.
C) identify an immediate hazard to life and limb.
D) clarify a point.
E) All of these answers are correct.

Question 13

A common format for online instructions is a PDF file.

Question 14

Accessible design is important for instructions.

Question 15

Visuals that use simple line drawings, arrows, and call-outs but no text are called instructions.

Question 16

Three kinds of notices that you may include in procedures to ensure consumer safety are , , and
.

Question 17

For an appropriate amount of detail in instructions,

A) focus on the product, not the task.
B) divide the task into simple steps and sub-steps.
C) speed up the rate of information as steps become more complex or sensitive.
D) assume a highly technical audience when you are writing instructions for consumer products.
E) All of these answers are correct.

Question 18

Be careful to avoid redundancies between the visual and verbal information in instructions.

Question 19

Instructional brochures should contain both text and visuals.

Question 20

Legal liabilities resulting from faulty instructions include failure to warn against

A) hazards from proper use of a product.
B) possible misuses of a product.
C) possible unclear and misleading instructions.
D) a and b.
E) a, b, and c.