UNIT: MEASUREMENT

ACT-Based Writing: Writing a Procedural Guide

OBJECTIVE:

This activity helps students develop technical writing skills by creating clear and precise procedural guides. Students will practice structuring step-by-step instructions while improving clarity and coherence in writing.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Measurement tools (rulers, tape measures, digital calipers)

Sample procedural guides for reference

Peer review checklist

STUDENT DIRECTIONS:

Goal:

In this activity, you will practice technical writing by creating a clear and accurate step-by-step guide on how to properly use a measurement tool. This kind of writing is essential for science, engineering, manufacturing, and any technical career—and it directly supports the skills needed for the ACT Writing section and real-world communication.

Step 1: Tool Assignment & Exploration

You will be assigned one measurement tool:

Ruler

Tape Measure

Digital Caliper

Take a few minutes to examine the tool, practice using it on a nearby object, and observe how it works.

Step 2: Write a Step-by-Step Instructional Guide

Your job is to write a clear procedural guide (like a "How-To" manual) that teaches someone how to properly use your assigned tool. Your guide should:

Be Written for a Beginner

Assume the reader has never used the tool before.

Include These Sections:

Title: Include the tool name and purpose.
Example: "How to Accurately Measure with a Digital Caliper"

Purpose: A short paragraph explaining why this tool is used and what it's best for.
Example: "Digital calipers are ideal for measuring small components with precision, down to 0.01 mm."

Materials Needed: List all tools or objects needed to follow the guide.
Example: "Digital caliper, object to measure, clean flat surface"

Step-by-Step Instructions: Use numbered steps with clear, concise language. Each step should include action verbs and avoid vague terms.
Example: "1. Open the caliper jaws by turning the thumbwheel."

Common Errors to Avoid: Include at least 2–3 mistakes users should watch out for.
Example: "Don’t forget to zero the caliper before each use."

Best Practices: Provide tips for ensuring the most accurate results.
Example: "Hold the object steady on a flat surface before measuring."

Step 3: Peer Review

Exchange your guide with a partner.

They will follow your instructions step-by-step using the tool.

While doing this, they’ll use a Peer Review Checklist to give you feedback on:

Clarity of each step

Completeness of information

Whether they were able to use the tool successfully using only your guide

Spelling, grammar, and formatting

Then, switch roles so you both get feedback.

Step 4: Reflect & Discuss

In small groups or as a class, discuss:

What made some guides easier to follow than others?

How could word choice or structure improve your clarity?

Why is technical writing important in real-world careers and in the ACT Writing test?