An instructional text teaches how to do something.
A text is a discourse, whether oral or written, that has internal coherence. Instructional , on the other hand, is that which allows one to instruct (teach something).
The notion of instructional text , therefore, refers to discourse whose purpose is to leave a lesson to the recipient. Whoever accesses an instructional text, in this way, learns to perform certain actions.
A manual or tutorial
Instructional texts are generally associated with manuals . These documents provide information to understand the operation of different devices or elements. If a person wants to learn how to use an air conditioning unit, to name one possibility, they should read its manual: in this instructional text you will find the necessary data to know how to turn on the unit, how to program it, etc.
The instructional text is didactic and is based on the clarity of its presentation. The objective is for the reader to understand the explanations and be able to apply the knowledge read without help or assistance from other people. When the instructional text fails to convey its teachings to the recipients, it loses its value.
Structure of an instructional text
Other information of interest about the instructional texts are the following:
-Its structure must be composed of two fundamental parts: a first where the objective is established and a second where the instructions are collected. In the latter there will be, in turn, three differentiated and fundamental elements: paragraphs, sections and typographical elements.
-They usually have a simple syntax, with ordered and rather brief sentences.
-It resorts to the use, above all, of what are conative verbal forms.
There are various kinds of instructional texts.
The example of gastronomic recipes
Another typical example of instructional text are gastronomic recipes that appear collected in books, magazines, websites and television programs. These recipes mention, step by step, what an individual must do to prepare certain dishes.
The text, in short, instructs the subject. For example: «First we must cut the meat into strips. Then sauté it with a little oil, onion and garlic. Once this is done, we reserve the preparation. In another pot, boil the rice noodles in plenty of water for fifteen minutes. Finally, we strain the noodles, put them back in the pot, add the meat with the onion and garlic and add a splash of oil. We mix for two minutes and we can now serve .
Other types of instructional texts
In the same way, we cannot ignore that in our daily lives there are also other texts that can also be considered instructive. We are referring specifically to the following:
-Game rules. In the boxes of the board games themselves, whether inside or outside, is where the document that explains how they work is usually included. In this way, when a group is going to have fun with one of these for the first time, they must proceed to read the instructional text that is attached in order to know how to play, what is allowed, what is prohibited, what the objective is. what it pursues, what to do in certain situations...
-Instructions to do certain exercises or to explain what the rules of any sport are.
-The laws and regulations. These laws are also considered instructive texts because they establish what to do in certain situations that may occur, what obligations or impositions are established...