Giving Instructions essays are essays in which you explain how to do something. Students are often asked for an explanation of how to do something in writing. Essays explaining, for example, how to change a tyre, how to use a software programme, how to get your driving licence, or how to mend your car, are allGiving Instructions essays.

The table below shows the organization of a basic 350 word Giving Instructions essay. Note, first, that the essay is five paragraphs containing three main parts, an introduction, body, and conclusion. The function of the introduction within this organization is to get the reader’s attention and to state the organization of the paper. The function of the conclusion within this organization is to summarize the main points, and to leave the reader with a good impression. The body contains three parts, each part an organizing principle of the main idea.

All the paragraphs have a specific function, as can be seen in the right column. In the first paragraph you "tell your readers what you are going to tell them." In the second, third, and fourth paragraphs readers can find what you "tell them." Finally, in the last paragraph you "tell your readers what you have told them".

Organization of a Five-Paragraph Giving Instructions Essay

Paragraph 1: Introduction. Get the reader’s attention. Introduce your main idea and controlling statement. State the three main points that you intend to discuss. (A five paragraph essay will contain three main points.)

This is where you "tell them what you are going to tell them."
Paragraph 2: State the first main point (topic sentence). State the supporting detail(s). .
Paragraph 3: State the second main point (topic sentence). State the supporting detail(s).

This is where you "tell them." (Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4)
Paragraph 4: State the third main point (topic sentence). State the supporting detail(s). .
Paragraph 5: Conclusion. Restate your main idea. Restate your main points. Leave the reader with a good impression.

This is where you "tell them what you told them."

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Additional "Tips" for Five-Paragraph Giving Instructions Essays

1. Use chronological order. Many Giving Instructions essays must be written in chronological order. If you are explaining how to make a cake, for example, all the necessary steps must be in chronological order, or the reader will not succeed in making a good cake. (Chronological order often requires effective use of time transitions as follows: first, second, then, after that, later, and finally, for example).

2. Know your audience, and write for your audience. If you are explaining how to send an attachment with an e-mail message (or how to download an MP3 and convert it to WAV) to someone who has limited computer experience, it is necessary to explain it simply so it can be easily understood.

3. Stick to the point. When explaining how to make a cake, for example, don’t discuss where to buy cheap flour or how to beat the eggs. Such details may interest the reader, but they won’t help in making the cake.

4. State your organization. This point simply cannot be overemphasized! Even if you know how your paper is organized, your readers do not, so tell them explicitly! Do not leave it to your readers to figure out. While this may sound childish or even simplistic to the non-native English speaker, it is not simplistic. On the contrary, it is the exactly the organizational pattern that readers of English expect.You will never go wrong if you err on the side of clarity, so state your organization clearly.

5. Use a straight line of development."Tell your readers what you are going to tell them." Then "tell them." Then "tell them what you told them."


Here you are an example of a Giving Instructions essay. Read it.