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How-To Article

How-To Article


Page Content:

Definition:

Writing which guides or directs the reader through an explanation or procedure in order to achieve a planned result.

Purposes:

  • To provide directions
  • To provide explanations for how to do something
  • To provide guidance for operating or implementing

Characteristics:

  • Understanding of factual, descriptive explanations and procedures
  • Sequential presentation of procedures leading to an outcome
  • Diagrams /visuals
  • Step-by-step directions
  • Cautionary notes
  • Technical / specialized vocabulary
  • Informational text formats
  • Understanding of graphics in procedural text (e.g., numbered lists, bulleted lists, titles and heads, subheads, italicized and bold type, columns, text boxes, different typefaces, drawings, pictures, diagrams, cartoons, logos, sidebar information, footnotes, etc.)

Grade Level Instructional Scope for COMPREHENDING and USING the Genre and Text of a How-To Article:

Grade 6

Opportunities to Teach:

Understanding the genre

  • Introductions
  • Procedural sequence based upon time or steps
  • Clear explanations
  • Comprehensive sequences
  • Supportive illustrations
  • Graphic features
  • Headings and subheadings
  • Chronological text pattern
  • Figures
  • Bibliographies
  • Marginal notes
  • Position and sequence words
  • Charts
  • Diagrams
  • Glossaries
  • Captions
  • Procedural signal words

Understanding the text

  • Connect
  • Retell and summarize
  • Analyze themes, key ideas, principles
  • Draw conclusions, make inferences and synthesize

Booklists:

  • Grade 6

Access to the Documents:

Complete K-8 Genre Project
From the Michigan Department of Education

Complete K-8 Genre Booklist
From Kent Intermediate School District


Page last modified on February 10, 2009, at 10:36 AM