✏️ WritingGrade 4Lesson 29
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Write Step-by-Step Procedures

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Identify the features of procedural writing including goal, materials, and steps
  • 2Write a clear procedure using numbered steps and sequence connectives
  • 3Use appropriate connectives to signal the order of steps
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Mini Lesson

Procedural writing tells the reader how to do or make something. Recipes, instruction manuals, science experiments, and how-to guides are all procedures. The key is clarity: every step must be easy to follow in the correct order.

Structure of a Procedure

  1. Title / Goal: states what the procedure will achieve — "How to make a sandwich".
  2. Materials / Equipment: a list of everything needed before starting.
  3. Steps: numbered instructions in the correct order using imperative verbs.
  4. Result (optional): describes what the finished product should look like.

Imperative Verbs in Steps

  • Each step begins with a command verb (imperative): Mix, Add, Cut, Stir, Press, Click.
  • Never say "You should mix..." — just say "Mix...".
  • Be precise with quantities and timings: "Add 2 teaspoons of salt" not "Add some salt".

Sequence Connectives

  • First — introduces the very first step.
  • Next / Then — links steps in the middle.
  • After that — shows a step that follows immediately.
  • Finally / Lastly — signals the last step.
  • Meanwhile — for steps happening at the same time.
Procedure StructureA worked example of a procedure: title, materials, four numbered steps, and the result.Procedure StructureTITLE / GOALHow to make a sandwichMATERIALSBread, butter, filling, knife1. First,lay the two slices of bread on a plate.2. Next,spread butter evenly on one side of each slice.3. Then,place your chosen filling on one slice.4. Finally,press the slices together and cut in half.RESULT:Your sandwich is ready to serve.Imperative verbs + precise quantities = clear steps
Title, materials, numbered steps, and result.
Sequence ConnectivesSix sequence connectives — First, Next, Then, After that, Meanwhile, Finally — with their purpose.Sequence ConnectivesFirstIntroduces the very first stepNextLinks steps in the middleThenLinks steps in the middleAfterthatStep that follows immediatelyMeanwhileSteps happening at the same timeFinallySignals the last step
Connectives glue steps into a clear order.
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Tip: Test your procedure by asking someone to follow it without asking questions. Any step they get wrong reveals where your instructions need to be clearer.

Vocabulary
procedure
A set of steps that explains how to do something.e.g. He wrote a procedure for making toast.
goal
What the procedure helps the reader achieve.e.g. The goal was to plant a seed correctly.
materials
The items you need to follow the procedure.e.g. Materials: cup, soil, seeds, water.
step
One action in a procedure, usually numbered.e.g. Step 1: fill the cup with soil.
sequence
The order in which steps happen.e.g. Follow the steps in sequence so it works.
connective
A word that links steps, like "first", "next", or "finally".e.g. "Next" is a sequence connective.
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