Questionnaires, surveys & instructions Notes

Writing For Clarity And Usability

1. These text types test whether you can write for function.
2. They are not about long paragraphs but about structure, precision, and clear communication.
3. Examiners will check if the format looks authentic and easy to follow.

Questionnaires

1. Purpose, Audience & Register
   1. Purpose: Collect opinions or data on a specific topic.
   2. Audience: Targeted group (students, parents, public).
   3. Register: Neutral, concise, polite.
2. Layout & Conventions
   1. Clear title: e.g., “Student Study Habits Questionnaire”.
   2. Numbered or bulleted questions so it’s easy to follow.
   3. Logical order: group questions by theme (study habits, wellbeing, extracurriculars).
   4. Space for answers (for open questions).

Key Features

1. Tone: Neutral and polite.
2. Vocabulary: Direct questions (“How often…?”, “To what extent…?”), options clearly labelled.

How to Write a Questionnaire

1. Begin with purpose: add a one-line intro so respondents know why they’re answering.
   1. Example: “We are collecting information to improve study support at school.”
2. Keep it short: aim for 5–8 questions, otherwise people lose focus.
3. Balance question types:
   1. Closed questions (yes/no, multiple choice) → give measurable data.
   2. Open questions → allow opinions or detail.
4. Make questions exact: avoid vague wording.

Surveys

1. Purpose, Audience & Register
   1. Purpose: Collect, summarise, and present findings from a questionnaire or data collection.
   2. Audience: School community, organisations, decision-makers.
   3. Register: Formal, factual.
2. Layout & Conventions
   1. Title that makes the topic clear.
   2. Introduction explaining the survey focus and who took part.
   3. Organised sections for results (can be bulleted, tables, or percentages).
   4. Conclusion with a short summary or recommendation.

Key Features

1. Tone: Objective, factual.
2. Vocabulary: Phrases like “The majority of respondents…”, “20% indicated…”, “The results suggest…”.

How to Write a Survey

1. State purpose: why the survey was done.
   Example: “This survey investigates student opinions on school lunch options.”
2. Explain method: who answered, how many, when.
3. Present findings clearly: highlight patterns, use data.
   1. Bad: “Students like lunch.”
   2. Good: “75% of students prefer hot meals, while 25% prefer cold.”
4. Finish with insight: summarise what the data means or suggest an action.

Instructions

1. Purpose, Audience & Register
   1. Purpose: Explain clearly how to complete a task or process.
   2. Audience: General readers or specific groups (students, users).
   3. Register: Neutral, clear, direct.
2. Layout & Conventions
   1. Title or heading that makes purpose clear (“How to Register for the Workshop”).
   2. Ordered steps (numbered or bulleted).Imperative verbs (“Click,” “Write,” “Check”).
   3. Simple formatting: short sentences, spacing for easy scanning.

Key Features

1. Tone: Clear, practical, simple.
2. Vocabulary: Imperative verbs, sequencing words (“first,” “then,” “finally”), warnings if needed (“Do not…”).

How to Write Instructions

1. Clarity: Use one action per step.
2. Sequencing: Put steps in logical order; test by following them yourself.
3. Brevity: Cut extra words, confusion grows with length.
4. Audience awareness: Match complexity to who is reading (don’t assume prior knowledge).
5. Error-proofing: Anticipate mistakes and add safety checks (“Ensure the lid is closed before pressing Start”).