Write a procedure someone can repeat.
State prerequisites, ordered steps and an observable completion check.
Read the descriptive transcript
Follow the complete narration and the changes shown in the video. Each example can be copied.
1. A procedure needs an observable result
These steps label two empty seed trays. We have materials and ordered actions, but no final check. We need a way to tell whether the task worked.
Source shown
# Label seed trays
## Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
## Steps
1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.On screen
The cursor points to the source or its result while the explanation is narrated.
2. Add the completion check
Below the steps, add a Check heading. Write: Both names are readable. This tells the person what to inspect after attaching the labels.
Source shown
# Label seed trays
## Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
## Steps
1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.
## Check
Both names are readable.On screen
The source changes one character at a time and the parsed preview updates.
3. A failed check needs a next action
If a name cannot be read, rewrite or replace that label, then check again. The document describes this work. The preview has not inspected a tray.
Source shown
# Label seed trays
## Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
## Steps
1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.
## Check
Both names are readable.On screen
The cursor points to the source or its result while the explanation is narrated.
4. Keep real operating rules grounded
For a real procedure, confirm materials, order and stop conditions with the responsible person. An assistant can flag gaps, but it should not invent operating rules.
Source shown
# Label seed trays
## Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
## Steps
1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.
## Check
Both names are readable.On screen
The cursor points to the source or its result while the explanation is narrated.
5. Your turn: add the missing check
Complete the practice document with the Check section. Preserve both ordered steps. Then ask whether another person could follow it and recognise a successful result.
Source shown
# Label seed trays
## Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
## Steps
1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.
## Check
Both names are readable.On screen
The cursor points to the source or its result while the explanation is narrated.
Define the result before the steps
A procedure is useful when someone needs to repeat a task consistently. It should say what they need, what to do and how to check completion. This fictional example labels two empty seed trays; it is not specialist horticultural or safety guidance. Practise ordered lists first.
Include a check someone can observe
# Label seed trays
## Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
## Steps
1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.
## Check
Both names are readable.Before lists the materials. Steps names the actions in order. Check describes an observable result. Ordered lists are part of CommonMark’s list syntax; the Before, Steps and Check labels are our document design, not required Markdown keywords.
Explain what to do when a check fails
For this example, replace or rewrite an unreadable label, then check again. A real procedure may need an explicit stop condition, escalation route or rollback. Ask the responsible person for those rules; do not invent operational or safety instructions to fill a gap.
Compare these endings: “Done” provides little evidence. “Both names are readable” tells the reader what to inspect. The Markdown preview can show the check, but it cannot inspect the trays.
Practise completing the procedure
Add the missing Check section beneath the ordered steps. Keep the materials and both actions. The exercise checks document structure and the supplied completion statement. It cannot tell whether the physical work succeeded.
Using AI as a reviewer
Give an assistant the actual procedure and ask it to identify missing prerequisites, ambiguous steps or unverifiable checks. Treat the response as review suggestions. A person responsible for the real task must validate changes before anyone relies on them.
YOUR TURN
Make the idea your own.
Add a Check section saying Both names are readable. Keep Before and the two ordered Steps. This fictional procedure labels two empty seed trays.
Readable result
Label seed trays
Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
Steps
- Write Basil and Mint on labels.
- Attach one label to each tray.
Compare with one possible answer
# Label seed trays
## Before
Two empty trays; removable labels.
## Steps
1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.
## Check
Both names are readable.This is one approach. Your writing can differ while meeting the same structural goal.
TAKE IT WITH YOU
A repeatable procedure includes a way to tell whether it worked.
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