🏭 A Lesson from the Workshop

One afternoon, John was in the school workshop preparing to operate a new cutting machine.

(Suatu sore, John berada di bengkel sekolah dan bersiap mengoperasikan sebuah mesin pemotong baru.)

He felt confident because he had used similar machines before. Without reading the manual book, John turned on the machine and started working.

(Ia merasa percaya diri karena pernah menggunakan mesin serupa sebelumnya. Tanpa membaca buku manual, John menyalakan mesin dan mulai bekerja.)

A few minutes later, the machine suddenly stopped and made a strange noise. John looked confused and did not know what to do.

(Beberapa menit kemudian, mesin itu tiba-tiba berhenti dan mengeluarkan suara aneh. John terlihat bingung dan tidak tahu harus berbuat apa.)

ekspresinya biasa aja dong John

The workshop teacher came and asked, “Did you read the manual before operating the machine?”

(Guru bengkel datang dan bertanya, “Apakah kamu membaca buku manual sebelum mengoperasikan mesin ini?”)

John shook his head and answered honestly, “No, Sir. I didn’t read it.”

(John menggeleng dan menjawab jujur, “Tidak, Pak. Saya tidak membacanya.”)

The teacher opened the manual book and showed John the correct steps. He explained that the machine must be set properly before being used.

(Guru tersebut membuka buku manual dan menunjukkan langkah-langkah yang benar. Ia menjelaskan bahwa mesin harus diatur dengan benar sebelum digunakan.)

After following the instructions in the manual, the machine worked normally again. John felt relieved and a little embarrassed.

(Setelah mengikuti petunjuk di buku manual, mesin kembali bekerja dengan normal. John merasa lega sekaligus sedikit malu.)

From that day on, John promised himself to always read the manual before operating any machine.

(Sejak hari itu, John berjanji pada dirinya sendiri untuk selalu membaca buku manual sebelum mengoperasikan mesin apa pun.)

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John’s experience in the workshop shows that understanding instructions is not just about language, but also about safety and responsibility. A small mistake can happen when we ignore written guidance, especially in a technical environment. This is why learning how to read and understand manual text is very important for vocational students. In the next section, we will learn what manual text is, its purpose, structure, and how it helps us operate tools and machines correctly.

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MANUAL TEXT 🗹

Manual text is a type of text that gives instructions or procedures on how to use something or how to do a task step by step.
(Manual text adalah jenis teks yang berisi petunjuk atau langkah-langkah untuk menggunakan sesuatu atau melakukan suatu pekerjaan secara bertahap.)

Manual text is commonly found in:

• User manuals

• Operating instructions

• Workplace procedures

• Equipment guides

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PURPOSE OF MANUAL TEXT

The purpose of a manual text is to:

• Explain how to operate tools or machines correctly

• Help users work safely and efficiently

• Prevent mistakes and accidents

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CHARACTERISTICS OF MANUAL TEXT

A manual text usually:

• Uses imperative sentences

• Uses verb 1 (base form)

• Is written in a clear and logical order

• Uses simple and direct language

• Often includes warnings or cautions

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GENERIC STRUCTURE OF MANUAL TEXT

1. Title
   Shows the name of the tool or activity.
   Example:
   How to Use a Printer

2. Goal / Purpose
   Explains what the manual is for.
   Example:
   This manual explains how to operate a printer correctly.

3. Materials / Tools (optional)
   Lists tools or materials needed.
   Example:

• A printer

• Paper

• Ink cartridge

4. Steps / Instructions
   Explains the steps in order.

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LANGUAGE FEATURES

Manual text commonly uses:

• Imperative sentences
  Example:
  Turn on the machine.
  Press the power button.

• Sequence words
  Example:
  First, check the cable.
  Next, insert the paper.
  Then, press the start button.
  Finally, turn off the machine.

• Warning expressions
  Example:
  Do not touch the wire with wet hands.
  Be careful when using this tool.

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🖨 SAMPLE MANUAL TEXT (FOR SMK STUDENTS)

Title:
How to Use a Photocopier

Purpose:
This manual explains how to use a photocopier properly.

Steps:

1. Turn on the photocopier.

2. Open the cover and place the document on the glass.

3. Close the cover carefully.

4. Select the number of copies.

5. Press the start button.

6. Take the copies after the process is finished.

7. Turn off the machine after use.

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WHY MANUAL TEXT IS IMPORTANT FOR VOCATIONAL STUDENTS

Manual text is very important for vocational students because it is directly related to practical work. Understanding manual text helps students follow instructions correctly, work safely, and perform tasks efficiently in real working situations.

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Now that you have learned what a manual text is, its purpose, and how it is structured, it’s time to put your understanding into practice. The exercises below will help you apply what you have learned and check how well you understand instructions, steps, and warnings in a manual. Read each question carefully and do your best.

(Sekarang kamu sudah mempelajari apa itu manual text, tujuannya, dan strukturnya. Saatnya menerapkan pemahamanmu melalui latihan soal. Latihan berikut akan membantumu mempraktikkan apa yang sudah dipelajari serta mengecek pemahamanmu tentang instruksi, langkah-langkah, dan peringatan dalam manual. Bacalah setiap soal dengan cermat dan kerjakan dengan sebaik mungkin.)

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EXERCISES – MANUAL TEXT

A. Multiple Choice

1. What is the main purpose of a manual text?
   A. To tell a story
   B. To describe a person
   C. To give instructions
   D. To express feelings

2. Which sentence is commonly found in a manual text?
   A. I am happy to use this machine.
   B. Turn off the machine after use.
   C. The machine was very expensive.
   D. He likes operating machines.

3. Which word is usually used to show the order of steps?
   A. Because
   B. However
   C. First
   D. Although

4. Which sentence is a warning in a manual text?
   A. Open the cover slowly.
   B. Press the start button.
   C. Do not touch the wire with wet hands.
   D. Insert the paper carefully.

5. Why should students read a manual before operating a machine?
   A. To save time
   B. To look professional
   C. To work safely and correctly
   D. To finish faster

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B. Fill in the Blanks

6. ________ on the machine before starting the operation.
   (turn / turned / turning)

7. Do not ________ the machine without permission.
   (use / used / using)

8. First, check the cable. ________, press the power button.
   (next / because / although)

9. ________ careful when using sharp tools.
   (Be / Being / Been)

10. Finally, ________ off the machine after use.
    (turn / turns / turned)

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C. HOTS – Short Answer

11. A student operates a machine without reading the manual and causes a problem.
    In your opinion, what should the student do before using the machine next time?
    Explain your answer briefly.

12. Why do you think warning sentences (for example: Do not touch the wire) are important in a manual text?
    Give one clear reason.

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D. Project Task – Create Your Own Manual Text

13. Write a simple manual text about how to use one object that you can find at home or in your neighborhood.
    Your manual text should include:

• A title

• A purpose

• At least 4 steps

• At least 1 warning sentence

Use clear imperative sentences.