The document discusses the main characteristics of instructional texts. The two main characteristics are the imperative voice and a clear, direct and linear format. The imperative voice uses commands without person or tense markers to give instructions in a series of numbered or marked steps. It can be affirmative, using the infinitive form of the verb, or negative using "don't". Instructional texts also use sequencing words like "first", "then", "next" to clearly outline the order of steps to complete a task. They are used to explain how to make or do something by listing required elements and the step-by-step procedure.