What task descriptions and task analyses are, how to write task descriptions, and the relationship of task descriptions to instructional objectives are demonstrated in educational settings. A task description is a systematic method of listing the salient features of a task, and identifies the steps or actions that must be taken to perform a task. Instructional objectives are usually derived from task descriptions. All of the elements needed to write instructional objectives are contained in the steps of the task description: action verbs, conditions and constraints, and criteria for evaluating objectives. Task description formats may be either straight narrative, outlines, flow diagrams, tables, or listings. A task analysis is literally an analysis of the task, and any consideration of issues that may affect significantly the design of learning experiences. The complete task analysis is normally used in conjunction with other methods and techniques in designing instruction. (RL)