Assignment: Teach Someone to Do Something
Course: Technical and Professional Communication
Objective
Technical communicators often create instructions that help users complete tasks efficiently and safely. In this assignment, you will design a short instructional guide that teaches a beginner how to complete a real-world task.
Your Task
Choose one activity that can be completed in approximately 5–10 minutes.
Examples:
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How to organize your university email inbox.
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How to create a strong password.
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How to submit an assignment through Blackboard.
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How to make a shared Google document.
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How to scan a document using your phone.
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How to schedule a meeting in Google Calendar.
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How to connect to the campus Wi-Fi.
You may propose another topic with instructor approval.
Audience
Assume your reader has no prior experience with the task.
Your instructions should be clear enough that a first-time user can complete the activity without additional help.
Requirements
Your instructional document should include:
1. Title
A clear, action-oriented title.
Example:
How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard
2. Introduction (50–100 words)
Briefly explain:
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What the task is.
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Why it is useful.
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Who the instructions are for.
3. Materials or Requirements
List anything the user needs before beginning.
Example:
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TTU eRaider account
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Internet connection
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Computer or smartphone
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Include 8–12 numbered steps.
Use:
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action verbs
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short sentences
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logical order
Example:
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Open your web browser.
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Navigate to Blackboard.
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Log in using your eRaider credentials.
5. Visual Support
Include at least two visuals, such as:
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screenshots
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icons
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simple diagrams
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annotated images
Each visual should have a caption.
6. Troubleshooting Section
Add a short FAQ with at least two common problems.
Example:
Problem: I cannot log in.
Solution: Verify that you are using your eRaider username and password.
Submission Format
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PDF or Word document
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1–2 pages
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Professional formatting
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11- or 12-point font
Evaluation (50 points)
CriteriaPoints
Clarity and organization: 15
Logical sequence of instructions: 10
Audience awareness:10
Effective use of visuals:10
Professional formatting and grammar: 5
Learning Outcome
After completing this assignment, students should be able to create clear, user-centered instructional documents that combine written and visual communication to help others accomplish a task.