The goal of this exercise is to help you learn how to improve a set of instructions by applying the advice provided in Chapter 23.

The Exercise

The following instructions describe how to operate a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). While fairly well written, these instructions could be improved in a number of ways. Use the advice in Chapter 23, especially in the "Directions" section of the chapter, to help make these instructions more reader centered. You may download the Revision Checklist for Instructions for use with this exercise.

For this exercise:

1. Read the instructions and indicate places where headings might help the reader.
2. Look for any steps that contain too much information and mark them. Should substeps be included here? Should another step be added?
3. Look for places where warnings or cautions might help the reader.

Operating the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

1. Ask for an SEM stub from the operator.
2. Cement your SEM stub on the platform.
3. Place the stub in the hole at the base of the chamber.
4. Close the chamber door.
5. Turn the SEM on by pushing the on/off button. The green light above the button will turn on.
6. Once you locate your sample, turn the magnification dial clockwise until the desired magnification is depicted on the magnification readout.
7. Get film from the SEM operator.
8. Load the film into the camera with the indicated side up.
9. Push the film in until you hear a click. Then press the print button.
10. Don't remove the film until the picture comes back on the monitor.
11. Remove the film and wait 60 seconds for the picture to develop.