Ask someone to follow a set of instructions or to fill out a form. As an alternative, you also might test a document you’ve created for a course. You also may try ordering food from a website, such as a pizza-delivery chain, as long as you do not process completely through the checkout process.

■ Time the person. How long does it take? Is the person able to complete the task?

■ Observe the person. Where does the person pause, reread, seem confused?

■ Interview the person. What parts of the document were confusing?

As your instructor directs,

a. Discuss the changes needed with a small group of classmates.

b. Write an email to your instructor evaluating the document and explaining the changes that are needed. Include the document as an attachment to your email.

c. Write to the organization that produced the document recommending necessary improvements.

d. In an oral presentation to the class, evaluate the document and explain what changes are needed.