Content

• Only enough theoretical information to give some background and to help with troubleshooting
• Often general description of equipment, parts, operation principles, maintenance
• Often emphasis on mechanical operation
• Emphasis on detail, but less than for expert

Organization

• Sequential or chronological

Style/Tone

• Active voice
• Imperative mood, if instructing how to operate something
• Standard terms and abbreviations may be used, although some definitions may be necessary
• Formulae and equations should be limited; verbal explanations should always accompany them
• Short sentences and paragraphs

Layout/Illustration

• Illustrations, photos, blow-up diagrams
• Charts, graphs, and photographs are detailed, but not as complex as for expert
• Carefully labeled drawings
• Lots of headings, white space, numbered steps, color, graphic techniques (boxes, lines)