Instructopod

**The Mission:**  Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to act as a member of a support team helping Agent X23 of the CIA complete a very dangerous field assignment. Agent X23 has a vitally important task to perform and needs you to give her directions for how to do it using the top-secret communication device. Use the following instructions to complete your mission:
 * You will accomplish this mission by writing a script giving Agent X23 the directions necessary to perform the task you are assigned by the operative code-named Miss Does.


 * NOTE: Because we do not have access to a secure line, we will have to communicate with Agent X23 carefully in order to prevent enemy spies from decoding our transmissions. This means we will not be able to simply tell Agent X23 what to do. For instance, if your mission is to get Agent X23 to remove her shoe, you are not allowed to tell her to remove or shoe or even say the word "shoe" under any circumstances. To do so would pose a serious risk to national security!


 * In order to prevent any mistakes, the transmissions will be pre-recorded from scripts you will write and then played to Agent X23. You will not be able to add any details while the recording is being played, so make sure that your directions are clear before you record your script. You might even want to try them out on other people - keeping your purpose secret, of course - before you attempt the actual mission.

**Briefing:**  No responsible intelligence agency would ask its operatives to do anything without being properly briefed. Below you will find advice taken from the Agency's official training manual. Please read them carefully and take note of their advice. It will prove vital to your successful completion of this mission.

1) Plan out how you will direct Agent X23 to accomplish the task //before// you start writing your script. Outline each of the steps Agent X23 must take to complete the mission.

2) Before you start writing, make a list of possible synonyms for the forbidden words.

3) Steps with too many words might confuse Agent X23. Try writing short sentences and using active verbs and specific nouns rather than adjectives and adverbs. For instance, instead of saying "walk slowly," you might say "creep" or "inch." A more effective way of saying "walk quietly" is "sneak." Use adverbs and adjectives only when you absolutely need them.

4) Use transition words (now, next, after, first, etc.) to make it easy for Agent X23 to understand when to perform each action.

5) Wherever possible, use imperative sentences (commands). This will make your directions less wordy and easier for Agent X23 to follow and understand.

6) Begin your recording by making sure Agent X23 is listening rather than just launching into your first instruction. This will ensure that she does not miss any important information.

**Model:**  The following top-secret transmission was recorded on a mission very similar to the one you are about to undertake. Listen to it carefully. It might give you an idea of how to go about executing your own mission.



**Success:** <span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;"> The attached document lists the criteria that the operative code-named Miss Does will use to evaluate your mission. Examine them carefully before you begin and again before you submit your recording to make sure that you have fulfilled all of the necessary requirements. After all, there is more than a grade at stake here. The security of our great nation hangs in the balance!

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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">**Final Instructions:** <span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;"> Due to updated Agency regulations, this document will //**not**// self-destruct in five seconds, so refer to it whenever you require guidance on your mission. The operative known as Miss Does has been assigned to oversee this mission and to provide you with guidance and assistance when necessary. She's one of the best in the business, so do not hesitate to take advantage of her expertise!

<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">**Good Luck!**