The practical nature of technical writing is one of several concepts illustrated by the feasibility report assignment used in a technical writing course at Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute. As much as possible, the class is set up to simulate a work environment, including handouts printed as memos on letterhead paper. Students are assigned to find a person or business that is considering some expansion, purchase, or project and then offer to conduct an investigation on the feasibility of the project. Students must clearly evaluate the suitability of their topics, and carefully plan the scope of their assignment. Three times throughout the semester they must also submit specific in-progress sections of the report, which are graded. During the research phase of the project, students can discuss problems that arise with the class. In addition to outside research in the form of letters of inquiry and interviews, students must prepare an annotated bibliography from their library research, develop a working outline for their report, and provide two alternate outlines prior to turning in their final outline. By this time, students can put together a very readable report. Two oral presentations are also required during the course of the project. Among other benefits, this assignment provides students with an opportunity for writing in a real world situation, helps them develop creative strategies for finding needed information, and provides tangible evidence of each student's ability. (HTH)