Lesson 1: Technical Writing Flashcards

1
Q

A specialized form of exposition:
that is, written communication
used in technical and
occupational fields especially in
fields with
specialized vocabularies such
as science, engineering,
technology, and the health
sciences
* It is type of writing that displays
information on the paper to get
results.
* It is within the writer’s field of
profession or area of discipline
composed of readers who are
familiar with the technical
writer’s subject matter and
writing style

A

Technical Writing

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2
Q
  • The process of gathering
    information from experts and
    presenting it to an audience in a
    clear, easily understandable form
  • A type of writing where the
    author is writing about a
    particular subject that requires
    direction, instruction, or
    explanation
A

Technical Writing

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3
Q

It is producing written outputs
about the three fields of
knowledge: SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, and ENGINEERING
(computer hardware and
software, engineering, chemistry,
aeronautics, robotics, finance,
medical, consumer electronics,
biotechnology, and forestry)

A

Technial Writing

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4
Q

➢It has been recognized as a profession
since World War II.

A

Technical Writing

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5
Q

are
recognized as the earliest forms of
technical writing

A

Aristotle’s works’ Classical Antiquity (384-
322 BC) and Doctrines of Pythagoras

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6
Q

is an example of technical
document and the first technical
document published.

A

Geoffrey Chaucer’s work “Treatise on the
Astrolabe” (dated 1326, an instrument
used for measuring the distance of stars,
planets and for calculating the position of
a ship )

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7
Q

was the first computational technical document

A

➢ Instruction manual for the BINAC computer written by Joseph D.
Chapline in 1949

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8
Q

In 1953, two organizations were founded: ___ Today,
they are known as Society for Technical Communication (STC).

A

the Society of Technical
Writers and the Association of Technical Writers and Editors.

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9
Q

➢ The 1960s saw the growth of technology particularly in electronics
and space industries. The years 1970s and 1980s marked the
expansion of the consumer electronics into people’s lives. In 1980s,
PCs arrived in the workplace, accompanied by large manuals with
names such as ___

A

“Guide to Operation”

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10
Q

How is Technical Writing different from other forms
and styles of writing?

A

✓ The subject matter is more important than the writer’s voice. It uses
an objective tone, not subjective, and it is direct and utilitarian -
emphasizing exactness and clarity rather than elegance or
allusiveness.
✓ Mike Markel notes in Technical Communication: “The biggest
difference between technical communication and the other kinds of
writing you have done is that technical communication has different
focus on audience and purpose.“
✓ Computer Science Professor Raymond Greenlaw notes that:
“Writing style in technical writing is more prescriptive than in creative
writing. In technical writing, we are not so much concerned about
entertaining the audience as we are about conveying specific
information to our readers in a concise and precise manner.“
✓ The definite purpose, strict format and use of appropriate language in
technical writing define the differences between technical writing and
academic writing

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11
Q
  • It has a technical subject matter.
  • It has a formal aspect.
  • It uses scientific point of view.
  • It uses special techniques such
    as definition, description of a
    mechanism, and description of a
    process
  • It is clear and straight-forward.
  • The language is very direct and
    straight to the point.
  • It is detailed and informative.
  • It is structured.
A

Characteristics of Technical Writing

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12
Q

➢ Instructions of all sorts are a
perfect example of technical
writing. When you open up an
instruction manual, as the reader,
the goal is to be informed about
the product so that you can
use it as efficiently as
possible.

➢ Lab reports are another
example of technical writing.
The main purpose of a lab
report is to explain the
occurrences in a lab so that
others will be able to gain
information.

➢ Driving directions can be
considered a type of technical
writing as the goal is to clearly
and efficiently provide
instructions on how to go from
point A to point B

A

Uses of Technical Writing

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13
Q

✓ Business letters
✓ Technical Reports
✓ Oral Reports
✓ Graphic Aids
✓ Instruction Manuals
✓ Policy Manuals
✓ Process Manuals
✓ Handbooks
✓ Memoranda
✓ Proposals
✓ Brochures
✓ Abstracts
✓ Specifications
✓ Articles for Technical
Journals and Magazines

A

Specific Examples of Technical Writing

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