Lesson 1: Technical Writing

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Technical Writing

Question 2

• 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

Answer 2

Technical Writing

Question 3

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)

Answer 3

Technial Writing

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Technical Writing

Question 5

are
recognized as the earliest forms of
technical writing

Answer 5

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

Question 6

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

Answer 6

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 )

Question 7

was the first computational technical document

Answer 7

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

Question 8

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

Answer 8

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

Question 9

➢ 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 ___

Answer 9

“Guide to Operation”

Question 10

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

Answer 10

✓ 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

Question 11

• 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.

Answer 11

Characteristics of Technical Writing

Question 12

➢ 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

Answer 12

Uses of Technical Writing

Question 13

✓ 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

Answer 13

Specific Examples of Technical Writing