The similarities and differences between Technical Writing and Expressive/Literary Writing.

I. Introduction
●​ Definition of Technical Writing (Papong)
○​ Technical writing is a form of communication that professionals use to convey
information about specialized topics. A technical writer might create content to
provide instructions or explain technical concepts regarding environmental
regulations, computer applications or medical procedures.
○​ Some of the most common industries that rely on technical writing include:
■​ Engineering ■​ Finance
■​ Computer software and ■​ Consumer electronics
hardware ■​ Forestry
■​ Robotics ■​ Aeronautics
■​ Chemistry ■​ Medical and healthcare
■​ Biotechnology

●​ Definition of Expressive/Literary Writing (Honey)

●​ Expressive Writing : Expressive writing comes from our core. It is personal and
emotional writing without regard to form or other writing conventions, like spelling,
punctuation, and verb agreement.

●​ Literary Writing : Literary writing is a form of writing that focuses on artistic

expression, creativity, and storytelling. It includes works such as novels, poems,
short stories, and plays. Literary writing is used in fiction. Examples of literary
writing include poems, novels, short stories, dramas, etc.

II. Similarities (Rivera)

●​ Purpose of communication
Both technical and literary writing are used to share ideas. Technical writing is more on
giving facts or instructions, like in instruction manuals or reports. Literary is more creative
and used to express feelings or tell stories. Though they are different, both want the
readers to understand something.
●​ Audience considerations
Both these types of writing think about who reads it. In technical, they need to make sure
the language is easy enough to follow, even more so for the readers that may not know
much about the topic. In literary writing, they try to make the story or message connect
with the reader’s emotions or interest.
●​ Clarity and coherence in writing

III. Differences
●​ Audience: Technical writing focuses on specific audiences needing information;
expressive/literary writing aims for broader emotional or intellectual impact. (Cy)
Kate Crawford:
The Ethical Dilemma of Artificial Intelligence:

"In the race to develop Al, we've overlooked the human side of the equation. Al is not just a
technical issue-it's a profoundly human issue that reflects the values of those who create it.”

A Call for Responsible Innovation

●​ Style and Tone: Technical writing is straightforward, objective, and precise;
expressive/literary writing is often subjective, imaginative, and stylistically varied.
●​ Content: Technical writing deals with factual information, instructions, or explanations;
expressive/literary writing explores themes, emotions, and narrative arcs. (Porlares)
●​ Purpose:Technical Writing aims to inform, instruct, or explain clearly and concisely (e.g.,
manuals, reports). Expressive/Literary Writing aims to entertain, express emotions, or
provoke thought (e.g., poems, novels). (Porlares)

example in a bigger scenario that demonstrates the similarities and differences between
Technical Writing and Expressive/Literary Writing (reñon, raule)

(ilalagay sa PPT)

Scenario 1: Describing How to Build a Birdhouse

Technical Writing Example:

Context: A user manual for building a birdhouse.

Description:

Step 1:Gather the following materials: 1 wooden board (12"x 8"), nails, a hammer, a saw, and
wood glue.

Step 2: Using the saw, cut the board into the following pieces: two sides (12" x 8"), one roof (12"
x 8"), and one back (12" x 8").

Step 3: Attach the sides to the back using nails, ensuring the edges are aligned. Use wood glue
for additional support.

Step 4: Place the roof on top, securing it with nails. Allow the glue to dry for 1 hour before use."

Key Characteristics:
Clarity: The language is straightforward and direct.

Objective: There is no emotional expression, only the facts and instructions.

Structure: Organized with steps and clear, concise instructions.

(ilalagay sa PPT)

Expressive/Literary Writing Example:

Context: A short story about building a birdhouse.

Description: "As the warm sun bathed the backyard, Jamie sat down at the old workbench, the
smell of fresh wood filling the air. She ran her hands over the smooth surface of the board,
feeling its coolness against her skin. The hammer in her hand felt heavier than it had in years,
but she was determined. Each nail she drove into the wood was a promise of something new,
something created with love and care. Slowly, the birdhouse began to take shape, its edges
rough but full of potential. 'It’s almost done,' she thought, 'just a home for the birds, and a little
piece of my heart.'"

Key Characteristics:

Creativity: The language is descriptive, aiming to evoke emotions and paint a vivid image.

Personal Expression: The narrative reveals Jamie’s feelings and connection to the task.

Structure: More flexible and narrative, not following a strict step-by-step format.

Similarities Highlighted

- Both pieces are aimed at guiding the reader toward a goal: building a birdhouse.

- Both use language carefully, considering the audience (whether it’s a user or a reader seeking
to experience the story).

Differences Highlighted

Technical Writing focuses on clear instructions and precise language, while Expressive Writing
focuses on emotional connection and descriptive language.

-Technical Writing is more structured and formal, with specific steps, while Expressive Writing is
more flexible, often involving narrative techniques and a more relaxed tone.

This scenario shows how both types of writing can be applied to the same subject but differ
greatly in terms of style, purpose, and tone. Let me know if you'd like any more examples!

Scenario 2: Describing How to build a Giant F1 LEGO Car

A manual to build a F1 LEGO Car

Step 1:Start with the base

Build a strong, flat frame that holds everything together. This is the skeleton of the car.

Step 2: Add the suspension system

Connect springs and joints so the wheels can bounce slightly.

Step 3: Build the engine

Put together the engine block with pistons that move when the car rolls.

Step 4: Construct the cockpit

Add the seat and steering wheel.

Step 5: Shape the body

Clip on the outer shell - curved pieces that give the car its aerodynamics.

Step 6: Attach the wings

Build and add the front and back wings.

Step 7: Add the stickers

Place logos, colors, and numbers to give it the official McLaren racing style.

Step 8: Check everything

Make sure all parts are tight and moving correctly.

Key Characteristics:

Clarity: It is meant to be clear and easy to understand.

Expressive/Literary Writing Example:

Building peed, one brick at a time

The roar of engines echoed only in my imagination as I clicked the final spoiler piece into place
on my towering LEGO Formula 1 machine. The red bricks gleamed under soft light like they
were streaking down the straight at Monza. Each section had come together with the satisfying
precision of a pit crew changing tires in 2.1 seconds. I wasn’t just building a toy - I was
constructing a dream. Every axle, every wing, every miniature suspension rod whispered stories
of races won, of speed harnessed. When I stepped back and took in the full form all one
thousand-plus bricks of it I saw not just plastic, but possibility.

Key Characteristics:

Emotional Appeal: Emotional and Imaginative uses a vivid imagery

Personal Voice: It emphasizes experience and personal connection

Similarities

Both are meant to build the F1 LEGO CAR

Difference

Technical writing is direct to the point and follows the step-by-step format

Expressive writing is more on imagination and feelings

IV. Conclusion (Rural/Mirasol)

●​ Importance of both forms of writing in different contexts

Importance in Education:
Technical Writing
Used for research papers, learning materials, syllabus, instructional manual and school
regulations
-​ According to Evangeline, technical writing is essential as it makes the students
competent academically that will be beneficial later on occupationally. As per Seo-Ian
Jang, technical writing helps students improve their communication and ethical skills.
-​ Like being honest with your information and understanding how your data will help and
affect the people.

Expressive/Literary writing
Enhances creativity, emotional understanding, and critical thinking through personal reflections,
stories, and literary analysis.
 -​ According to the study of Pennebaker (2011), expressive writing not only improves
students' writing abilities but also acts as a significant means for emotional expression
and self-reflection. This process helps them gain a deeper insight into their thoughts and
experiences, which can contribute to better academic outcomes and overall mental
health.
-​ It emphasizes that when students engage in writing about their emotions or experiences,
they often experience relief from stress and anxiety. This emotional release can lead to
improved mental health, enabling students to focus better on their studies.

Importance in Workplace:
Technical writing
Used for documentation, reports, proposals and company regulations
-​ According to D. Perrin, Having a good technical writing skills is advantageous as it
provides competency making you valuable in your workplace that could lead to better job
opportunities.

Expressive/Literary writing
Expressive writing encourages brainstorming and the development of a solutions to challenges,
leading to innovative products and services
-​ According to Goncalo (2006), Expressive writing in the workplace is an effective means
of boosting emotional intelligence, nurturing creativity, and enhancing communication. By
enabling employees to express their thoughts and emotions, it fosters personal reflection
and cultivates a collaborative atmosphere where individuals feel appreciated and
acknowledged.
-​ This can lead to increased morale, reduced stress, and improved overall productivity.

Recall (Summary)
To conclude, technical writing and expressive/literary writing are both significant means of
communication. Both aim to communicate ideas effectively, as well as tailoring language to
ensure comprehension, especially for readers with varying levels of familiarity with the topic.
However, both writings vary greatly in terms of their audience, content, purpose, style and tone.
Ultimately, understanding these differences and similarities are crucial for writers to select the
appropriate style and approach for their intended message and audience, ensuring that their
communication is not only effective but also engaging.