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Definition

The document discusses techniques for technical writing, specifically definition. It outlines 10 methods that can be used to expand a formal definition: 1) giving uses/functions, 2) giving origin, 3) giving causes/effects, 4) describing appearance, 5) explaining what is not, 6) analyzing parts, 7) classifying, 8) stating where from, 9) giving collocations, and 10) giving examples. The document also lists 11 techniques that can be used for extended definition: 1) etymology, 2) history, 3) cause and effect, 4) description, 5) principles of operation, 6) classification, 7) contrast/negation, 8) comparison, 9) analogy, 10)

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88 views14 pages

Definition

The document discusses techniques for technical writing, specifically definition. It outlines 10 methods that can be used to expand a formal definition: 1) giving uses/functions, 2) giving origin, 3) giving causes/effects, 4) describing appearance, 5) explaining what is not, 6) analyzing parts, 7) classifying, 8) stating where from, 9) giving collocations, and 10) giving examples. The document also lists 11 techniques that can be used for extended definition: 1) etymology, 2) history, 3) cause and effect, 4) description, 5) principles of operation, 6) classification, 7) contrast/negation, 8) comparison, 9) analogy, 10)

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TECHNIQUES OF TECHNICAL WRITING

Definition
Definition
• Successful writers employ a variety of techniques in their
writing. However, the kind of writing dictates the techniques
to be employed by the writer. For instance, if one does a
brochure, he use description more than any other
technique; if he writes a fire incident report, he uses
narration more than any other. In technical writing, the
techniques basically employed are definition, definition,
description, classification, partitioning or analysis,
causation (causal analysis), comparison, contrast, and
interpretation.
Formal Definition
• It focuses special attention on a term. If the writer finds the formal
sentence definition, more effective than the informal definition, the
technique of formal definition must be employed.

Formal Sentences Definition. It has three parts: term, genus, and differentia

a. Term – the concept defined

b. Genus – the family to which the term belong

c. Differentia – the specific characteristics of the species which


sets it apart from all others of it class
Methods of Definition
There are different ways by which we can expand a formal
definition. Some of these methods are as follows:

1. giving the uses or the functions of a term

Example:
One of the organs we cannot live without is the liver,
which is the largest organ in our body. It enables the
body to function efficiently by filtering toxic substances
from the blood. It is responsible for producing proteins,
bile, and immune agents, without which, our body will
not be able to combat infection and disease.
2. giving the origin of the term

Example:
The word placebo comes from a Latin word which
means pleasing or acceptable. It refers to the desire of
a person who seeks the help of the doctor to be
healed.
3. giving its causes and or effects, advantages or
disadvantages

Example:
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can cause
headaches and intestinal and rinary problems when
taken in excess doses. It can also increase iron
absorption, a condition which can have adverse effects
on people with certain blood disorders.
4. illustrating or describing its appearance

Example:
An organ is a large complex musical wind instrument
with pipes, stops, and a keyboard.
5. explaining what is not

Example:
A good breakfast cannot be equated with just a cup of
coffee and a cookie. Neither that it just consist of one
serving of fruit and a glass of water. Nor should it be a
bowl of rice and coffee.
6. analyzing its parts

Example:
The process of writing consists of four stages: getting
ideas, getting started, writing drafts, and revising.
( Raimes, 1983) The first require the writer to brainstorm
with peers and other persons to generate topics to write
on. The second requires him or her to start locating
sources and taking down notes. The third is the writing
stage itself. The last requires the writer to polish the
initially produced manuscript.
7. classifying it

Example:
Theobromen belongs to a class of alka loid molecules known as
methylxanthine found in cocoa beans.

8. stating where it is from

Example:
Stress is a term which was introduced in 1956 in the American
vernacular.
9. giving its collocations

Example:
Stress has always been associated with changes, worries,
pressures, and problems.

10. giving examples

Example:
Examples of lyric poems are sonnet, song, ode, simple lyric, and
the elegy.
Techniques of Extended Definition
As our readings indicate, definition can begin
with a synonym, a brief phrase, or a formal
sentence that explains the term/field in its
most basic form. But this assignment requires
you to write an extended definition using the
tactics of definition. The techniques you use will
depend on what is appropriate for audience and
subject matter. These techniques are listed
below.
1. Etymology – explaining origin of the word itself
2. History – if relevant, discussing the history of the term/its use/controversies
associated with it
3. Cause and Effect – discussing how the situation came about and what effects it
may have
4. Description – listing and defining the component parts
5. Principles of Operation – discussing how topic in question functions, including
any special materials or conditions required
6. Classification - showing how the topic fits into a larger category
7. Contrast/Negation – showing how the topic differs from others in the same class
8. Comparison – showing how the topic is similar to others in the class
9. Analogy – explaining by comparing two dissimilar topics, where the second is
familiar to the audience
10.Examples
11.Illustrations

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