Scribd
Upload
60 views16 pages

Chapter 2 Introduction To Technical Writing 1

Technical writing involves specialized subject matter from fields like science, technology, and business and presents accurate information through methods such as definition, classification, and process description. It has practical applications by addressing specific purposes and audiences, and aims to convey information objectively and concisely using techniques like graphs, tables, and specialized terminology. Technical writing is used in areas beyond engineering and architecture to fields like medicine, economics, and psychology.

Uploaded by

Noemi T. Liberato
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
60 views16 pages

Chapter 2 Introduction To Technical Writing 1

Technical writing involves specialized subject matter from fields like science, technology, and business and presents accurate information through methods such as definition, classification, and process description. It has practical applications by addressing specific purposes and audiences, and aims to convey information objectively and concisely using techniques like graphs, tables, and specialized terminology. Technical writing is used in areas beyond engineering and architecture to fields like medicine, economics, and psychology.

Uploaded by

Noemi T. Liberato
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

LESSON 1:

DEFINITION AND
NATURE OF TECHNICAL
WRITING
Technical Writing or report writing is giving
an account or profession, learned by
experience, study, observation, or
description of an aspect of a particular art,
science, trade, or investigation.
It involves three elements at one or more stages of the process:

• A problem or subject matter that is not popular knowledge but, rather, is


specialized in that it belongs to art, science, medicine, engineering,
architecture, business, or the like.
• Study, investigation, observation, analysis, experimentation, and
measurement to be able to collect accurate and precise information
about the problem or subject matter.
• The organization and presentation of the information thus gathered so
that it will be clear and meaningful to the intended readers.
Figure 1: General overview of technical writing applications
Technical writing also shows the following characteristics:

1. Technical writing treats of subject matter related to science and


technology and, lately, has involved other disciplines such as economics,
medicine, psychology, agriculture, radiology, business administration and
others.
2. Technical writing is characterized by certain elements such as its scientific
and technical vocabulary, its use of graphic or visual aids and its use of
conventional report forms.
3. Technical writing observes impartiality and objectivity, shows extreme
care to convey information accurately and concisely and avoids any
attempt to arouse emotion.
4. Technical writing uses certain complex writing techniques such as
definition, classification, description of processes, exemplification, causal
analysis, and others.

5. Technical writing has practicality and power. It is practical because it is


situational, addressing itself to a particular purpose and audience. It is
powerful because it makes things happen. Truly, without manuals, plans
and instructions, our machines, factories and ships would not get built. A
computer would be a collection of worthless boxes without the
instructions attached to it. Our energy crisis and economic and
environmental problems could be resolved one day because the solutions
were set down in technical writing.
6. Technical writing used to involve only engineers and architects
as its primary audience. Today, however, technical writing begins
to attract students from many disciplines business
administration, medical technology, nursing, radiology,
agriculture, economics, forestry, psychology and others.

7. Technical writing courses are worthwhile because they have a


high carry-over value beyond the college days.
SUMMING UP, THE FINISHED TECHNICAL PAPER IS
LIKELY TO SHOW THESE QUALITIES:
 The writing is marked by a no-nonsense approach to the subject it treats.
It is single-minded and earnest. Ideas are seldom introduced for their
interest value alone, they must also be pertinent.
 The purpose of the paper is usually spelled out in the opening paragraph
or two. All included information bears upon the realization of the stated
purpose.
 The vocabulary tends to be specialized. If the reader shares the writer’s
professional specialization, the specialized terms may not be defined
within the text. If he is a layman reader, these terms must be defined.
SUMMING UP, THE FINISHED TECHNICAL PAPER IS
LIKELY TO SHOW THESE QUALITIES:
 Sentences are highly specific and fact filled.
 When appropriate to the material, numbers and dimensions
are numerous, are usually in Arabic form and are exact rather
than rounded to the nearest whole number.
 Signs, symbols and formulas may pepper the discussion. The
terms may be listed and defined in accompanying glossaries.
SUMMING UP, THE FINISHED TECHNICAL PAPER IS
LIKELY TO SHOW THESE QUALITIES:

Graphs and tables may reinforce and expand


upon the surrounding discussion. Figures and
illustrations of all kinds are widely used.
Documentation and credits appear in notes and
bibliographies.
QUIZ # 2
Test I: Choose the letter of your answer.

1. What is observed in technical writing if it does not show emotion at all?


A. Objectivity C. Subjectivity
B. Accurateness D. Partiality
2. Technical writing is situational. It can be used in a particular purpose and
audience.
This meaning falls under _____________.
A. Objectivity C. Practicality
B. Power D. Subjectivity
3. In writing, where can we spot the purpose of the letter?
A. in the next page of the paper
B. in the last part of the paragraph
C. in the middle of the paragraph
D. in the opening paragraph or two
4. What things should we observe in writing a sentences for
letters?
A. Common and obsolete C. Difficult to understand
B. Opinion based D. Specific and fact filled

5. Who are the primary audiences of technical writing?


A. Scientists and chemists
B. Engineers and Architects
C. Artists and Businessmen
D. Agriculturists and economists
Test II: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is
wrong.

1. Technical writing can be used in arts, science, medicine,


engineering, architecture, and business.
2. It is good to use expensive words in technical writing.
3. Organization of thoughts should be considered in technical
writing.
4. Words must be based on opinions and hypothesis.
5. Technical writing should be taught in school in preparation for
future use.
Test II: ENUMERATION
Give three(3) examples of technical
writings for teaching and education
and two(2) examples for day-to-day
business in technical fields
Test IV: Essay Writing

1.What is technical writing? (3 pts.)

2.Why is it important to use factual


information in technical writing? (2pts.)

You might also like