38 Questions
What is the primary purpose of technical writing according to the course ELE 206?
To report work, summarize results, and document engineering projects
What is essential for applying technical writing skills?
Language proficiency
What is NOT a purpose of technical writing in engineering?
Learning a new programming language
What is the title of the reference book used in the course ELE 206?
Pocket Book of Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists
What is a critical aspect of technical writing?
Delivering information effectively and precisely
What is NOT a topic covered in the course ELE 206?
Language grammar and vocabulary
What is the name of the professor teaching the course ELE 206?
Faleh AlTal
What is the purpose of documenting data in technical writing?
To present data
What is the main purpose of technical writing in science?
To communicate results clearly
What is the philosophy of science based on?
Four steps: observation, hypothesis, testing, and theory
Why is accuracy important in technical writing?
To ensure credibility and reliability
What is the main difference between creative writing and technical writing?
Style and purpose
What is the consequence of vagueness or inaccuracy in scientific reporting?
The scientist's credibility will be jeopardized
What is technical writing associated with?
Science, law, and economy
What is the importance of objectivity in technical writing?
To ensure accuracy and reliability
What is the purpose of technical writing?
To communicate results clearly
What can inaccurate or vague technical reports lead to?
Serious harm to others and legal liabilities
What is a key characteristic of technical writing?
Precise and clear
What level of abstraction is employed in technical writing?
Low level
What is essential to know for successful technical writing?
The audience and purpose
Why is quality checking important in technical writing?
To ensure reader understanding
What should a technical writer aim to avoid?
Vagueness and abstraction
What is not a characteristic of technical writing?
Creativity
Why is it important to consider the audience in technical writing?
To ensure the reader understands the intended meaning
What is a key element of technical writing?
Including logical reasoning and analysis
Why is accuracy important in technical writing?
To ensure correctness and clarity
What type of language is used in technical writing?
Formal and objective
What is the purpose of measurements and observations in technical writing?
To provide quantifiable data
How should technical writing be in terms of grammar and style?
Accurate and correct
What should technical writing be restricted to?
Known facts and data
What is the primary purpose of technical writing?
To share information with an educated and interested audience
What is a characteristic of technical writing?
It presents technical information and data
In technical writing, what is often pre-defined?
The audience and purpose
What type of writing is exemplified in situations where technical writing constraints are well-defined?
Technical writing
What is a common feature of technical writing?
Use of visual elements
What is the primary audience for technical writing?
Educated and interested audience
What is a common format of technical writing?
Specifications sheet
What is the role of the technical writer in technical writing?
To report information accurately
Study Notes
Technical Writing: Necessity & Expectation
- Engineers need technical writing for various purposes, including reporting work, summarizing results, documentation, business communication, intellectual property, research, and applying for jobs.
- Language proficiency is essential for applying technical writing skills.
- A course on technical writing is not a language grammar/vocabulary course, but rather focuses on communication skills and delivering information effectively and precisely.
What is Technical Writing
- Technical writing is different from creative writing in terms of style and purpose.
- Technical writing is associated with science, law, and economy, and relies on accuracy, detail, and objectivity.
Characteristics of Technical Writing
- Technical writing employs a low level of abstraction.
- It is detailed, precise, clear, objective, direct, and not emotional or metaphorical.
- It aims to communicate information effectively and precisely, without trying to be interesting or creative.
Audience and Purpose
- To achieve successful technical writing, the writer should know the audience and purpose.
- The writer should ensure the reader understands the intended meaning precisely and fulfills the purpose/need.
Technical Writing and Reporting
- Technical writing usually involves reporting more than being creative.
- The audience and purpose are often pre-defined, and the writer should share information with an educated and interested audience.
- Examples of technical writing include work progress updates, specifications sheets, patent applications, grant applications, scientific papers, technical news articles, lab reports, and theses.
Characteristics of Technical Writing (continued)
- Technical writing presents technical information and data, and relies heavily on visual elements to present information efficiently.
- Visuals usually require elaboration in the main text.
- Technical writing includes logical reasoning and analysis, equations and numerals to quantify values, measurements and observations, and is accurate, well-documented, and restricted to the known.
Introduction to technical writing and engineering ethics, covering chapters 3-5, with reference to L.Finkelstein's technical writing book
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