Engineering: Paragraph Writing

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the MOST important function of a topic sentence in a technical paragraph?

  • To briefly outline the main subject or argument of the paragraph. (correct)
  • To confuse the reader and make them anticipate what is coming.
  • To provide a detailed summary of all the supporting evidence.
  • To introduce the writer's personal opinions on the subject.

In technical writing, what is the primary purpose of supporting sentences within a paragraph?

  • To create emotional appeal.
  • To contradict the information presented in the topic sentence.
  • To introduce new and unrelated ideas to expand the scope of the paragraph.
  • To provide evidence, examples, and explanations that develop the topic sentence's claim. (correct)

What role does a concluding sentence play in effectively structuring a technical paragraph?

  • It distracts the reader.
  • It avoids reiterating the main point.
  • It presents a new argument.
  • It summarizes the information presented in the paragraph and provides a sense of closure. (correct)

Which of the following best describes 'coherence' in the context of technical writing?

<p>The logical flow of ideas and clear connections between sentences. (A)</p>
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What is the BEST way to achieve cohesion within a technical paragraph?

<p>Employing transition words and phrases to link ideas and sentences together. (A)</p>
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A paragraph about the efficiency of solar panels lacks a clear topic sentence. What is the MOST likely consequence of this omission?

<p>The reader may struggle to understand the main point or purpose of the paragraph. (D)</p>
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In a technical report, a paragraph presents data on the tensile strength of different alloys but does not include units of measurement. What impact will this omission have on the paragraph's effectiveness?

<p>It will significantly reduce the reader's ability to interpret and compare the data accurately. (B)</p>
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Which revision offers the MOST improvement in the following paragraph's coherence? Original: 'The engine overheated. The car stopped. It was a hot day.'

<p>'The engine overheated, and the car stopped; it was a hot day, which likely contributed to the problem.' (B)</p>
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A technical paragraph about a new bridge design includes complex jargon without definition. What is the MOST likely consequence for the reader?

<p>The reader may struggle to understand the paragraph due to unfamiliar terminology. (A)</p>
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In technical writing, what is the primary benefit of using clear and concise language?

<p>It minimizes the potential for misinterpretation and enhances the reader's understanding. (A)</p>
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Consider a paragraph that includes the sentence: 'Further research is needed.' Why might this NOT be an effective concluding sentence in a technical document?

<p>It’s vague and doesn't summarize the information presented. (C)</p>
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You are writing a paragraph describing the process of calibrating a sensor. Which organizational approach would be MOST effective?

<p>Chronological order, detailing each step in the calibration process. (D)</p>
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Which sentence BEST integrates supporting evidence into a paragraph discussing the environmental impact of concrete production?

<p>&quot;Concrete production releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas (Smith, 2022).&quot; (B)</p>
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A paragraph argues that electric vehicles are superior to gasoline cars but only cites sources from electric vehicle manufacturers. What is the MOST significant weakness of this paragraph?

<p>Bias due to reliance on potentially biased sources. (A)</p>
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In a paragraph discussing the benefits of a new algorithm, where should you include a figure illustrating its performance?

<p>Near the supporting sentences that refer to and explain the figure. (D)</p>
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What is the MOST effective strategy for ensuring a technical paragraph is accessible to a diverse audience?

<p>Define technical terms and explain complex concepts clearly. (D)</p>
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Which of the following represents the BEST use of a transition word or phrase to improve the flow of a technical paragraph?

<p>&quot;The experiment failed. However, further analysis revealed a critical flaw in the initial setup.&quot; (C)</p>
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You are peer-reviewing a technical paragraph and notice that the supporting sentences introduce ideas not mentioned in the topic sentence without explaining the connection. What feedback would be MOST helpful?

<p>&quot;Revise the topic sentence to reflect all the ideas discussed in the paragraph, or remove the unrelated information.&quot; (C)</p>
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A technical paragraph concludes with the sentence, 'This proves my point.' What is the MOST effective way to improve this concluding sentence?

<p>Elaborate on the findings and summarize how they support the paragraph's main idea. (D)</p>
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In technical writing, what is the purpose of including specific details and examples in a paragraph?

<p>To clarify abstract ideas and provide concrete support for the arguments presented. (B)</p>
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Flashcards

Topic Sentence

The main idea or subject of the paragraph.

Supporting Sentences

Sentences that provide details, evidence, and explanations to support the topic sentence.

Concluding Sentence

The final sentence of a paragraph that summarizes the main point or transitions to the next paragraph.

Coherence

The quality of being logical and consistent, enabling the reader to understand the relationships among ideas.

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Cohesion

The connection of ideas at the sentence level, often achieved through transitional words and phrases.

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Technical Accuracy

In technical writing, the use of precise and specific language appropriate to the field of study.

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Study Notes

  • Effective communication is important in engineering.
  • A well-structured paragraph has a topic, supporting, and concluding sentence.
  • Logical flow enhances understanding.
  • The lesson objective is to improve paragraph writing skills.

Analyzing Sample Paragraphs

  • Students are divided into groups
  • They must identify the topic, supporting, and concluding sentences in sample paragraphs.
  • They will categorize the paragraphs as either “effective” or “ineffective.”
  • They must provide reasons for their choices.
  • Each group will present one example to the class, explaining their assessment.

Writing a Technical Paragraph

  • Each student will write a technical paragraph based on the assigned topic.
  • They must include a clear topic sentence, at least three supporting sentences, and a strong concluding sentence.
  • Encourage the use of engineering terminology.
  • Students share their paragraphs in pairs, providing feedback to one another.
  • Feedback should focus on clarity, coherence, and technical accuracy.

Closure and Assessment

  • Written paragraphs are evaluated based on structure, clarity, and technical accuracy.
  • Students can ask questions about the paragraph writing process.

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