Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which organizational method is used to show how two or more things are similar and different?
Which organizational method is used to show how two or more things are similar and different?
What organizational method is used to identify the reasons behind an event or situation?
What organizational method is used to identify the reasons behind an event or situation?
Which organizational method involves breaking down a topic into smaller parts to understand it better?
Which organizational method involves breaking down a topic into smaller parts to understand it better?
What is the primary purpose of the problem-analysis solution organizational method?
What is the primary purpose of the problem-analysis solution organizational method?
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Which of the following is NOT an organizational method?
Which of the following is NOT an organizational method?
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What is the primary purpose of an interview with the supervisor in a report?
What is the primary purpose of an interview with the supervisor in a report?
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What is the key characteristic of a paragraph that exhibits unity?
What is the key characteristic of a paragraph that exhibits unity?
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What is the primary function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
What is the primary function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
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What is a thesis statement in a report?
What is a thesis statement in a report?
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What is the primary function of transitions in a report?
What is the primary function of transitions in a report?
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Why is it essential to cite sources in a report?
Why is it essential to cite sources in a report?
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What is the primary purpose of testing a report's draft on actual audiences?
What is the primary purpose of testing a report's draft on actual audiences?
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What is the benefit of using a clear and concise thesis statement in a report?
What is the benefit of using a clear and concise thesis statement in a report?
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What is the primary function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
What is the primary function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
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Why is it essential to use transitions in a report?
Why is it essential to use transitions in a report?
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Study Notes
Organizational Methods
- The comparative method is used to show how two or more things are similar and different.
- The causal method is used to identify the reasons behind an event or situation.
- The division/classification method involves breaking down a topic into smaller parts to understand it better.
- The primary purpose of the problem-analysis solution method is to identify a problem, analyze it, and provide a solution.
- Listing is NOT an organizational method.
Good Technical Writing Style
- Varies by audience; considers the reader and builds goodwill
- Maintains consistent and "good" style
- Is, above all, clear
- Attends to visual impact
- Persuades
Building Goodwill
- Use "You-Attitude" to adopt the audience's point of view
- Emphasize what the audience wants to know
- Protect the audience's ego (e.g., avoid using "you" to make accusations)
Avoiding Bias
- Use non-sexist language that treats both sexes neutrally
- Use non-racist and non-ageist language
- Give someone's race or age only if it is relevant to your communication
- Refer to a group by the term it prefers
- Avoid terms that suggest competent members of a certain group are unusual
Half-Truths about Writing
- Don't write as you talk (avoid awkward, repetitive, and badly organized prose)
- Use "I" to tell what you did, said, or saw (it's smoother)
- Avoid beginning sentences with "and" or "but" (they can make ideas seem like afterthoughts)
- Ending sentences with prepositions is okay occasionally
- Avoid using big words to impress people (they can distance you from readers)
Building Better Style
- Write WIRMI (What I Really Mean Is)
- Read drafts aloud to test
- Revise and edit
- Read widely and write a lot
- Study revised sentences
- Polish your style with the 11 techniques that follow
11 Ways to Build Better Style
- Use accurate and appropriate words (consider denotation and connotation)
- Use familiar words
- Eliminate wordiness (cut unnecessary words)
- Put meaning in subject and verb
- Vary sentence length and structure
- Use parallel structure
- Begin most paragraphs with a topic sentence
- Use thesis statements
- Use transitions to link ideas
- Cite sources (always cite and use the citation style your audience prefers)
Draft Testing
- Test drafts on actual audiences
- Measure how long it takes to find information they need
- Check if they make mistakes using it
- Ask if they think the draft is easy to use
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Description
Identify and understand different organizational methods used in writing, including division, compare/contrast, cause/effect, and problem-analysis solution.
