Technical Writing: Classification

• Classifications do not require a special format, but use headings, lists, notices, and graphics as in any technical document

Module 1: Exposition

• Exposition is a writing technique expressing a writer's intention.
• Intentions for exposition include explaining, analyzing, classifying, defining, directing, comparing, clarifying, presenting, and interpreting.

Classification

• Classification involves dividing something into groups based on criteria.
• It is used when a writer believes there are shared qualities in a subject.
• Classification is a technical writing technique that explains something by breaking it into categories based on similarities.
• Keywords indicating classification include "classes," "kinds," "types," "categories," "sorts," or "groups."
• Classification breaks a subject into small chunks for evaluation and selection.
• After deciding what to classify, identify the classes and the principle of classification
• The principle of classification sorts items into classes, requiring careful application of only one principle at a time.

Module 2: Definition

• Definitions give concise and exact meanings to unfamiliar words.
• Definition explains the meaning of an abstract term or concept.
• The term "definition" comes from the Latin words "finire" (to limit) and "de" (from).
• A definition limits the reader's understanding to avoid confusion with similar terms.

Formal Definition

• Formal definitions require a pattern, including the species, the genus, and the differentia.

Simple Definition Notes

• The species or term being defined can be introduced by a determiner.
• The genus or class/category is linked to the species by a linking verb; both can be introduced by a determiner.
• A differentia completes the definition by giving unique characteristics of the term within its genus.

Don'ts in Formal Definition

• Avoid tautology or circular definitions.
• Avoid analogy or figurative definitions.
• Avoid negative or "no-not" definitions.
• Avoid using "is where" or "is when."

Informal Definition

• Informal definitions appear as a synonym, phrase, or clause set off by dashes, colons, commas, parentheses, italics, or bold face.
• They can also follow another sentence.

Extended, Expanded, or Amplified Definition

• This definition expands beyond a sentence into a paragraph of 3-10 sentences.
• Ways to expand a definition include etymology, word derivation, historical definition, negation or elimination, operating principle, comparison-contrast, analysis by partitioning, use of examples, explication, operational definition, and stipulative definition.

Etymology or Word Derivation

• Etymology gives the linguistic origin based on the country that first introduced the term.

Historical Definition

• The historical definition stresses the term's development and includes people, places, and dates significant to its existence.

Negation or Elimination

• Negation focuses on aspects, elements, or properties that do not contribute to the term's existence, using negative sentences.

Operating Principle

• The operating principle stresses the process of production or creation, explaining sequential events in chronological order.

Comparison and Contrast

• Comparison points out similarities/differences to other concepts, using conjunctions.

Analysis by Partitioning

• Partitioning clarifies the concept by examining the nature, characteristics, and function of each component or part.

Use of Examples

• Use of Examples enumerates the many uses of a concept in life.

Explication

• Explication uses the second or following sentences to give the meanings of a difficult expression.

Module 3: Description of a Process

• Describing a process explains events occurring in order, presenting related events chronologically.
• It explains the arrangement of a sequence in chronological order and includes sequence, instruction, and procedure.
• Describing a process is used to keep proof of occurrence, inform, or instruct.

Types of Processes

• "How It Operates or How It Works": Focuses on the function of something, using passive voice and indicative mood, and present-tense verbs.
• "How to Do It": Emphasizes how to perform something, stressing the human act, using active voice and imperative mood.
• "How It Happens": This is process analysis, subject-oriented, stresses the process itself and time; uses passive voice and indicative mood.
• "How It Is Organized": Explains how group constituents are arranged.

Active vs. Passive Voice

• Active Voice: The subject performs the action (e.g., "The dog bit John").
• Passive Voice: The subject is acted upon (e.g., "John was bitten by the dog").

Imperative vs. Indicative Mood

• Imperative Mood: Commanding or requesting (e.g., "Turn off the television").
• Indicative Mood: Stating something (e.g., "The television needs repair").

Parts of a Process Description

• Introduction: Gives a formal, one-sentence logical definition with name, class, and purpose.
• It includes background knowledge related to the doer, time, place, or purpose, and the final part enumerates major steps in order.
• Body: Describes each major stage, its purpose, conditions, and circumstances, including a detailed breakdown of sub-stages, possibly using a flowchart.
• The body utilizes transitional devices (e.g. first, next, then) to connect steps.
• Conclusion: Summarizes major steps, points out the effects, includes pros/cons, precautions, and conditions.

Description of a Mechanism

• This technique uses words and visuals to create a picture of a mechanism sequentially, appealing to the senses.

Parts of Describing a Mechanism

• Introduction: Start with a formal definition, include extended definitions (etymology, history, elimination), describe appearance by quantifiable characteristics (size, shape, weight, color, texture, etc.) and lists parts.
• Body: Discuss the major parts of the mechanism, following the order of introduction.
• Conclusion: Explains the operational principles of the mechanism, mentioning characteristics, pros/cons, limitations, and maintenance strategies.

Module 4: Mechanism

• A mechanism is an object or system with working parts, like tools, instruments, and machines.
• Mechanisms also include the human body, systems, universe, or a city with parts that work together.
• Technical people need to understand what mechanisms do, what they look like, what parts they have, and how the parts work.