Topic 3.1: Business Writing

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Questions and Answers

Which element is NOT typically considered part of the rhetorical situation?

  • Audience
  • Message
  • Cost Analysis (correct)
  • Writer

The primary goal of 'Technical English' is to use complex vocabulary to impress the audience.

False (B)

In technical writing, why is it important to ensure that your message is received correctly and efficiently?

to avoid misinterpretation and wasted time

In the context of technical writing, _______ is technical terminology or characteristic idioms used by a specific group.

<p>jargon</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each acronym with its full form.

<p>AI = Artificial Intelligence SDC = Student Development Coordinator</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a technical writer do if they are unsure whether the audience will understand the jargon they are using?

<p>Replace the jargon with a simpler alternative or define and explain the term. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is always better to use passive voice in technical writing because it sounds more professional.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

List three possible meanings of the acronym 'AI'.

<p>Academic Integrity, Artificial Intelligence, Air India</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC), the stage that comes after 'Analysis and planning' is _______.

<p>design</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each phase with the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC).

<p>Maintenance = Adjustments post publishing Publishing = Making content available to the audience</p> Signup and view all the answers

In technical writing, what is the issue with using abstract nouns?

<p>They can lead to wordy and less direct sentences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using clichés in technical writing is an effective way to add detail and precision.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym DDLC stand for?

<p>Document Development Life Cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Replacing nouns with _______ typically results in more concise and direct technical writing.

<p>verbs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with the writing tip.

<p>Active Voice = Helps establish who is doing what. Simpler Language = Helps ensure the message is understood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences exemplifies the best practice of using active voice in technical writing?

<p>The developers tested the program. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to use exaggerations and absolutes in technical documents to emphasize the importance of certain features.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why it is important to 'consider your audience' when using jargon in technical writing.

<p>jargon can be important within a group but meaningless outside of it</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using _______, instead of phrases like 'in light of the fact that,' helps improve clarity and conciseness in technical writing.

<p>because</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sentences with whether they use active or passive voice.

<p>The code was reviewed by peers. = passive The engineers designed the system. = active</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence best represents the principle of 'writing with precision' by avoiding abstract nouns and unnecessary words?

<p>You must submit your application no later than Friday. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Replacing verbs with nouns typically improves writing because it adds complexity.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of how to rephrase a sentence to replace an abstract noun with a verb. For instance, transform 'Have you submitted your application?'

<p>Have you applied?</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sentences that use unnecessary words should have those words _______ to improve readability.

<p>removed</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each phrase with its more concise counterpart.

<p>In light of the fact that = because The button is rectangular in shape = The button is rectangular</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate and concise way to phrase the sentence: 'If there are any points on which you require explanation or further particulars we shall be glad to furnish such additional details as may be required by telephone'?

<p>Should you require any clarification, please call. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

ASD-STE100 is a mandatory standard for technical writing in all computer science courses.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why avoiding 'absolutes' and 'exaggerations' can benefit the quality of technical writing.

<p>maintains credibility and improves accuracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Document Development Life Cycle begins with _______ and planning.

<p>analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match sentences to either active voice or passive voice.

<p>The code was reviewed by John. = Passive John reviews the code. = Active</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for using simplified technical language?

<p>To make the text universally understood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is appropriate to use jargon in technical writing, regardless of the audience.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In technical writing, what should one do if they aren't certain what jargon their audience will be familiar with?

<p>ask</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Document Development Life Cycle ends in _______.

<p>maintenance</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the examples with the corresponding terminology relating to technical writing.

<p>Ballpark Figure = Cliché Samsung Developer Conference = Acronym</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to replace an abstract noun?

<p>With a verb. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

More complex words impress.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of why passive voice is less effective.

<p>the main point is less clear</p> Signup and view all the answers

Always strive for _______ in writing.

<p>accuracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match 'What is the simplest, most concise way to phrase this?' with...

<p>The most important concept of communicating your message = Remember your audience</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rhetorical Situation

A situation involving a writer, audience, purpose, message, and context.

DDLC (Document Development Life Cycle)

A process for planning, creating, and maintaining technical documentation.

Goal of Technical English

Writing that is universally understood.

Jargon

Technical terminology or idioms specific to a particular group or field.

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Jargon in Technical English

Consider your audience and define the term.

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Acronym AI

Academic Integrity, Artificial Intelligence, Air India

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Acronym SDC

Student Development Coordinator, Senate Disciplinary Committee...

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Replace nouns with verbs

Replace abstract nouns with active verbs for clarity.

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Use short, simple words

Write like you speak.

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Be accurate

State the exact measurement of an item.

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Use the active voice

Language is more assertive, concise, and clear.

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Acceptable passive voice

Focus on the action, not necessarily the actor.

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Rhetorical Situation

Writer, Audience, Purpose, Message and Context

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The Goal of Technical Writing

To clearly communicate information using simple and accessible language.

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Jargon definition

Words or phrases that are unique to a specific field or group.

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Address Jargon

Find simple alternatives or define and explain them.

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Simplified technical english

Using simplified verbs can deliver a message.

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Avoid cliches

To make a claim more concise while maintaining detail.

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Remember your audience

Clear and effective communication.

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Study Notes

Writing for Your Audience

  • Writing should be tailored to the audience.

Rhetorical Situation

  • Consists of the writer, audience, purpose, message, context, and culture.

Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC)

  • Includes analysis and planning, design, content development, proofreading and editing, publishing, and maintenance.

Goal of Technical English

  • Writing should be simple and universally understood.

Why is technical writing important?

  • To ensure the intended message is received correctly and efficiently.
  • It is important to consider you are writing for an audience.
  • The audience will most likely not read every word.

Jargon

  • Technical terminology or idioms specific to an activity or group.
  • Important within a group but meaningless outside of it.
  • Consider the audience and their understanding when using jargon in technical English.
  • If there is doubt that the audience will understand, define and explain the term or find a simpler alternative.

Acronyms

  • AI can mean Academic Integrity, Artificial Intelligence, or Air India.
  • SDC can mean Student Development Coordinator, Senate Disciplinary Committee, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Sub-committee on Ship Design and Construction, or Samsung Developer Conference.

Simplified Technical English

  • ASD-STE100 applies to Aerospace & Defence (but is not required for this class).

Writing with Precision

  • Replace nouns with verbs to improve writing style.

Abstract Nouns

  • Watch out for abstract nouns.
  • For example instead of "Have you submitted you application for Coop?", write "Have you applied for co-op?"
  • Try not to use statements such as "Could you please give your recommendation for the best Ipad to buy?", write instead: "Can you recommend which iPad I should buy?"

Word Choice

  • Complex words do not impress, use short and simple words.
  • Write "If you have any questions, please phone", not "If there are any points on which you require explanation or further particulars we shall be glad to furnish such additional details as may be required by telephone"

Conciseness

  • What is the simplest, most concise way to phrase questions?

Clichés

  • Avoid clichés, they are overused and often lack detail.
  • Avoid using approximations such as "ballpark figure" and "approximately".
  • Instead of writing "In light of the fact that", write "because".

Unnecessary Words

  • Remove any unnecessary words when writing.
  • "We will just take the essentials", not "We will just take the basic essentials."
  • Write "The button is rectangular", and not "The Button is rectangular in shape".

Accuracy

  • Be accurate and avoid exaggerations and absolutes.
  • Don't say "This system will never be obsolete."
  • Don't Say "Our platform is perfectly matched to your requirements."

Active Voice

  • Use active voice whenever possible.
  • Active voice follows Subject -> Verb -> Object order.
  • For Example: Instead of "The server was rebooted by Susan," write "Susan rebooted the server."
  • Subject → verb → object.
  • Susan rebooted the server.

Passive Voice

  • Passive voice can be less clear, the order is Object -> Verb -> Subject, should be avoided.

Exceptions for Passive Voice

  • Passive voice is acceptable when you don't care about the subject.
  • For example: "Dalhousie University was founded in 1818"

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