Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which element is NOT typically considered part of the rhetorical situation?
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.
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?
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.
In the context of technical writing, _______ is technical terminology or characteristic idioms used by a specific group.
Match each acronym with its full form.
Match each acronym with its full form.
What should a technical writer do if they are unsure whether the audience will understand the jargon they are using?
What should a technical writer do if they are unsure whether the audience will understand the jargon they are using?
It is always better to use passive voice in technical writing because it sounds more professional.
It is always better to use passive voice in technical writing because it sounds more professional.
List three possible meanings of the acronym 'AI'.
List three possible meanings of the acronym 'AI'.
According to the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC), the stage that comes after 'Analysis and planning' is _______.
According to the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC), the stage that comes after 'Analysis and planning' is _______.
Match each phase with the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC).
Match each phase with the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC).
In technical writing, what is the issue with using abstract nouns?
In technical writing, what is the issue with using abstract nouns?
Using clichés in technical writing is an effective way to add detail and precision.
Using clichés in technical writing is an effective way to add detail and precision.
What does the acronym DDLC stand for?
What does the acronym DDLC stand for?
Replacing nouns with _______ typically results in more concise and direct technical writing.
Replacing nouns with _______ typically results in more concise and direct technical writing.
Match the term with the writing tip.
Match the term with the writing tip.
Which of the following sentences exemplifies the best practice of using active voice in technical writing?
Which of the following sentences exemplifies the best practice of using active voice in technical writing?
It is acceptable to use exaggerations and absolutes in technical documents to emphasize the importance of certain features.
It is acceptable to use exaggerations and absolutes in technical documents to emphasize the importance of certain features.
Explain why it is important to 'consider your audience' when using jargon in technical writing.
Explain why it is important to 'consider your audience' when using jargon in technical writing.
Using _______, instead of phrases like 'in light of the fact that,' helps improve clarity and conciseness in technical writing.
Using _______, instead of phrases like 'in light of the fact that,' helps improve clarity and conciseness in technical writing.
Match the following sentences with whether they use active or passive voice.
Match the following sentences with whether they use active or passive voice.
Which sentence best represents the principle of 'writing with precision' by avoiding abstract nouns and unnecessary words?
Which sentence best represents the principle of 'writing with precision' by avoiding abstract nouns and unnecessary words?
Replacing verbs with nouns typically improves writing because it adds complexity.
Replacing verbs with nouns typically improves writing because it adds complexity.
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?'
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?'
Sentences that use unnecessary words should have those words _______ to improve readability.
Sentences that use unnecessary words should have those words _______ to improve readability.
Match each phrase with its more concise counterpart.
Match each phrase with its more concise counterpart.
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'?
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'?
ASD-STE100 is a mandatory standard for technical writing in all computer science courses.
ASD-STE100 is a mandatory standard for technical writing in all computer science courses.
Explain why avoiding 'absolutes' and 'exaggerations' can benefit the quality of technical writing.
Explain why avoiding 'absolutes' and 'exaggerations' can benefit the quality of technical writing.
The Document Development Life Cycle begins with _______ and planning.
The Document Development Life Cycle begins with _______ and planning.
Match sentences to either active voice or passive voice.
Match sentences to either active voice or passive voice.
What is the main reason for using simplified technical language?
What is the main reason for using simplified technical language?
It is appropriate to use jargon in technical writing, regardless of the audience.
It is appropriate to use jargon in technical writing, regardless of the audience.
In technical writing, what should one do if they aren't certain what jargon their audience will be familiar with?
In technical writing, what should one do if they aren't certain what jargon their audience will be familiar with?
The Document Development Life Cycle ends in _______.
The Document Development Life Cycle ends in _______.
Match the examples with the corresponding terminology relating to technical writing.
Match the examples with the corresponding terminology relating to technical writing.
What is the best way to replace an abstract noun?
What is the best way to replace an abstract noun?
More complex words impress.
More complex words impress.
Give an example of why passive voice is less effective.
Give an example of why passive voice is less effective.
Always strive for _______ in writing.
Always strive for _______ in writing.
Match 'What is the simplest, most concise way to phrase this?' with...
Match 'What is the simplest, most concise way to phrase this?' with...
Flashcards
Rhetorical Situation
Rhetorical Situation
A situation involving a writer, audience, purpose, message, and context.
DDLC (Document Development Life Cycle)
DDLC (Document Development Life Cycle)
A process for planning, creating, and maintaining technical documentation.
Goal of Technical English
Goal of Technical English
Writing that is universally understood.
Jargon
Jargon
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Jargon in Technical English
Jargon in Technical English
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Acronym AI
Acronym AI
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Acronym SDC
Acronym SDC
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Replace nouns with verbs
Replace nouns with verbs
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Use short, simple words
Use short, simple words
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Be accurate
Be accurate
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Use the active voice
Use the active voice
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Acceptable passive voice
Acceptable passive voice
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Rhetorical Situation
Rhetorical Situation
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The Goal of Technical Writing
The Goal of Technical Writing
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Jargon definition
Jargon definition
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Address Jargon
Address Jargon
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Simplified technical english
Simplified technical english
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Avoid cliches
Avoid cliches
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Remember your audience
Remember your audience
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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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