16 Questions
What are the three basic components that determine the purpose of writing a report?
Information needed, persuasion required, and audience’s needs and wants
Why is it important to consider the audience’s level of education when writing a report?
To tailor the content to the audience’s level of understanding
What is the second step in understanding the audience when writing a report?
Gauging the audience’s level of knowledge about the subject
Why is it important to consider the audience’s relationship with the writer when writing a report?
To choose the appropriate content, tone, and language
What is the main goal of writing a report on the harmful effects of radiation for technicians in an atomic plant?
To persuade them to practice caution when working with radiation
According to Guffey and Du-Babcock, how can a writer develop empathy for the readers?
By adopting a positive tone, cultivating a “You-Attitude”, sounding conversational, and using familiar vocabulary
What is the purpose of giving detailed information in a report on the harmful effects of radiation for technicians in an atomic plant?
To help them understand the potential hazards of radiation
Why is it important to prioritize the audience’s benefit when writing a report?
To make the writing appeal to the audience
What is the primary goal of composing a report with clarity?
To ensure that the report is easily understood by the intended audience
Which of the following is a characteristic of effective sentences and paragraphs?
Keeping sentence length to about 17 to 20 words
What is the purpose of using transition words in a report?
To create a smooth flow of ideas between sentences and paragraphs
When should the passive voice be used in a report?
When you want to deemphasize bad news or avoid blaming a certain individual
What is the main advantage of using 'precise, concrete and familiar' vocabulary?
It enhances the clarity of the report
What is the primary purpose of recognizing the audience in a report?
To tailor the content to their needs
Why is it essential to avoid ambiguity in a report?
To enhance the clarity of the report
What is the primary benefit of using the active voice in a report?
It emphasizes the doer of the action
Study Notes
Objectives/Traits in Technical Writing
- Identifying the purpose of writing involves understanding the audience, information needed, and persuasion required
Understanding Audience
- Consider the audience's level of education to tailor content and writing style
- Gauge the audience's level of knowledge about the subject to build upon their foundation
- Consider the relationship with the audience (e.g., boss, students, colleagues) to choose content, tone, and language
- Exercise: Writing a report for technicians on radiation hazards, prioritizing their benefits and using a positive, conversational tone
Enhancing Comprehension
- Factors increasing comprehension:
- Clarity
- Conciseness
- Accessible document design
- Audience recognition
- Accuracy (grammar)
Achieving Clarity
- Use precise, concrete, and familiar vocabulary
- Create effective sentences and paragraphs:
- Keep sentence length to 17-20 words
- Introduce a single main idea at the beginning of a paragraph
- Support with vivid details
- Additional practices for clarity:
- Avoid ambiguity
- Prefer active voice
- Exclude personal introductions and conclusions
- Use transition words
Learn about the objectives and traits in technical writing, including understanding the audience, their level of education, and their needs and wants.
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