Technical Writing: Objectives and Audience

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Questions and Answers

What are the three basic components that determine the purpose of writing a report?

Information needed, persuasion required, and audience’s needs and wants (correct)

Audience’s level of education, background knowledge, and relationship with the writer

Content, tone, and the writer’s expertise

Information needed, tone, and language used

Why is it important to consider the audience’s level of education when writing a report?

To determine the tone and language used in the report

To ensure the writer is an expert in the field

To tailor the content to the audience’s level of understanding (correct)

To gauge the audience’s interest in the subject

What is the second step in understanding the audience when writing a report?

Considering the audience’s relationship with the writer

Determining the audience’s level of education

Gauging the audience’s level of knowledge about the subject (correct)

Determining the audience’s needs and wants

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 (D) Signup and view all the answers

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 (C) Signup and view all the answers

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 (D) Signup and view all the answers

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 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to prioritize the audience’s benefit when writing a report?

To make the writing appeal to the audience (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of composing a report with clarity?

To ensure that the report is easily understood by the intended audience (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of effective sentences and paragraphs?

Keeping sentence length to about 17 to 20 words (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using transition words in a report?

To create a smooth flow of ideas between sentences and paragraphs (B) Signup and view all the answers

When should the passive voice be used in a report?

When you want to deemphasize bad news or avoid blaming a certain individual (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using 'precise, concrete and familiar' vocabulary?

It enhances the clarity of the report (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of recognizing the audience in a report?

To tailor the content to their needs (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to avoid ambiguity in a report?

To enhance the clarity of the report (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using the active voice in a report?

It emphasizes the doer of the action (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

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Description

Learn about the objectives and traits in technical writing, including understanding the audience, their level of education, and their needs and wants.