Tone in Writing: Objective and Formal

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of technical communication?

To persuade the audience
To help someone accomplish a specific goal or task (correct)
To provide entertainment
To convey emotions

What is the main goal of a compare and contrast essay?

To examine the relationships between topics (correct)
To highlight the importance of a topic
To argue for one position
To summarize a literary work

What is a useful tool in preparing a compare and contrast essay?

A timeline
A Venn Diagram (correct)
A flowchart
A mind map

What is the purpose of a thesis in a compare and contrast essay?

To present a controlling argument for the essay (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two common structures of a compare and contrast essay?

Block and point-by-point (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of technical communication in a business setting?

To improve employee productivity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for effective technical communication?

To be clear, concise, direct, and to the point (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of technical communication?

To identify the intended audience (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of technical communication?

A user manual (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are compare and contrast words and transitions important in an essay?

They help to identify and write compare and contrast essays (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of writing with an objective tone?

It is impersonal and lacks personal biases. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between objective tone and formal tone in writing?

Using an objective tone helps create a formal tone. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should a writer's language and word choices include to create a formal tone?

Precise and exact words. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using the third-person point of view in writing?

It eliminates personal pronouns and creates a more formal tone. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using passive voice in writing?

To create a formal and objective tone. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what situations is a formal, objective tone necessary or desirable?

In situations where a professional, authoritative impression is necessary or desired. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a conclusion in a written piece?

To summarize the main points in a fresh way. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to writing a powerful conclusion?

Using clever writing techniques and adding important details. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a compare and contrast essay?

To highlight the similarities and differences between topics. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key element in creating a formal tone in writing?

Using objective language and word choices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays, "to compare" means to discuss similarities, and "to contrast" means to discuss differences.
These essays are useful in examining relationships between topics in subjects like literature, history, and art.
Venn Diagrams can help prepare a compare and contrast essay by separating similarities and differences into interlocking circles.
The diagram can aid in crafting a thesis that highlights surprising differences or similarities between two topics.

Structure of Compare and Contrast Essays

The block method covers all points about one subject, then covers the other.
The point-by-point method discusses a point of similarity or difference about both subjects within a paragraph.

Technical Communication

Technical communication is used to help someone accomplish a specific goal or task.
The essentials of technical communication are to be clear, concise, direct, and to the point.
The main goal is to help the reader understand directions or processes in simple terms.
Businesses can use technical communication to increase productivity, create training manuals, and office memos.
The intended audience must be clear, and the writer must consider what is needed to help the audience understand the process or instructions.

Examples of Technical Communication

Quick reference guides
Manuals
Diagrams
Online help
User assistance guides (FAQs)
Newsletters
Website content

Tone in Writing

Objective tone is impersonal and lacks any mention of the writer's feelings or opinions.
Formal tone follows the conventions of professional writing.
Objective tone helps create a formal tone through language, point of view, and passive voice.
Precise language, third-person point of view, and passive voice are essential for a formal, objective tone.

Writing a Powerful Conclusion

Restate the main points from the thesis statement in a fresh way.
Add a couple of important details.
Use clever writing techniques.
Make the point in a bigger way.

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Description

Learn how to create an objective and formal tone in writing through language, point of view, and passive voice. Understand the importance of tone in professional writing.