Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of a memoranda in an organization?
What is the primary purpose of a memoranda in an organization?
- To record business transactions
- To promote products to potential customers
- To provide inter-office communication (correct)
- To instruct staff on company policies
Which statement best reflects a principle of good technical writing?
Which statement best reflects a principle of good technical writing?
- Use as many complex words as possible to impress the reader
- Assume the reader has prior knowledge of the topic
- Focus on artistic expression over factual accuracy
- Ensure every part of the document contributes to the overall purpose (correct)
In what way does technical writing primarily differ from creative writing?
In what way does technical writing primarily differ from creative writing?
- Technical writing aims to entertain while creative writing informs
- Creative writing focuses more on informational content
- Technical writing is less organized than creative writing
- Technical writing is factual and straightforward (correct)
What role does technical writing play in business decisions?
What role does technical writing play in business decisions?
Which of the following characteristics is not typically associated with technical writing?
Which of the following characteristics is not typically associated with technical writing?
What aspect of technical writing focuses on the question, 'What will I write about?'
What aspect of technical writing focuses on the question, 'What will I write about?'
Which property of technical writing is primarily concerned with the delivery modes of a report?
Which property of technical writing is primarily concerned with the delivery modes of a report?
In which type of writing is the aim to elicit a response or action from the reader?
In which type of writing is the aim to elicit a response or action from the reader?
What is a formal type of written communication that adheres to specific conventions of structure?
What is a formal type of written communication that adheres to specific conventions of structure?
Which type of writing is characterized by a subjective response to a personal experience?
Which type of writing is characterized by a subjective response to a personal experience?
What refers to the organization of ideas in a technical report?
What refers to the organization of ideas in a technical report?
Which of the following writing types does not necessarily aim to inform through objective analysis?
Which of the following writing types does not necessarily aim to inform through objective analysis?
What is the function of graphic aids in technical writing?
What is the function of graphic aids in technical writing?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Properties of Technical Writing
- Subject Matter: Focuses on a specific technical topic.
- Audience: Targets a specific group of readers with relevant expertise.
- Expression: Delivered through writing or presentation.
- Style: Clear, objective, and concise language, avoiding emotion or bias.
- Arrangement of Materials: Organizes information logically, using chronological, spatial, or general-to-specific order.
Types of Writing
- Technical Writing: Communicates technical information to a specific audience for a specific purpose.
- Creative Writing: Focuses on fiction, poetry, short stories, plays, and novels, prioritizing imagination and creativity.
- Expressive Writing: Subjective expression of personal experiences, like journals and diaries.
- Expository Writing: Objectively explains a topic analytically, such as news reports.
- Persuasive Writing: Emphasizes emotional appeal to influence reader attitudes or actions.
Products of Technical Writing
- Business Letter: Formal written communication following specific elements.
- Contract: Legally binding agreement between parties outlining terms and conditions.
- Printed Action Memo: Pre-formatted memorandum requiring a checkmark for specific actions.
- Graphic Aids: Visual representations (drawings, sketches, illustrations) to aid in understanding data.
- Instructional Manuals: Guides on assembling, maintaining, and operating equipment.
- Brochures: Pamphlets or flyers promoting products to encourage purchasing.
- Proposals: Written suggestions for improving company productivity and success.
- Memoranda: Inter-office communication for disseminating information.
Principles of Good Technical Writing
- Assume the reader is intelligent but may not be informed on the specific topic.
- Establish a clear purpose for the report and ensure each element contributes to this goal.
- Use simple, concrete, and familiar language.
- Follow a clear structure: tell the reader what you will cover, provide the information, then summarize the key points.
- Make the report visually appealing and easy to read.
Purposes of Technical Writing
- Inform management decisions.
- Provide essential information.
- Offer instructions or guidelines.
- Document business transactions through proposals.
- Secure business opportunities.
- Enhance public relations.
- Report to company stockholders.
Technical Writing vs. Creative Writing
- Technical Writing: Factual, straightforward, specific audience, informative, formal, objective, specialized vocabulary, sequential organization.
- Creative Writing: Imaginative, symbolic, general audience, entertaining, informal, subjective, evocative language, artistic organization.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
