Comm 260 quiz 1
How is technical writing organized?
Technical writing is organized under pedagogical orientation, theoretical orientation, and professional orientation.
What does it mean to have a readable style?
"Style refers to the overall way you express your ideas in a document, from the paragraph level to sentence structure and the words and phrases you choose" (Tebeaux and Dragga 57). "Effective writers adjust their style to the needs of their readers: (1) readers' knowledge of the subject, (2) readers' expectations about style based on the specific kind of writing, (3) readers' probable reading level based on the context in which they will read the document, and (4) the writer's relationship to the readers -- the professional roles of both writer and reader" (Tebeaux and Dragga 60).
How do Tebeaux and Dragga define "paragraph"?
"We define a paragraph as a group of sentences that begins with a central, or topic, statement of their content. The supporting sentences build on the idea stated in the topic sentence and should occur in a logical order. In short, * Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that summarizes content to come. * Include only information relevant to the topic sentence. * Place sentences in a logical order. * Avoid long paragraphs.
Give the keys to building an effective sentence and piece of writing. List characteristics of bad writing and good writing.
1. Watch sentence length 2. Keep subjects and verbs close together 3. Write squeaky-clean prose 4. Avoid pompous language; write to express, not to impress 5. Avoid excessive is/are verb forms 6. Use Active voice for clarity Characteristics of Bad Writing: few verbs/number of words per sentence; excessive is/are verbs; abstract nouns; many prepositional phrases; few clauses; passive voice; separation of key words: subject-verb, actor-action; long, rambling sentences; main ideas of sentences is difficult to process; sentence is difficult to understand and must be read several times. Characteristics of Good Writing: many verbs/number of words per sentence; concrete verbs; concrete nouns; few prepositional phrases; linked clauses; active voice; clear actor-action relationship; specific, precise sentences; meaning of sentences is easy to find and follow; meaning is clear after one reading.
What is the different between a research report based on survey data and a research report based on experimentation?
A research report based on survey data "summarizes the findings that . . . result from survey research" (Laplante 84). This type of research is similar to market research. For this type of report, primary data is collected through surveying participants (which is not limited to individuals because the participants could be set of companies or collection of procedures). The results are summarized and conclusions are drawn. A research report based on experimentation describes an experiment and gives its results. This type of writing follows the IMRAD format. (Laplante 87-89).
What are the stages of the writing process? What makes this process iterative?
According to Laplante: Brainstorming, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publishing (pages 48-54). According to Tebeaux and Dragge: Analyzing the situation, Choosing/discovering content, Arranging content, Drafting, Revising, and Editing (page 19). These steps are iterative (or cyclical)because they should be repeated multiple times within the writing process. The writing process is not linear.
According to Tebeaux and Dragga: Before you begin drafting, what must you determine and understand first? What should you avoid in this stage of the writing process?
Before you begin to plan your document, first think about your readers and then your purpose. Every decision you make in developing your document should reflect your audience, their needs, and your purpose. Avoid becoming absorbed in ideas and information you plan to include. Never forget that the person or group who will read the document may have a very different perspective of the content. Your readers cannot climb into your mind and know your thoughts. When you carefully analyze your readers, you can often design and write your report in a way that helps them understand what's in your mind" (page 15). In other words: Writing is about getting your message to your audience in a way that helps them understand your point of view. You cannot explain the topic to your audience the way you would explain it to yourself. Your audience is not you. Figure out what your audience needs to know and in what ways this content needs to be organized and communicated. Writing and speaking are always audience-centered, not writer-centered.
According to Tebeaux and Dragga: What do business readers want? How should this need influence your writing?
Business readers want answers now. This should be done by including important information in the first page or paragraph of your writing.
When/under what circumstances should you send an e-mail?
Emails are pretty much a one-size-fits-all mode of communication. Email messages can be sent to people within your company or those outside of it. They can address a wide range of topics. Keep in mind that emails are easy to save and archive, so the drafting and revising of them should be taken seriously. Also, emails are convenient and good options for time-sensitive communication.
What are Aristotle's rhetorical appeals. List and define each. For what reasons should you use these appeals as a framework for technical writing?
Ethos -- credibility of author Pathos -- audience awareness/emotion Logos -- content, research, message Kairos -- context and timeliness Telos -- purpse These appeals provide a framework that is consistent with the textbooks' central message: you need to be aware of why you are communicating, to whom you are communicating, and how you are communicating. Aristotle's appeals provide critical points of engagement that must be considered when planning, drafting, and revising effective communication.
What are five mistakes Laplante advises you avoid in technical writing? Give examples.
Five mistakes are using erroneous heterographs, acronyms, clichés, comparative phrases, and indefinite pronouns. An example of a erroneous heterograph is course vs. coarse. An example of a cliche is "bite the bullet." An example of a comparative phrase is "better than." An example of an indefinite pronoun is using "it" or "that" without being clear of the subject.
Define Intellectual Property? Why is this a term with which you need to be familiar?
Intellectual property refers to a person or company's ideas and research along with any resulting tangible products (reports, images, graphs, etc.). Five kinds of intellectual property: Copyrightable material; Trademarks; Trade secrets; Inventions; Tangible research property You should be familiar with intellectual property so that you can communicate with others ethically and so that you can protect your work.
What is the difference between internal and external balance?
Internal balance is when relative lengths of sections and subsections are uniform. External balance is when the relative number of minor sections and subsections is relatively uniform.
What words does Laplante use to define the nature of technical writing?
Laplante uses conciseness, precision, intent, and purpose.
When/under what circumstances should you send a letter versus a memo?
Letters are used to correspond with someone outside of your company. They are external documents and more formal than memos and emails. Of course, there are exceptions. Letters of termination or letters of resignation are internal documents.
What do Tebeaux and Dragga recommend you avoid in order to write ethically?
Plagiarism and theft of intellectual property; deliberately imprecise or ambiguous language; manipulation of numerical information; using misleading illustrations; promotion of prejudice; and uncritical use of information/ not fact checking information (pages 44-48)
What is plagiarism, and what steps can you take to avoid it?
Plagiarism is using someone else's work or intellectual property as your own. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to poorly paraphrasing a passage, failure to use quotation marks around copied materials; neglecting to attribute summarized material; using a image or an idea some else created; poorly or improperly documenting material; and not documenting all referenced sources. You avoid plagiarism by giving credit to the materials originator, which is done through proper documentation and citations. "the representation of other's ideas as your own" (Laplante 62) "To use the words, images, or ideas of others without attribution" (Tebeaux and Dragga 45). You can avoid plagiarism by properly citing your sources and attributing ideas to the person/people who generated them. A plagiarism detection tool can help you double check that all material is cited and attributed.
How does precision relate to Laplante's 5Cs?
Precision relates to the five C's because it is the combination of clarity and correctness.
In what ways does business or technical writing differ from academic writing?
Technical, or business, writing describes writing that occurs in a business or work setting. University offices, corporations, research centers, hospitals, businesses of all sizes, even nonprofit organizations produce large quantities of technical writing, which differs from academic writing in a number of important ways. These differences mean that you cannot write on the job the way you have written in school. writing in school and writing at work differ because the purposes and the context of each differ. Thus, the products of each contrast sharply.
What is the appropriate tone for professional business and technical communication?
The appropriate tone should be related to the people you are communicating to in a professional manner.
What are elements of effective document design? How does each contribute to the form and function of the document?
The elements are contrast, alignment, proximity, size, and repetition. Contrast helps differentiate items. Alignment makes sure related items are aligned with one another. Proximity makes sure related items are positioned close together. Size implies the level of importance. Repetition creates unity of builds familiarity.
What are Laplante's 5Cs of technical writing?
The five C's are correctness, clarity, completeness consistency, and changeability.
What is the relationship between the speed of publication and the authority of the source?
The higher the authority of source, the longer it takes to be published. The more editing and reviewing of the source, the longer it takes to be published. For example, it takes longer for archival journals to be published than articles in newsletters and websites since archival journals are peer reviewed and edited more.
What is the purpose of a resume and cover letter? What argument are you making with these documents?
The purpose of a resume and cover letter is to communicate that you are qualified for the position and to give a review of your education, work experience, and relevant past experiences. You are making the claim that you are a qualified candidate and therefore a good fit -- if not THE fit -- for the job.
What are Tebeaux and Dragga's qualities of good technical writing?
The qualities are accuracy, clarity, conciseness, readability, usability, and correctness.
What is the difference between a research report and a technical report?
The research report differs from the technical report in that the research report in intended for exports to help map the way ahead for future research, while the technical report is intended as a primer.
Compare and contrast the two lists of good technical writing qualities. Define technical writing while highlighting its conventions.
The two lists are very similar in that they both stress precision and professionalism. The list from Tebeaux and Dragga focuses more so on the reader's ability to interpret the writing while Laplante focuses more on the piece of writing itself. Technical writing is writing used in a professional manner that is quick to the point, accurate, and with clear information.
What issues should you focus upon when you are revising?
You should focus on logic, completeness, style, illustrations, and document design when revising.
To what should you tailor your resume and cover letter? Why
You should tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job you apply for. This way, you can add and delete skills or past experiences relevant to each individual job.
Technical writing intends to evoke an emotional response.
false