UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY

(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)

CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

Name: CRYSEL ANN E. LOMEDA Instructor: Mr. Marlon D. Celaje, RCrim

Year & Section: BSCR 3-A Subject: CDI-5 (Technical English 1)

LEARNER’S GUIDE IN CDI-5

(Basics of Technical English)
Objectives:

➢ Providing learners with the skills and abilities

➢ Communicate in ways that make learners effective to operate confidently

➢ To develop strong conversation & role play skills

➢ To improve vocabulary

Focus on a profession “Professional” is a category. It is a very general term that includes different
professions. Professional English classes and courses usually cover the basic ideas, topics, and vocabulary
that you will need to know as per your required setting.
Technical (Noun) connected with the practical use of machinery, methods, etc. in science and industry.
English is the language, originally of England, and now the English language is spoken in many other
countries and used as a language of international communication throughout the world.
• S/he speaks good English.
• I need to improve my English.

Extents & Coverage: In technical English, we use words like phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. It is not
restricted to use the of formal words in the fields of engineering or technology or in the field of sciences or the
use of law as well. Wherein the speaker uses certain technical or specialized terms to transmit and interchange
messages within their specialization.
Technical English is used in both oral and written. It is the construction and presentation of a speaker,
he speaks.

Dimensions: A reader should understand the nuances or the multifarious aspects of technical English:
listening, speaking, reading, writing, (LSRW) skills, grammar, and vocabulary etc., these skills are very.
crucial for a speaker to improve his/her fluency in English.
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
Grammar and vocabulary: These ae are crucial parts to improve the fluency and accuracy in your English,
there are points that English should be free from all the grammatical errors, these points include the selection
of appropriate words according to the contexts.

Reading- Reading skill refers to the ability to understand written text. It is advisable to develop this skill at early
age of schooling. When students comprehend or understand written text, and combine their understanding
with prior knowledge, they can perform the following three reading-comprehension skills.
1. Read the variety of materials. Do not limit yourself to the textbooks.
2. Circle unknown or unfamiliar words as you read.
3. After reading, recall as much of the information as possible. Jot down points if you like.
4. To enhance understanding of the content in a text
5. To improve attention and concentration while reading

Skimming and Scanning: Skimming and scanning are reading techniques that use rapid eye movement and
keywords to move quickly through text for slightly different purposes. Skimming is reading rapidly to get a
general overview of the material. Scanning is reading rapidly to find facts. You should understand that…
• For which audience the text was written (general public, professionals, laymen…)
• What type of text it is (report, informal letter, formal letter, article, advertisement…)
• What is the purpose of the author (to describe, to inform, to explain, to instruct, to persuade) and the
general contents of the text?

Churning & Assimilation: Churning and assimilation are an integral part of reading. While skimming and
scanning are quick processes, and the churning and assimilation are slower. The words ‘churning and
assimilation’ are related to the processes of stirring up in our mind the ideas, context, structure, etc., and
grasping
the contents of the reading text respectively.

Writing skill- Practice your English writing skills at your level. Writing different types of texts, like emails, text
messages, essays, and letters, is a very important skill for many learners of English, especially those who are
learning English for their work or studies. Choose your level, from beginner to advanced, and start learning
today
by reading model texts and doing the exercises. Whether you need to improve your English writing skills for
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
work, for studying or to be able to communicate effectively.
Methods- There are some simple steps that we can take to improve our written English and impress people
with
our writing skills.
• Expand our vocabulary. To express ourselves clearly, we need a good active vocabulary.
• Master English spelling.
• Read regularly.
• Improve your grammar.
The paragraph can be written in any one order the difference lies in the way the information is
presented,
and where the main idea is placed. The specific technique used depends on the style of writing, the kind of
document being written, the purpose, and the audience.

Inductive: The inductive method of developing a paragraph proposes a sequence in which the sentences
move
from specific to general ideas. In other words, the individual supporting ideas appear one by one and in the
end,
they ultimately lead to the general statement containing the core idea.

Deductive: Deductive method is just the reverse of the inductive method. For example, a guided thesis, book
or magazine etc. It means that the teacher presents the rule, gives a model then the learners do free practice
and answer exercises.

Exposition: Exposition in a written work is the passages, which explain where events take place, what
happened
before the story begins, and the background of the characters. Exposition also plays an important role in film.
When preparing a script, screenwriters often write detailed biographies for each of their main characters.
These
back-stories may never appear in the film directly.

Linear: Paragraphs developed linearly or sequentially present the logical progression of a process or an idea.
The steps involved in manufacturing a product may be depicted using a paragraph of this kind. Each sentence
logically leads to the other and all the sentences in the paragraph are interlined.
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
Interrupted: The punctuation marks ‘,’, ‘()’, ‘_’, ‘!’ (comma, parentheses, em dash, exclamation mark) serve as
interrupters and add emphasis to the sentences. The interrupt the flow of sentences by breaking chunks of
ideas. Remember, interrupters can be words, phrases, or punctuation marks.

Spatial pattern: This method is used in developing the paragraph writing to emphasize the visual description
of
a particular idea by providing details related topic. This description does not need to fallow the time pattern but
it can represent the spatial movement, namely inside to outside, front to back, left to right bottom to top of the
process.

Chronological pattern: This technique is used to organize the ideas in a paragraph chronologically and tells
the importance to the date and time while writing/ organizing the paragraph or story. A writer can arrange the
sentences starting from the earliest event to the most recent event, or vice versa, and accordingly. This order
of
arranging the sentences is called chronological pattern.

Technical Communication: It is a means to document or convey scientific, engineering, or other

technical information. Individuals in a variety of contexts and with varied professional credentials engage
in technical communication. Some individuals are designated as technical communicators. These
individuals use a set of methods to research and document technical processes or products. Technical
communicators may put the information they capture into paper documents, web pages, and digitally
stored text, audio, video, and other media.
There are basic elements of technical communication to make it effective.

Accuracy: it is the characteristic feature of technical communication, which includes the accuracy of
information as well as the accuracy of expression. One must assure oneself of the accuracy of information
before communicating. Accuracy of expression demands that there should be no error of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, or usage.

Brevity Be brief, be clear! The person reading it gets your point, and though your words are few, he or she
understands what you are trying to say and does not get distracted or lose interest half way through. The
author
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
should be as brief as possible and give maximum information in the minimum number of words as possible.
Lengthy documents or speeches and presentations with unnecessary details bore readers and listeners.

Simplicity: Common practice in the world dictates that the more complex your prose, the smarter you
are. However, this is never the case and is usually counterproductive. Large words strung together by
complex principles can isolate your audience and reflect poorly on yourself. As technical writers, our job
is to break concepts down to allow readers to understand them. Our writing relies on simplicity of topic
and delivery. No matter the topic, simplicity is always better than complexity. Remember, if no one can
understand you, your prose means nothing.

Utility: As per the dictionary meaning utility mean ‘the quality of being of practice use’, it is an
application that is very specialized and relatively limited in capability. A good example is a search-and replace
utility.

Clarity: Clarity in communication is the quality of being unambiguous and easily understood. Clarity is
achieved when the communicator has communicated his or her meaning to the reader or listener. In
technical communication, clarity contributes to communicative effectiveness. You will not be able to
achieve your communicative objective if you are not clear.

Objectivity in Technical Communication: It is an important characteristic and a systematic discussion,

analysis, and interpretation of facts rather than the expression of sentiments and emotions, the speaker or
writer is not concerned with subjective comments and personal feelings. The concentration is an on
objective and impersonal presentation of facts.

Characteristics of Objectivity:
Impersonal Language: The use of impersonal language in technical communication involves the use of
impersonal passive and the exclusion of personal elements and personal pronouns. The impersonal
passive is the most important linguistic device used to make technical communication impersonal,
objective, and informal. Impersonal passive may be used to describe scientific experiments, rules,
procedures, and processes.
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
Listening- “Listening is the process of creating meaning in the speaker”-Michael Rost
Listening is receiving language through the ears. Listening involves identifying the sounds of speech and
processing them into words and sentences. When we listen, we use our ears to receive individual sounds
(letters, stress, rhythm and pauses) and we use our brain to convert these into messages that mean
something to us.

Active Listening: Active listening is a particular communication technique that requires the listener to provide
feedback on what he or she hears to the speaker, by way of restating or paraphrasing what they have heard in
their own words. The goal of this repetition is to confirm what the listener has heard and to confirm the
understanding of both parties. The ability to actively listen demonstrates sincerity, and that nothing is
being assumed or taken for granted. Active listening is most often used to improve personal relationships,
reduce misunderstandings and conflicts, strengthen cooperation, and foster understanding.

Passive listening: Passive Listening is listening without reacting: Allowing someone to speak, without
interrupting. Not doing anything else at the same time.

Thinking Strategies: Thinking strategies are very important to us as ideas can be generated by thinking. The
mind is never idle, and it continuously works with innumerable thoughts, which may be related to anyone or
anything. It is difficult to keep the mind blanks with useful or useless thoughts and think positively and
logically.

Positive thinking: It is a mental attitude in which you expect good and favorable results. In other words,
positive
thinking is the process of creating thoughts that create and transform energy into reality. A positive mind waits
for happiness, health, and a successful conclusion in any situation.

Logical thinking: logical thinking is the process where you work rationally consistently to conclude in the
process you look for a structure for connection between facts and series for reassuring the sensibilities. It is
one
of the important skills to prove your point. Logical thinking will guide you in smoothly transforming your way of
thought and assist you in molding your mind to think logically. You be able to break down complicated
problems
accurately with the aid of this excellent
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
subconscious.

Speaking- Speaking is the art of making vocal sounds. We can say that speaking means to converse, or
expressing one’s thoughts and feelings in spoken language. To speak often implies conveying information. It
may be from an informal remark to a scholarly presentation to a formal address. It is a productive skill in the
oral
mode. It like the other skills is more complicated than it seems at first and involves more than just pronouncing
words.
• Interactive
• Partially interactive, and
• Non-interactive

Interactive Speaking Situations: it includes face-to-face conversations and telephone calls, in which we
are alternately listening and speaking, and in which we have a chance to ask for clarification, repetition,
or slower speech from our conversation partner.

Partially interactive: it is a live situation for the audience, where the convention is that the audience
does not interrupt the speech. The speaker nevertheless can see the audience and judge from the
expressions on their faces and body language.

Non-interactive; Radio Broadcasting: Speaking in public has more formality than talking. During a speech,
you should present yourself professionally. This does not mean you must wear a suit or “dress up” but it does
mean making yourself presentable by being well-groomed and wearing clean, appropriate clothes. It also
means
being prepared to use language correctly and appropriately, for the audience and the topic, to make eye
contact
with your audience, and to look like you know your topic very well. While speaking has more formality than
talking, it Has less formality than reading. Speaking allows for meaningful pauses, eye contact, small changes
in word order, and vocal emphasis.

Objectivity in Speaking: speaking is personal and the use of personal pronouns and references help
speakers
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
make a point clear, one should try to be as objective as possible during any professional speaking situation
like
a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a discussion. One-way use of personal language during oral interaction
in
professional situations if one thinks this will improve one’s communicative effectiveness. However, it should be
understood that technical communication involves the transfer of information without any personal distortion.

Impromptu Speaking: Impromptu speaking is the presentation of a short message without preparation.
Impromptu speeches often occur when someone is asked to “say a few words” on a special occasion. You
have probably done impromptu speaking many times in informal, conversational settings. Self-introductions
ingroup settings are examples of impromptu speaking: “Hi, my name is Rahul, and I’m a volunteer with the
Homes for the Brave program.” Another example of impromptu speaking occurs when you answer a question
such as, “What did you think of the documentary?”
The advantage of this kind of speaking is that it is spontaneous and responsive in an animated group
context. The disadvantage is that the speaker is given little or no time to think the central theme of his or
her message. As a result, the message may be disorganized and difficult for listeners to follow.

Extemporaneous Speaking: Extemporaneous speaking is a very popular and effective method when
carefully
prepared. When speaking extempore a speaker must prepare the notes beforehand and rehearse his/her
presentation. There is no need to remember each word line by line. The presentation sound should be quite
natural to the audience, as after through the preparation the speaker is speaking while thinking. The
advantages
are that the speaker has enough time to prepare for the presentation, he works hard on the theme/central idea.
He/she can present the theme in the best possible structured way. The delivery sounds natural and
spontaneous
to the audience as it allows to establish a rapport with the audience and enables to move free with
ease. Disadvantages if preparation is inadequate, speaker can get lost and find himself uncomfortable.
Speaking
from a Manuscript.
Manuscript speaking is the word-for-word iteration of a written message. In a manuscript
speech, the speaker maintains his or her attention on the printed page except when using visual aids. There
are
costs involved in manuscript speaking. First, it’s typically an uninteresting way to present. Unless the speaker
 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY
(DR. SANTIAGO G. ORTEGA MEMORIAL)
CITY OF IRIGA
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
has rehearsed the reading as a complete performance animated with vocal expression and gestures (as poets
do in a poetry slam and actors do in a reader’s theater), the presentation tends to be dull. Keeping one’s eyes
glued to the script precludes eye contact with the audience. For this kind of “straight” manuscript speech to
hold
audience attention, the audience must be already interested in the message before the delivery begins.

Speaking from Memory: This method of presentation is difficult for most of us. Probably only few things can
be
memorized in an entire speech. We often memories only the main parts that are in the habit of writing key
words.
The advantage to memorization is that it enables the speaker to maintain eye contact with the audience
throughout the speech. Being free of notes means that you can move freely around the stage and use your
hands to make gestures. If your speech uses visual aids, this freedom is even more of an advantage.
However, there are some real and potential costs. First, unless you also plan and memorize every
vocal
cue (the subtle but meaningful variations in speech delivery, which can include the use of pitch, tone, volume,
and pace), gesture, and facial expression, your presentation will be flat and uninteresting, and even the most
fascinating topic will suffer. You might end up speaking in a monotone or a sing-song repetitive delivery
pattern.