TECHNICAL

WRITING
GE English 102 | Functional Literacy Across Disciplines

Arranged by: Ivy M. Camañan, LPT, MA-LIT

 LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

Define technical writing

Use the principles of technical writing as a guide in writing

Distinguish the purposes and properties of technical writing

Compare technical and creative writing

 THINK
1. What comes to mind when you hear the
term "technical writing"?

2. Why is it important to consider the

audience when writing technical documents?
Mills & Wilter (1981)- gave several definitions to aid us in understanding the nature of technical writing.

Technical Writing is writing about scientific subjects and various technical subjects
associated with the sciences.
is characterized by certain formal elements, such as its scientific and technical vocabulary, its use
of graphic aids, and its use of conventional report forms.

is ideally characterized by the maintenance of an attitude of impartially and

objectivity, by extreme care to convey information accurately and concisely,
and by the absence of any arousing emotion.

is writing in which there is a relatively high concentration of complex and

important writing techniques, in particular description of mechanism,
process, definition, classification, and interpretation.
PRODUCTS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
Business Letter
is a type of written communication. It is written using formal
language and follow formal letter writing. People usually write
business letters to communicate with companies, organization
or individuals with the purpose of applying for a job, making
requests, seeking appointments, etc.

Contract
is a written agreement between two people that specifies
certain legally enforceable rights and obligations pertaining to
two or more parties.
PRODUCTS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
Monograph
is a detailed, written study or scholarly work that focuses on a
single subject or a specific aspect of a subject. It is typically
longer and more comprehensive than an article or essay and
can be published as a book or a lengthy research paper.

Memorandum (plural: memoranda)

is a brief, written message or communication used for internal
communication within an organization. It is typically used to
convey information, request action, make announcements, or
clarify issues. Memoranda are more formal than casual emails
or notes and serve as a record of communication.
PRODUCTS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
Graphic Aids
refer to visual tools or elements that are used to enhance
understanding, support communication, or illustrate concepts
in a more engaging and clearer way. These can include: charts,
diagrams, tables, maps, illustrations, or infographics.

Instructional Manuals
are written guides or documents designed to provide step-by-
step instructions on how to use, operate, assemble, or perform
specific tasks or processes. These manuals aim to help users
understand how to properly handle a product, system, or
service.
PRODUCTS OF TECHNICAL WRITING
Brochures
are pamphlets or flyers that endorse a product in such a way
that the potential customer will be convinced that the product
is effective and eventually avail of the product.

Proposals
is a formal document or suggestion put forward for
consideration or discussion, usually with the intention of
gaining approval, support, or funding for a project, idea, or
plan. Proposals are often used in business, research, and
professional settings to outline specific actions, objectives, or
strategies and to persuade others to agree to or adopt them.
5 IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES IN GOOD TECHNICAL WRITING
Always have in mind a specific reader, real or imaginary in writing.
Always assume that he is intelligent, but uninformed.

Before you start to write, always decide what the exact purpose of your
report is, and make sure that every paragraph, sentence, word makes a
clear contribution to that purpose.

Use language that is simple, concrete, and familiar.

At the beginning and end of your report, check your writing according to
this principle: First tell the reader what you are going to tell him, when you
tell him what you have told.

Make report/writing attractive.

PURPOSES OF TECHNICAL WRITING
Serve as basis for management decision

Furnishes needed information

Gives instruction

Records business transaction through proposal

Procures business proposal

Basis for public relation and provides report to stockholders of companies

 PROPERTIES OF TECHNICAL WRITING
The technical properties of technical writing are also known as
“considerations” when writing technical reports.

Arrangement of
Subject Matter Audience Expression Style Materials

What will I write Whom am I writing? This property refers to This refers to how This pertains to how
about? or Who are my two basic modes in which the material is ideas should be
intended readers? a technical report has written. A technical organized in
An essential to be delivered- writing writing uses clear, chronological, spatial
element in technical A property which it or reading it. specific point of or logical order, from
report writing. pertains to a view, objective, general to specific or
particular reader Your expression of the impartial, and specific to general,
examples: of technical content will depend on unemotional style in use illustrations to
description of literature. your awareness of your writing. present the
process, writing audience and your style information.
about theory, or in writing to be able to
submitting a policy. reach your audience
understanding.
Earlier, technical writing is treated as a unique form
of written communication because of its important
qualities, purposes, and properties.

Let us elucidate it further by enumerating striking

differences between this form of writing which is more
formal and academic compared to other writing forms.

For instance, writing can be grouped into five basic types:

 5 BASIC TYPES OF WRITING

Technical Writing conveys specific information about a technical subject to a specific audience for
specific purpose.

Creative Writing a fiction, poetry, short stories, plays, and novels- and far different from
technical writing.

Expressive Writing a subjective response to a personal experience -journals and diaries-whereas technical
writing might be objective observations of a work-related experience or research.

Expository Writing expose a topic analytically and objectively, such as news report. Its goal is to explain or
reveal knowledge but does not expect or action form the reader.

Persuasive writing depends on emotional appeal. Its goal is to change one’s attitudes or motivate him/her
to action.
DIFFERENCE Technical Writing Creative Writing
BETWEEN
TECHNICAL Content factual, straight-forward imaginative, metaphoric or symbolic
WRITING AND
CREATIVE
WRITING Audience specific general

Purpose inform, instruct, persuade entertain, provoke, captivate

Style formal, standard, academic informal, artistic, figurative

Tone objective subjective

Vocabulary specialized general, evocative

Organization sequential, systematic arbitrary, artistic

 You could include:

HOMEWORK
1. Study Strategies: How you prioritize and allocate time for different
subjects.
2. Time Management Tools: Mention any tools, apps, or methods you use
to plan and track your time (e.g., digital calendars, to-do lists, or
1. Create a Blog Site of Your Choice time-blocking).
(blogspot.com, blogger.com, or 3. Self-Care Routine: Describe how you make time for physical activity,
wordpress.com)
relaxation, or hobbies, and the importance of rest in preventing
2.Write Your First Post: burnout.
Time Management as a Medical Student 4. Challenges and Solutions: Be open about the obstacles you face in
balancing intense study schedules with personal well-being, and
3.Begin by sharing your experiences and share any tips or lessons learned from overcoming these challenges.
insights on time management as a medical 5. Motivation and Mindset: Discuss how you stay motivated, manage
student. Discuss the challenges and the
stress, and remind yourself of your long-term goals despite the
strategies you've implemented to stay
organized and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
demanding nature of medical school.

4. Minimum of 300 words, and maximum of 500. This post will serve as an engaging introduction to your blog, providing a
mix of personal experience and practical advice that others, especially
fellow students, can relate to and learn from.
 RUBRIC FOR THE BLOG
Criteria 5 4 3 Score

Quality of Posting clearly shows insights, Posting shows a good depth of

Posting shows some insights.
content depth, and understanding. understanding.

Participation/ Routinely provides useful ideas Barely provides useful ideas when Rarely provides useful ideas when
Engagement when participating. participating in the blogging. participating in the blogging.

Posting is creatively and fluently Posting is unimaginative and connect Posting do not connect with the
Creativity
written to stimulate dialogue. minimally to the audience. audience.

Grammar and All words spelled correctly and no Few grammar errors and few misspelled Many grammar errors and may
Spelling grammar errors. errors. misspelled words.

Total = 20 points
END OF LESSON 1