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Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that presents complex information in a clear and understandable manner, primarily in fields like science, technology, and engineering. It has evolved from historical roots dating back to classical antiquity and has become increasingly important since World War II, with a focus on factual content, specific audiences, and utilitarian purposes. The main goal of technical writing is to assist readers in understanding and using technology or processes effectively through various formats such as manuals, reports, and instructions.

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15 views

introtechwrit (2)

Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that presents complex information in a clear and understandable manner, primarily in fields like science, technology, and engineering. It has evolved from historical roots dating back to classical antiquity and has become increasingly important since World War II, with a focus on factual content, specific audiences, and utilitarian purposes. The main goal of technical writing is to assist readers in understanding and using technology or processes effectively through various formats such as manuals, reports, and instructions.

Uploaded by

aicsrlcabornay
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ENGL014:

TECHNICAL
WRITING
ENGL014 TECHNICAL WRITING
WHAT IS TECHNICAL WRITING?
THE SOCIETY FOR
TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATION YOURDICTIONARY.COM

• "The process of • It is a type of writing


gathering information where the author is
from experts and writing about a
presenting it to particular subject that
an audience in a clear, requires direction,
easily understandable instruction, or
form." explanation.
 It is a specialized form of exposition: a
written communication used in technical and occupational
fields especially in fields with specialized vocabularies
such as science, engineering, technology, and the health
sciences.

 It is producing written outputs about the three fields of


knowledge: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and
ENGINEERING. (computer hardware and software,
engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance,
medical, consumer electronics, biotechnology, and
forestry)
1. Phylogenetic Tree
(Biology)

2. Fenestration
(Architecture)

3. Moments
HISTORY
• Its has been recognized as a profession since world war II.

• Aristotle’s works’ classical antiquity (384-322 BC) and


doctrines of Pythagoras are recognized as the earliest
forms of technical writing.

• Geoffrey Chaucer’s work “Treatise on the Astrolabe”


(dated 1326,an instrument used for measuring the
distance of stars, planets and for calculating the position
 With the invention of printing (15th Century), document findings
became a necessity. Inventors and scientists like Isaac Newton
and Leonardo da Vinci chronicled their inventions and findings.

 It grew more during the Industrial revolution (new manufacturing


processes-yr.1760-1840). The period of rapid technological and
scientific advancement that made a transition from making goods
by hands to using machine in factories.

 During the 20th century, the need skyrocketed, and the profession
finally became officially recognized. The events in World War 1
and 2 led to advances in medicine, military hardware, computer
and aerospace technologies.

 Following World War II, technological advances led to an increase


in consumer goods and standards of living. Public services like
libraries and universities, as well as transport systems like buses
CONT.
• Instruction manual for the BINAC computer written by Joseph D.
Chaplin in 1949 was the first computational technical document.
• In 1953, two organizations were founded: The Society of
Technical Writers and The Association of Technical Writers and
Editors. Today, they are known as Society for Technical
Communication. (STC)
• 1960s saw the growth of technology particularly in electronics
and space industries.
• 1970s and 1980s were marked by the expansion of the
consumer electronics into people’s lives.
• In 1980s pcs arrived in the workplace, accompanied by large
manuals with names such as “guide to operation”.
HOW IS TECHNICAL WRITING DIFFERENT
FROM OTHER FORMS AND STYLES OF
WRITING?
• The subject matter is more important than the writer's voice. It
uses an objective, not a subjective, tone and it is direct and
utilitarian, emphasizing exactness and clarity rather than
elegance or allusiveness.

• Mike Markel notes in "technical communication," "the biggest


difference between technical communication and the other
kinds of writing you have done is that technical communication
has different focus on audience and purpose.“
 According to Computer Science Professor Raymond
Greenlaw: "writing style in technical writing
is more prescriptive than in creative writing. In technical
writing, we are not so much concerned about entertaining
the audience as we are about conveying specific
information to our readers in a concise and precise
manner.“

 The definite purpose, strict format and use of appropriate


language in technical writing define the differences
between technical writing and academic writing.
DIFFERENCES OF TECHNICAL AND NON-TECHNICAL WRITING:
T NON-T

A. CONTENT Factual, straight forward imaginative,


metaphoric, symbolic

B. AUDIENCE Specific general

C. PURPOSE Inform, persuade, instruct entertain, provoke,


captivate

D. STYLE Formal, standard, academic informal, artistic,


figurative

E. TONE Objective subjective

F. VOCABULARY Specialized general, evocative

G. ORGANIZATION Sequential, systematic arbitrary, artistic

H. VISUAL AIDS Tables, drawings, charts, words that can


fully narrate or graphs, maps and others to describe
what the writer’s want
facilitate comprehension to put across
PURPOSE OF TECHNICAL WRITING:
The main purpose of technical writing is to provide sometimes
complex information. This is the type of writing that will:
• Assist a person with understanding more about a particular item,
such as a computer or a new drug or a new piece of technology.
• Explain how an object works or how to complete a project.
• Enable readers to use a technology or understand a process or
concept.
• Translate information that is sometimes hard to comprehend into
terms that anyone will be able to read and follow along with.
USES OF TECHNICAL WRITING
Technical writing is found everywhere. There are a variety of different types of
writing which use a technical style.

• For example, instructions of all sorts are a perfect example of technical writing.
• When you open an instruction manual, as the reader, the goal is to be informed
about the product so that you can use it as efficiently as possible.
• Lab reports are another example of technical writing. The main purpose of a lab
report is to explain the occurrences in a lab so that others will be able to gain
information.
• Driving directions can be considered a type of technical writing as the goal is to
clearly and efficiently provide instructions on how to go from point A to point B.
• Overall, technical writing is a very useful form of writing that is encountered by
everyone almost every day.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES:

• BUSINESS LETTERS • INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING A


• ORAL REPORTS; KINDS OF REPORTS PRODUCT
• MEMORANDA
• GRAPHIC AIDS
• PROPOSALS
• INSTRUCTION MANUALS
• BROCHURES
• POLICY MANUALS
• ABSTRACTS
• PROCESS MANUALS
• SPECIFICATIONS
• USER MANUALS
• PRESS RELEASE
• REPORTS OF ANALYSIS
In not less than 250 words, answer the
question:

1. Why is technical writing important in our


daily lives?

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