To: Diana Nogay

From: Jason Campbell, Aidan DeMuth, Van Lian, and Francisco Rivera
Date: September 24, 2014
Subject: Presenting Information
From a technical writing standpoint this document is not very effective at all. First of all there is
no title to tell us what the document is trying to convey to us. The sentence structure in the first
section, entitled snakes, does not give us useful information and is very wordy. In the second
section it doesnt give us additional information about avoiding snake bites, such as places to
avoid and strategies to avoid attentions. Additional problems with this document are: there are
margins and not all placed left, no identification with the images or references, the right side of
the document is not ragged, and incorrect use of font size and space.
First, we will rearrange the pictures to different locations to better explain the text; also, we
would add descriptions with the pictures. Next we would add a title, introduction, and conclusion
to better explain the document. The alignments of the texts would be the next subject of change,
aligning the left and making sure that the right is jagged. We would then condense the text,
eliminating the unnecessary details and focusing on the key points. The way we would do this is
by listing the objectives with bullet points. Adding information is also a key element for
providing significant information.
The revised version of this document is below.

Snakes in Texas
Introduction:
Snakes can be very dangerous animals. They come in all different shapes and styles, because of
this they are difficult to identify. In this document we will determine which snakes to avoid,
what to do to avoid snakes and snake bites, and what to do if you are bitten by a venomous
snake.

Types of Snakes:
Snakes in Texas are anywhere, even in backyards. Recognizing snakes is the first step in safety,
the following lists will give you examples of snakes and where they can be found.

Coral Snakes:
Poisonous snake (the only poisonous snake in Texas)
Very small and reserved so their bites are rare
They can be found in heavily leaf covered areas and blend in, so it
may be hard to identify them

Cottonmouth Snakes:

Aggressive unlike most snakes

Can be found in lakes, ponds, ditches, streams, marshes, and
swamps (basically standing water)
Bite underwater.

Rattlesnakes:

Figure 2 Cottonmouth Snake

Can be recognized by their distinctive rattle sound that emanates

from their tail
Not aggressive
Active at night.

Tips for Avoiding Snake Bites

Figure 1 Coral Snake

Figure 3 Rattlesnake

Wear protective footwear, such as knee high boots

Observe the area
Always look before reaching or sitting
Do not reach into rivers, holes, vegetated areas, and any other possible snake habitats
As a precaution wear heavy leather gloves
Do not approach a snake, if encountered.

Treating Snake Bites

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Remember the snakes appearance

Call for medical help
Keep the person calm, restrict any movement from them.
Remove any constricting items
Cover the bite lightly
Wait for help to arrive

DO NOT:

Cut the bite

Try to suck out the poison
Apply cold pressure to the bite
DO NOT allow the person to over exert themselves
Do not give them stimulants

Conclusion:
Although snakes can be dangerous and life threatening animals, it is easy to avoid them as long
as you take the proper precautions and procedures.

Sources:
Joseph, Chris. "Miramar Man Gets Bitten by a Coral Snake; Bad Things Ensue." The Daily Pulp.
Broward News, 3 Sept. 2012. Web. 24 Sept. 2014.
"Cottonmouth Snake." Cottonmouth Snake Atom. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2014.
Zott, Eric. "Rattlesnake Experts Gather in Tucson." - CBS 5. N.p., 23 July 2011. Web. 24 Sept.
2014.