Assignment no.

November 11, 2011

Define Technical Writing -it is scientific and usually attempts to explain something in a very clear, subjective way. It is based on facts. - a form of technical communication, is a style of writing used in fields as diverse as computer hardware and software, engineering, chemistry, the aerospace industry, robotics, finance, consumer electronics, and biotechnology. What are the characteristics of Technical Writing? 1. Clarity. It is essential that the technical writer understands the reader's background and needs. 2. Accuracy. It is an important characteristic of any technical document. A slight mistake can have grave consequences. 3. Correctness. The grammatical structure of your technical document should be correct and free from any kind of ambiguities. The intended meaning will not be communicated to the reader if the document has ambiguous sentences. 4. Comprehensiveness. All the information should be provided, its background must be described and clear description of any process, or method of carrying out a specific work, should also be given. It also includes results, conclusions and recommendations. 5. Accessibility. It means the ease with which the readers can locate the information they seek. To increase Accessibility, include headings and lists in the report. 6. Conciseness. It works against clarity and comprehensiveness. Solution to this conflict is to create a balance between the requirements of clarity, conciseness and comprehensiveness. 7. Correctness. It. Must be free from grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and should have appropriate format standard. If a report contains grammatical errors, the reader will doubt the accuracy of the information in the report. What are the difference between Literary and Technical Writing? Literary writing allows you to be creative and is usually fictional. It is objective and often can be interpreted in many ways. Technical writing is scientific and usually attempts to explain something in a very clear, subjective way. It is based on facts. Literary Writing 1. it entertains or it amuses the reader. 2. it suggests the writer's message. 3. it imparts a lesson. 4. it broadens a person's outlook in life. Technical Writing 1. it provides useful information. 2. it directly informs the writer's ideas or messages. 3. it gives instructions or directions. 4. it serves as a basis for decision making.