To: Nancy Myers

From: Jacob Powers

Date: April 28, 2020
Subject: APLED 121 - Chapter 7 Summary - Page 167

CHAPTER 7
Technical Descriptions and Process Analyses
Define Technical Descriptions - A part-by-part depiction of the components of a mechanism, tool, or
piece of equipment.
Types of Technical Descriptions
 Operations Manuals – Manuals that are provided with a tool or piece of equipment. They help
the user operate, assemble, install, and service the equipment. Technical descriptions provide
information about the device’s features or capabilities.
 Product Demand Specifications – Specifications for a desired product that does not yet exist.
 Study Reports Provided by Consulting Firms – A descriptive analysis of a problem or
shortcoming of a product. Often includes a solution to the problem.
 Construction Design – Design for a piece of architecture. Includes the location and dimensions.
Used to gain approval and permission to build from a local government.
 Sales Literature – Product descriptions for the purpose of attracting buyers.
Definition of Process Analysis – An explanation of how something works. Like how viruses attack our
bodies.
Examples of Process Analyses – Explaining how a bridge works and which types of bridge work best for
certain situations. Explaining how hybrid cars work. Explaining how diabetes works and how a transplant
can treat the disease.
Criteria for Writing Technical Descriptions and Process Analyses
 Title – Piece of text precisely stating the topic. Usually the name of the thing you are describing
or analyzing.
 Overall Organization – Define the topic and explain the topic’s capabilities.
 Highlighting Techniques – Graphics, drawings, schematics, and photographs accompanied by
callouts.
The Writing process at work
 Prewriting – Gathering data and brainstorming.
 Writing – Create the technical description.
 Rewriting – Make it better