Module II: Technical Language Development

Reading Manuals, Instructions, Warnings

Instructions are one of the basic items that users expect to get when they
purchase a product, and yet these important documents are often poorly written,
badly translated, and incomplete.

Instructions are often written in the form of a numbered list so that users can
clearly recognize the sequence of the tasks.

Effective instructions commonly include visual elements (such as pictures,

diagrams, and flowcharts) that illustrate and clarify the text.

Good instructions are unambiguous, understandable, complete, consistent, and

efficient.

Use of Jargons

Jargon is increasingly becoming part of the English lexicon. It shows a strong

culture surrounding professionals in this area, and a meeting of minds among
development bodies. It becomes a unifying factor, a rallying point for us to
speak the same language and know instinctively what we mean when we say
'sustainability' or 'beneficiary.' In contrast, if an automotive professional, a
computer specialist, a zoologist or a fashion designer talks about 'ram,' the first
would think the discussion is about trucks, the second would say memory, and
the third would discuss sheep and the fourth would design or shape an attire.
Basic Features of Instructions -

Instructions tend to follow a consistent step-by-step pattern, whether you are

describing how to make coffee or how to assemble an automobile engine. Here
are the basic features of instructions:

o Specific and precise title

o Introduction with background information
o List of parts, tools, and conditions required
o Sequentially ordered steps
o Graphics
o Safety information
o Conclusion that signals completion of task

Manuals referred to as documentation or end-user documentation, a manual is

a book or pamphlet that contains information about a program or piece of
hardware.

It is a guide to writing conventions for business and students.

For example, a computer case may come with documentation explaining what
sizes of motherboard it can hold. Or, a video game may come with a manual
explaining how to play it.

The Manual answers all those questions and more, with thorough explanations
and curated buying guides that focus on everything from attire, umbrellas,
gadgets, chemicals and instruments.

A feature of a manual is the use of icons to indicate those areas relevant to the
aspects or contents.
Warnings refer to something which is said or written to tell people of a possible
danger, problem, or other unpleasant thing that might happen.

Users of the equipment have to take responsibility for security and work site
safety. For safety concerns, remember to:

 Make sure you are fully trained to do the job at hand

 Know the intended use of each piece of equipment and how to use the
equipment properly.
 Thoroughly inspect equipment before each use for signs of wear or breakage.
 Follow safe work practices...don’t take chances… life depends on one’s own
judgement!
 To avoid health risks and accidents.
 To be in a position to act appropriately in case of emergencies.
 To minimize the environmental burden and risks caused by our work.

Difference between Literary and Technical Reading

What is Technical Reading?

Technical reading is a strategy you can use to obtain a great amount of

information in a short time from textbooks, professional journals, and other
technical materials. In using technical reading, you ask yourself the questions
the author is trying to ask, and then read to answer them.

How do I do it?

A. Survey the chapter

Survey of the chapter will give you a general overview of the information a
chapter contains. There are four parts to the surveying process:

1. Read the summary and any questions at the end of the chapter (if included).
Summaries and questions are the author’s clues to what is important in the
chapter.

2. Glance at the headings and sub-headings in the chapter. Look at the captions
of pictures, charts, tables, and graphs.

3. Skim over the first sentence of each paragraph in the chapter. If the sentence
is long, read for only about two lines.

4. Pick out key words. Look especially for words which are italicized, in bold
print, or capitalized.

B. Formulate questions

Generate questions that will enable you to summarize the material and identify
main topics in the chapter or article. Parts A and B together should take 10-15
minutes for a textbook chapter.

C. Formulate answers

Try to answer the questions you’ve just asked. Call on your prior knowledge,
information you picked up in Part A, and your ability to guess intelligently. Try
not to do any additional reading.

D. Read for answers

Go back and read the chapter very selectively. Try to confirm your answers
when they are correct, revise them when they are wrong, and add to them.

The process looks something like this:

1. Ask a question you need to know something about.

2. Try to answer it without looking.

3. Read selectively to see if you were right.

Literary Reading

Reading involves imagining - we form a model of what is happening, of what is

described, of ideas - and responding - we react with surprise or curiosity or
(dis)agreement. If these don't happen, it's hard to think that we are engaged at
all (you know those moments when you're tired or distracted, and you suddenly
realize you haven't the faintest idea of what the last page meant?).

If we are reading for a specific purpose (writing a critical study or researching

for a report), we will have to think of assembling the model we have formed
into some form of writing.

Imagining and responding

- live the experiences - react as if the story were really happening

Skimming & reviewing

- think of what has happened ... what is going to happen ... and form a pattern

Selecting key details

- pick details which jump out at you, which seem important

Scanning ... Tracking and filing

- once you've picked out key details, keep looking for them ... and note them
down

Interpreting figurative effects and meaning

- the tricks that writers play - notice them, decide what they mean

Analysing effects and meaning

- the details & the tricks - what do they all add up to? What is the author saying?

Assembling

- and when you've got all your ideas noted - plan what you want to write

Literary Reading Instructions

• encompasses a range of teaching practices that provide varying levels of

support at different points of need – these practices include modeled reading,
shared reading, guided reading and independent reading.
• uses these teaching practices to provide explicit instruction in
comprehension .

• provides opportunities to maximise engaged reading and deep thinking

about texts through practices such as reciprocal teaching, or through providing
prompts to promote extended talk about texts.

• includes explicit instruction about foundational early literacy skills, such

as phonics, as well as knowledge about language and all textual codes for
example, visual literacy.

• uses a range of genres and modes of texts

• features models of rich, authentic texts

• allows for substantial time in the classroom

• includes whole group, small group and individual instruction.