MODULE 2.

DEFINITION

There are two kinds of audience in technical communication. They are the
mass audience and the particular audience. 

The mass audience are those people whom the technical writer does not
know. For example, if the technical writer will write a manual on how to operate a
rice cooker, he does not know who the users of the rice cooker are. He will just
assume that they must be mothers who cook rice at home.

The particular audience are those people whom the technical writer knows.
For example, if a technical writer is applying for a job and will write an application
letter, then he will address his letter to the human resource manager. He knows the
person who will read his letter.

There are five distinctive writing techniques used in technical writing. These
are: (1) definition; (2) classification; (3) partition; (4) description of mechanism; and
(5) description of process. 

Let us first discuss “definition.” In definition, there is a need to define words

which are not familiar to the reader. There are three parts of a definition. These are:
(1)term; (2) genus; and (3) differentia.

“Term” means it is the word to be defined. “Genus” means it is the group or

class to which the term belongs. “Differentia” means it is the distinctive
characteristics of the word to be defined. 

For example, let us define the word “triangle.” A triangle is a plane figure
bounded by three straight lines having three angles. Now, let us divide this definition
into three parts. The term is “A triangle.” The genus is “is a plane figure.” The
differentia is “bounded by three straight lines having three angles.”

Look at the table below.

Definition: A triangle is a plane figure bounded by three straight lines having three
angles.
1) Term – A triangle
2) Genus – is a plane figure
3) Differentia – bounded by three straight lines having three angles.

Here is another example.

Definition: Plastics are synthetic organic compounds which can be molded and
hardened for commercial use.
1) Term – Plastics
2) Genus – are synthetic organic compounds
3) Differentia – which can be molded and hardened for commercial use.
 Here is another example.
Definition: Sealing is the process of closing gaps, holes or seams in aircraft
structures to prevent the flow of gases or liquids from one area to another.
1) Term – Sealing
2) Genus – is the process
3) Differentia – of closing gaps, holes or seams in aircraft structures to prevent the
flow of gases or liquids from one area to another.

Here is another example.

Definition: Murder is the act of putting a person to death intentionally and
unlawfully.
1) Term – Murder
2) Genus – is the act
3) Differentia – of putting a person to death intentionally and unlawfully.

END OF MODULE 2
 
Please use this format.

Name:
Course and Year:
Class Schedule:
Subject: Technical Writing

Quiz. Identify the term, genus and differentia of the ten definitions below.

Definition 1:  A cheviot is a hornless sheep that are a source of quality mutton.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia - 

Definition 2: Homeopathy is the system of treating disease by small quantities of

drugs.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia -

Definition 3: Torsion is the act of twisting or turning the body.

1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia - 

Definition 4: Rubella is a mild contagious virus disease which may cause severe
damage to an unborn child.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia - 
Definition 5: Symposium is a conference wherein several specialists deliver short
discussions on a topic.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia - 

Definition 6: Pidgin is a grammatically simplified language used for communication

between people who are not sharing a common language.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia -

Definition 7: Plastics are people who are pretentious and not

sincere.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia -

Definition 8: Creole is a person of mixed European and black descent.

1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia -

Definition 9: Cliché is a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of

original thought.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia - 

Definition 10: An anecdote is a short amusing or interesting story about a real

incident or real person.
1) Term -
2) Genus -
3) Differentia -

END OF QUIZ