This unit focuses on the special techniques o types of reports,

but rather they are techniques tha improve his writings. An effective
writer does not se goes beyond to clearly convey his ideas. With his kno
with the innovations to use any techniques, a better W
The techniques that are disccussed in detail
Classification, Partition, Description of a Process, an These techniques
are not only helpful but also import writer's ideas.
Technical Writing Techniques
In the written communication process, the writer can best express his ideas
when he is familiar with all of the aspects and conventions of the written language.
He needs to be innovative in his writing styles, and be creative in conveying any
information he has in mind to his readers. In the same manner, he may employ
certain techniques to enhance his ideas not with fragmented information, but with a
more meaningful form of communication. The writer may utilize certain techniques
in writing like Definition, Classification, Partition, Description of a Process, and
Description of a Mechanism. These are not considered as types of reports, as they are
just techniques that help the writer enhace his written output. In many instances,
various technical reports may contain either one or all of these techniques.Refer to
the concepts below for more on the elaborations of each techniques.

1. Definition
When a writer uses ordinary and unfamiliar technical terms in a report,
he may utilize the definition technique. Definition is the giving of meaning to
a particular word or term. There are two kinds of definition, these are:
informal definition and formal definition. Refer to the detailed discussion of
each kind below:

A. Informal Definition
In this type of definition, the meaning of the term is
made up of one or two synonyms substituted for an unfamiliar
word. This is mostly compose of short substituted words and
phrases. Consider the examples below.

Examples:

detention-confinement or restraint upon persons

detection-discovering the existence of facts
doctrine- beliefs or principles torture- inflicting
pain to body or mind law- rules or conduct of
action unit- functional groups

cipher- code or secret message

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 crypt- concealed or hidden dolo-

pertains to malice rank- high social

position apograph-copy of written

instrument assault- violent physical

attack security-protection of any type

tactics-action taken subscribe-to write

or sign seize-to put in legal possession

proof-means od evidence search-

seeking or looking for something

I. Look for 15 unfamiliar words related to criminology, substitute the meaning of each
term with a synonym to give its informal meaning.

B. Formal Definition
This type of definition is made up of complete and longer sentences, this is used
in a more formal written output. This is categorized into three main parts namely:

• Species (Word)-the term to be defined

• Genus (Class)- the group or class to which the term belongs
• Differentia- specific features that identifies or separates the term from
other members of the class

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Examples:
SPECIE (WORD)
DIFFERENTIA
GENUS
(CLASS)

1. Dactyloscopy is the process of comparing questioned and known friction

skin ridge impressions from fingers, palms, and toes to determine if
the impression are from the same finger, palm, or toes.

2. Bail is the security given for the temporary release of a person in the
custody of the law.

3. Firearm is an instrument used for the propulsion of projectiles

by the expansive force of gasses coming from a burning powder

4. Graphology is the art of trying to interpret the character or

personality of an individual from his handwriting.

is an offense of gathering, losing, or

5. Espionage information
transmitting respecting the
national defense with reason to
believe that the information is to
be used to the injury of a country.

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 Ways of Expanding a Formal Definition:
Formal Definition can be amplified or expanded using the following methods:
Etymology, Details, Examples, Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect, Description,
and Negation.

1. Etymology- this method is the citing the origin of the word, this is used mainly for the
purpose of illustration for further clarification on the meaning of a particular term.
Example:

The term camergis derived from camera obscura, which is the Latin term for "dark room" or
"dark chamber."ln 1700, the Camera Obscura was designed by Leonardo Da Vinci with
accurate scale and perspective.

-culled from Crimininalistics by Agas,et.al,p.39

2. Details- This is a methods of adding a particular or minute account, or adding

supporting details to a term. This is mainly for the purpose of clarifying the
meaning of a word.

Example:

gunpowder refers to the powder charge used in firearms, also referred to as propellent. The most
common type is the black powder which is made up of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur.
Smokeless powders are those given to nitro powders which are entirely smokeless in action.
When ignited by the primer flash it is converted to heated gas under high pressure and this
energy boosts the bullet or shot charge through the barrel.
-culled from Crimininalistics by Agas,et.altp.113

3. Examples- this method is used in order to give vivid definition to terms that are
abstract by citing concrete illustrations or additional examples.

Example:
There are several marks which may be found on fired cartridge cases. namely:
firing pin impression, breech pin impression, chamber marks, extractor marks,
shearing marks, pivotal marks, ejector marks,and magazine lips marking.

-culled from Crimininalistics by Agas,et.al,p.110

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4. Comparison and Contrast- this is a method that makes use of citing similarities
(comparison) and differences (contrast) between two objects.

Example:
 Between 25 and 35 percent of the patterns encountered consists of whorls. In
a whorl, some of the ridges make a turn through at least one circuit
A double loop whorl is consist of two separate and distinct loop formations with two
separate and distinct shoulders and two deltas.An accidental whorl on the other hand
consists of two different types of pattern with the exception of the plain arch,

-culled from Crimininalistics by Agas,et.al,p.18-19

5. Cause and Effect- This is a method that points out that something is done
that triggered it (cause), therefore it brought about a result (effect).

Example:

The amount of blood loss in the body without being replaced may probably imply
that the cause of death in a person is hemorrhage. The loss of reddish tinge in blood
may also imply that carbon monoxide poisoning or other blood diseases is the cause
of death of a person.

-culled from Crimininalistics by Agas,etal,p.250

6. Description- this is a method of describing or illustrating a term's physical

attributes and appearance, this method uses adjectives in describing.

Example:
Somatic death or clinical death is a complete, continuous,persistent cessation of
respiration and circulation of almost all brain functions of an organism. The
immediate signs of death in a person are the sudden cessation of upward and
downward movement of the chest in the process of respiration; sudden pale
color of the face and lips; the pulse and the heartbeat stops; the jaw or head
drops down and flaccidity of the muscles occurs; the presence of dilated pupils
as well as the loss of corneal and light reflexes.

-culled from Crimininalistis by Agas,et.al,p.253

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