Technical Writing

1. Technical Writing For Ninth Grade English

2. A Reason To Write: • 1. Informational: • a. Technical Writing –resumes, memos, letters, pamphlets, descriptions, manuals, directions, newspaper articles, recipes, procedures, power point, lab report… • b. Expository (also informational)– literary analysis, compare-contrast, descriptive , cause/effect, problem/solution • 2. Entertain – humorous essays, short stories, novels, poetry • 3. Express feelings – journal, diary, essay, poetry • 4. Persuade - essays, speeches, advertisements, editorials, public service announcements

3. Technical Writing • A specialized form of writing which addresses specific informational needs using specific format, graphics and precise words. • Technical comes from the Greek word “techne” meaning skill. Technical writing is for learning, teaching and critiquing.

4. technical Writing involves: • …the clear and objective presentation of facts to a specific audience

5. Characteristics of technical writing • Informative • Impersonal and objective (no opinions) • Descriptive • May use charts, tables, graphs, statistics • Concise • Uses a specific format • Easy to understand

6. Rules for Technical Writers • Be accurate. • Address problems that users actually experience. • Use clear language, avoiding jargon whenever possible. • Consider what users already know and pick up where that knowledge leaves off. Don’t assume knowledge on the part of the audience.

7. More Rules for Writers • Be organized in a way that allows users to quickly find specific information. • Leave out unnecessary details. • Document information with graphics. • Stick with the information, not an opinion.

8. More Rules for Writers • Use consistent language and formatting to reduce confusion. • Anticipate users' questions and then answer those questions. (FAQs) • Follow standard formats to reduce reader confusion.