LESSON 1-2
INTRODUCTION
TO TECHNICAL
WRITING
MS. HERSHEY NICOLE H. NICDAO, LPT
THE WRITING
PROCESS
PRE- WRITING STAGE
It is what the writer does before he writes the first draft.
In this stage, the writer composes or supplies information
pertaining to:
a. Purpose of the paper
b. Choice of topic
c. Gathering information
Pre-writing Techniques:
Below are some techniques which will help you get
started in writing:
1. Do free writing.
2. Brainstorm by listing ideas as quickly as they occur.
3. Cluster by drawing lines and circles to show
connections between ideas.
4. Ask questions using news reporter’s 5Ws 1H
5. Read and listen with focus.
WRITING STAGE
The writing stage is the part where we begin to write
our first draft.
Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a First Draft
1. Don’t overanalyze your writing.
2. Do feel free to follow the flow of ideas where it is
leading you even if it is not what you initially planned.
3. Don’t exaggerate details.
4. Don’t worry yet about how good your writing is.
RE-WRITING STAGE
This stage is also known as the “revision” stage.
We revise to ensure that:
1. the content of the paper is relevant
2. there is organization and coherence in the
arrangement of the ideas
3. grammar and mechanics are clearly observed.
EXPLORING
EXPOSITORY
TECHNIQUES
EXPOSITION
It is used by the writer when his/her intention is to
explain something , to classify a thing, to give
definition of term, to make others follow directions,
to point out similarities or differences, to clarify
causes and effects, to present data, to interpret
research work, and others.
1. CLASSIFICATION
It is dividing something into groups, classes, categories, etc.
How to Classify:
Look for relationships among them and to organize them into
groups. It may either be on the basis of their similarities or
differences.
Ex: All matter (general class) may be classified as solid, liquid or gas
(specific terms).
DEFINITION
When we define words or unfamiliar terms, we give
concise but exact meanings of unfamiliar words and
special meanings of familiar words.
education
curriculum
DEFINITION
It is particularly a must for a technical writer to be able
to define the terms with multiple meanings and those
that are unfamiliar to the reader.
salvage
neophyte
METHODS OF DEFINING
TERMS
FORMAL DEFINITION - based upon a concise, logical
pattern that includes as much information as it can within
a minimum amount of space
species - term to be defined
genus - the class where the term belongs
differentia - differentiating traits or characteristics
of that term
Language (species) is a form (genus) of communication
(differentia).
An architect (species) is a professional (genus) who designs
buildings (differentia).
Communication (species) is a process (genus) of giving and
receiving information differentia).
Identify the parts:
Comic books are sequential and narrative publications
consisting of illustrations, captions, and dialogue balloons
and they often focus on super-powered heroes.
Water is a liquid made up of molecules of hydrogen and
oxygen in the ratio of 2 to 1.
2. INFORMAL DEFINITION - (Parethetical
Definition). This is done by using known words or
examples to explain an unknown term. These
definitions may be synonyms or antonyms
introduced by or, in other words, or like.
Examples:
Every room needs at least two sinistral (left-
handed) chairs.
Teachers displayed leniency
(mercy;allowance) when it comes to the
submission of their students’ modules.
Formal Definition:
Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as
one wants without hindrance or restraint.
Informal Definition:
Freedom, also referred to as liberty or independence, is
a state people reach when they are free to think and do
whatever they please.
3. EXTENDED DEFINITION. It attempts to explain a complex term. It
generally has components of both informal and formal definitions.
Listing and describing the parts: identifying smaller, more
familiar pieces of an idea to point to the definition of the bigger
concept.
Etymology: sharing a word’s origin
Examples or Anecdotes: telling a story or example that illustrates
the term
Negation: defining a term by explaining what the concept is not
To our colonial forefathers, freedom meant having a voice in their
government. (historical reference) The Revolutionary War was a last
resort against an empire that continued to tax its colonists without
the representation of the colonists in Parliament. Since the United
States won the right to rule itself, our country has been referred to
as "the land of the free and the home of the brave." (example) True
freedom means the ability to think, feel, say, or act however one
chooses. (listing parts) It is a state where the bars of bondage do
not exist. (negation)
DESCRIPTION OF A
PROCESS
In describing a process, a writer explains the arrangement of
a sequence in chronological order.
Present passive tense: is/are + v + ed.
Examples: is manufactured, is controlled, etc.
Sequence markers to link sentences like first, second, then,
next, subsequently, finally, etc.
INSTRUCTION PROCESS
DESCRIPTION
avoids giving commands
gives command to readers
tells the reader how a
tells the reader to do
change takes place
something, step by step
Ex: First, the key is
Ex: Insert the key in the
inserted in the lock (by the
lock.
driver).
PROCESS OF ______
DESCRIPTION OF A
MECHANISM
It is an explanation of a system or parts of an apparatus.
This includes the characteristics and functions of a piece
of the device and the totality of the mechanism.
It also explains the arrangement and shape of an object
in space.
In writing a description of a mechanism, the writer may be
guided by the following questions:
What is it (equipment, machine, device, apparatus) ?
What is its function?
What does it look like?
How does it work?
