Writing Technical Descriptions
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This document discusses technical descriptions. It defines technical descriptions as providing additional details to help visualize what is being described, like definitions. There are two main types: product descriptions, which describe what an item is like, and process descriptions, which describe how something works. Good descriptions have a clear title, appropriate level of detail, illustrative visuals, and a logical sequence. They should use precise, photographic language to help readers visualize the item objectively.
Writing Technical Descriptions
- 2. OBJECTIVES By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Identify the purpose of technical descriptions Recognize the two main types of description Identify the elements of a good technical description Identify ways of being objective
- 4. Like definitions, descriptions answer the question ‘what is it?’ but give additional information to help readers visualize what’s being described. shape materials function operation ?size
- 6. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Describes what the item is like.
- 7. For people who want to use…
- 8. PROCESS DESCRIPTION Describes how something works.
- 9. For people who want to know how…
- 10. Elements of a GOOD DESCRIPTION
- 12. The title should promise exactly what the description will deliver.
- 13. How BMW’s Anti-Lock Braking System Works. BMW- Safety First! l l
- 15. Give enough detail to convey a clear picture but don’t burden the reader with unnecessary information.
- 16. You need to identify: • your audience • their reason for using the description
- 19. U s e d r a w i n g s , d i a g r a m s a n d photographs with captions and labels that help users understand what they are looking at.
- 20. Avoid verbal and visual clutter.
- 22. SPATIALwhat it looks like
- 23. • Used when we want readers to visualize a static item. • A part of all physical descriptions. 1. 2. 4. 5. 3.
- 25. 3. 2. 4. 1. • Used in describing a mechanism/ device in action. • Reflects the order in which the parts function.
- 26. CHRONOLOGICALthe time at which things happen
- 27. 1. 3. 2. 4. 5. • Used to describe a process • Also used to describe an item when it needs to be visualized in the order in which its parts are assembled.
- 30. help the reader visualize the item being described
- 31. BE PRECISE
- 32. Use high information words that enable readers to picture the item.
- 33. •use exact measurements. •specify locations and positions with words like ‘above’, ‘behind’ and ‘adjacent’, ‘horizontal’ and ‘parallel’ •Use correct names
- 34. The volume controls are conveniently placed. The two volume controls are located on the left hand side of the handset approximately 28 mm from the top. The two buttons are horizontally aligned, parallel with the ‘silent’ switch. l l
- 35. SUMMARY the purpose of technical descriptions two types of technical description; product and process elements of a good description how to be objective
- 36. END OF LESSON