1. TECHNICAL WRITING STYLE
LECTURE 12
TECHNICAL WRITING STYLE

2. TECHNICAL WRITING STYLE
Writing Clear Sentences
Use normal word order (Subject –verb- object)
Write sentences of 12 to 25 words
Don’t let your sentences be too simple or too complicated
Use Active Voice
Use Parallel Structure
Put the Main Idea first

3. Writing Clear Paragraphs
Put the Topic Sentence first (subject)
Structure paragraphs coherently
Repeat terms if necessary
Maintain class or member relationship
Provide transitions (first, second and, also)

4. Revising for Clarity
Avoid strings of Choppy Sentences
Avoid wordiness
Avoid Redundant Phrases
Use “there are, there is, there will be” sparingly
Avoid Noun Clusters
Use “you” correctly
Avoid gender biased language

5. Organizing Clearly
Use context setting introductions
Define terms
Tell why you are writing
Place important material first
Use Preview List
Use Repetition and Sequencing
Use Structural Parallelism

6. Some examples of wordiness
absolutely essential = essential
a majority of = most, much of, many
advance warning = warning
armed gunman = gunman
almost never = seldom
based on the fact that = since/because
basic necessity = necessity

7. came to a realization = realized/recognized
classify into groups = classify
come to the understanding = understand
depreciate in value = depreciate
did not succeed = failed

8. Examples of choppy sentences
She took dance classes, she had no natural grace or sense of rhythm. She eventually gave up the idea of becoming a dancer.
She took dance classes, but she had no natural grace or sense of rhythm, so she eventually gave up the idea of becoming a dancer.

9. Bears emerge from hibernation in spring. They wander through wetlands
Bears emerge from hibernation in spring. They wander through wetlands. They feed mainly on grasses.
When bears emerge from hibernation in the spring, they wander through wetlands and feed mainly on grasses.

10. Notation
When you write reports,assignments and workplace documents with information you have obtained from primary or secondary sources,you must acknowledge it by using some form of notation.
This notation can be done in three different ways.

11. Citation in the text
Footnotes
Endnotes

12. Accuracy
Your communication should be factually correct-it should tell the truth.all the details should be correct.
The meeting is postponed
My plane arrives at 1400 hrs.
I look forward to seeing you then.

13. Brevity Letters should be direct and to the point
Please be informed that this order will be despatched to you on 12 July.
Please be informed that I will be unable to accept your invitation on this particular occasion.

14. Clarity Use clear language which the reader will understand. Commence
Utilize
Terminate
Purchase
Come to a decision
Despite the fact that

15. In the event that
Give consideration to
Under separate cover
Despite the fact that
In the near future
At the present moment in time

16. Use the right tone
In written communication words should sound polite and friendly.
You have deliberately failed to reply to my letter
We cannot do anything about your problem
Your interview will be held on Wednesday.

17. The problem would not have happened if you had connected the wires properly in the first place.
You computer’s guarantee has expired so you will have to pay for it to be repaired.
Its not our fault that your curtains faded.