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TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

CONTEXT:

Because descriptions are used in the majority of technical and scientific documents, your first major assignment will be to write and design a technical description. Creating a technical description will allow you to practice several important aspects of technical communication that you will use throughout the course:

 

  • Selecting and researching a specific subject

  • Breaking down a subject into manageable components

  • Providing sufficient details and explanations

  • Using a clear and concise writing style

  • Incorporating images and graphics effectively

  • Creating a user-friendly design

  • Understanding audience expectations and needs

PURPOSE:

AUDIENCE:

Johnson-Sheehan (2015) defines technical descriptions as “detailed explanations of objects, places, or processes” (p. 129). For this assignment, you will choose a “subject” to describe and identify the primary audience for the description. Your technical description must be thorough and clear enough for your audience not only to understand your subject but also to use your description to take action if necessary.

 

Here is the "catch": Both the subject and audience must be connected to the zombie apocalypse, specifically emergency and disaster response. You are writing to save lives.

The audience for your technical description will be determined by the subject you choose to describe, the purpose of your technical description, and the ways in which your description will be used.

 

The audience, however, must be primary readers also known as action takers: “readers who most need to understand your description” (Johnson-Sheehan, 2015, p. 134). Allow this audience’s specific interests and needs to guide you as you create your technical description.

CONTENT

AND

FORMAT:

STYLE

AND

DESIGN:

Your technical description is a stand-alone document and must include the features described by Johnson-Sheehan (p. 130):

 

  • Specific and precise title

  • Introduction that includes

    • definition of subject

    • purpose statement

    • main point

    • importance of subject

    • overall description

    • list of major parts/features/stages of subject

  • Description of parts/features/stages that includes

    • definition and purpose of part/feature/stage

    • explanation of associated minor parts/features/stages

    • NOTE: Each part/feature/stage should be partitioned (separated) in the body of the technical description

  • Conclusion that includes

    • importance of the subject

    • one operating cycle of the subject (how it works in action)

    • future of the subject and/or necessary action(s) of audience

  • Images or graphics (2 minimum) with citation information provided

ASSESSMENT:

Your technical description must be written in a plain, simple style that avoids jargon, unnecessary adjectives, and lengthy sentences.

 

Your technical description must include description by senses, similes, analogies, and/or metaphors.

 

The design of your technical description will depend on your subject and audience. Therefore, using columns, sidebars, and other common features is at your discretion. However, you must include the following:

 

  • headings (also subheadings if feasible)

  • bulleted lists

 

Make sure you choose images/graphics that are pertinent to your description and label them appropriately.

DUE DATE:

As a class we will develop a rubric develop that your peers and I will use to assess your technical description. You will be provided with a copy of the rubric before this project is due so that you can consult it as you draft, peer review, and revise your technical description.

A rough draft of your technical description is due at the start of class Thursday, September 17. This draft will be peer reviewed using the rubric in class.

 

The final draft of your technical description is due at the start of class Tuesday, September 22.

 

Remember: at any time you can take your technical description to the Writing Center for help with your content, style, and format or to the Design Center for help with your design/layout.

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