Technical Writing Notes #3

2-18-09 Letters: •

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Persuade ○ Complaint ○ Solicitation ○ Inquiry ○ AIDA ○ Convince to take action Convey good/neutral news ○ Acceptance ○ Transmittal ○ News ○ Explanation or pertinent facts ○ Ends in goodwill Convey bad news ○ Refusal ○ Rejection ○ Paragraph-length buffer ○ Explain facts logically ○ Give bad news ○ Reestablish goodwill in conclusion

Recommendations Report: • •

Solves a problem in the company/organization Consists of: ○ Cover page ○ Abstract ○ Table of contents ○ Introduction ○ Findings ○ Conclusion ○ Recommendations ○ Works cited

Instructions and Manuals: • • • •

Process descriptions (why, when, who) Safety measures Tools and materials Uses images for clarification

Resume:

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Always begin sentences with active verbs Try to list at least three responsibilities at each job If work experience is limited, elaborate on academic work Try to avoid gaps in time Include URL of any online portfolios/homepages

Cover Letter: • • • • • • • •

Always find out the name or position title for the person to whom you will be addressing he letter ○ Never use “To Whom it May Concern:” Express your interests in the position wand where you heard about it Choose two to three qualifications to discuss in the cover letters Refer to your resume when discussing your specific qualifications Do not use bulleted lists Cole by offering your contact information and any times you will be available for contact. Express your interest in meeting with the this person Don’t forget to sin the letter Place the word enclosure or Encl at the bottom of the page to show that your resume is enclosed

Proposals: • • • • • •

An introduction The research questions The methods Timeline ○ Gantt chart Conclusion Works cited

Mathematics: When describing mathematical objects, you must write it and its name (“Name of Formula f(x) describes...” ) Keep the writing as simple as the expression State assumptions that underlie the formula State the answer in complete, single sentence Explain how you will approach the problem in the paragraph

Clearly label all visual representations of math Do not start sentences with symbols

You must cite: • • •

Books Computational or graphical software that helped you solve the problem Persons you speak with about the problem who help you understand it

Writing with Technology: Computer-based conversations: • • • •

Supports flexible connections among individuals and groups of people. Allowing more people to share info and form communities of writer than F2F Help individuals and groups focus less on physical characteristics (gender, race, age, disability) and more on the content of the message. Transcend limitations of time and space and are convenient and quick.

Virtual Community: •

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A group of people who may or may not meet F2F, and exchange words and ideas through the medium of computer bulletin boards and networks[…]it is also a collection of ………fuck shit…. stuff Flaming Surveillance Style Checkers Access—unequal distribution of technology Hypertext/Hypermedia Writing Environments Listserv Bulletin Boards/Forums Chat Blog

Technology and Writing:

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Is it always appropriate?