Terry A. Ring
Department of Chemical Engineering
November 1 & 3, 2004
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– He decides your future.
– He decides your salary raise.
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– Students are told and believe, objectivity rests on data. … Data are what convince, apparently objectively, but engineer's job is to
in each situation the data that convince.
Writing Like an Engineer: A Rhetorical Education
Dorothy Winsor
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• This definition is attributed to Ἀριστοτέλης
(Aristotle, 4 th Century BC Greek Philosopher).

Speaker/ethos
Purpose/
Kairos
(or timeliness)
Subject/ logos
Audience/ pathos
• Ethos—the authority and credibility of the author; how a writer presents him/herself to the audience.
• Pathos—emotional appeals to the audience.
• Logos—reliance on logic or reason to make an argument.
• Related to ethos because who or what the writer deems logical must also be considered logical by the audience.

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FIRST DAY
How to prepare the report
Suggested Contents
Sample Formal Report
Writing Style
Plagiarism
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SECOND DAY
Grammar
Style and Language
Grading the Report
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
Contents of Formal Report (in order of appearance):
• Letter of Transmittal
• Title Page
• Table of contents, List of Figures, List of Tables
• Summary (Abstract) - must “ stand alone ” , do not refer to a table or a figure
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Introduction - objective, literature, your approach
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Theory - start with basic principles, write equations using an equation editor
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Apparatus and Procedure apparatus and instrumentation diagrams are essential discuss accuracy of the instruments and measurements
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
Contents of Report (in order) - continued:
• Results - tell the reader what was observed without bias or interpretation present and discuss data
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Discussion of Results
Tell the reader what you think the results mean
Error analysis - details in an appendix
Cite relationships, generalizations
Agreement with prior work?
• Are Values reasonable?
• Conclusions and Recommendations importance of the work- short and sweet summarize evidence for every conclusion give recommendations - be constructive 11

CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
Contents of Report (in order) - continued:
• Table of Nomenclature
• References
• Appendices
Raw Data
Sample calculations
Calibrations
Major equipment items (List, Manufacturer, Model)
Uncertainty (Error) analysis, Error Propagation
Computer Disk(s)
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
Contents of Report (appendices):
• Sample Calculations
Clear enough so someone can check your calculations, at least for the sample
Must be written as English text, sentences
Indicate the run number for all data used in the calculations
Cite the source of all numbers used in the equations and the units used
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
Materials and Facilities:
• Word processor, spreadsheet, drawing and graphing programs
• Use spelling and grammar checker, but still proof read.
Spelling and grammar checkers are not fool-proof. Use dictionary if necessary
• Keep multiple electronic backup copies at every stage
• Printer - make sure toner cartridge is not on empty and leave plenty of time to print your report
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
Early Preparation:
• Theory (decide on notation, be consistent)
• Introduction (start a rough draft, decide what is important to tell)
• Equipment - decide on drawing/sketch, write down important information on major pieces of equipment, i.e. manufacturer, model number.
• Uncertainty (error) analysis, Error propagation
Can be hand written neatly but use complete sentences
• Sample calculations
Can be hand written neatly but use complete sentences
• Figures and Tables (decide on format)
Remember Figures: Caption at the bottom
Tables: Caption at the top
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
Writing the Report - suggested order of writing:
• Introduction section – do a rough draft
• Theory section – do a rough draft then do sample calculations
• Apparatus and Procedure
Discuss the apparatus diagram/sketches
Give a step by step procedure in detail unless very complicated, then put in the appendix
• Write Results and Discussion of Results
Discuss tables and figures, do not just show them
Give your interpretation of the data and results!!
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
Writing the Report - suggested order of writing (cont ’ d):
• Write the Conclusions and Recommendations
• Complete and write the sample calculations
• Prepare and write needed appended materials
Nomenclature
References
• Write the final Introduction and Theory Section direct toward project results and conclusions
• Write Summary/Abstract
• Write Letter of Transmittal
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
Before Starting the Final Draft:
• Assemble Figures and Tables in Complete form
• List Preliminary Conclusions and Supporting Evidence discuss with your group members
• Assemble list of items to be discussed in the report
• Prepare an outline of the complete report
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
T ables:
• Number in text using Arabic numerals sequential as referenced if in appendix, may use Table A-1, etc.
• Column and row headings must include name of quantity, error in quantity, symbol used, and units
• Organize with thought, don ’ t just copy spreadsheet
• Should “ stand alone ” , self explanatory
• Descriptive heading should be at the t op!!!
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
Figures:
• Number using Arabic numerals insert after first citation in text sequential as referenced
• Figure captions are required descriptive caption at the bottom of each figure captions are complete sentences, text-like
• Axis labels ( with units ) are required name, quantity, dimensions legends are usually helpful if plotting several things
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
How To Prepare the Report
Figures (continued):
• Correlation Curves and Error Bars typically do not draw outside data range keep simple, clear, not complicated
• Plots with theoretical lines use data symbols for experimental data use lines (solid, dashed, etc.) for theoretical line theoretical lines may be drawn to edge of plot
• Use log-log and semi-log plots when appropriate
• Flow sheet and piping diagrams, Equipment diagrams, control and computer system diagrams are all figures
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How to Do Figures
6
4
2
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
Wet Air Cycle
Leach
Dry Air Cycle
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-12
0 20 40 60 80
Tim e (hours)
100 120 140 160
Figure 4.3.5-1 Temperature effects during the typical humidity cell weekly cycle showing evaporative effects during the dry air cycle with a temperature drop of 4 C. Note the rise in temperature after most of the water was evaporated. This experiment used 1 liter/min of total gas flow through the humidity cell, which consisted of marble (control cell) ground to the same grain size as the waste rock in this study. The relative temperature is the difference between the cell temperature and the ambient temperature.
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How to Do Tables
Table 1. Chemical Analysis of Selenium-contaminated Wastewater used in the study.
Species/Property pH
Conductivity
Temperature
Alkalinity
Hardness
Total Dissolved
Solids
Total Suspended
Solids
Concentration or Value
7.25
2840 micro mho/cm
21 C
303 mg/L
557 mg/L as CaCO3
1670 mg/L
<detection
Detection
Limit
10 mg/L
5 mg/L
20 mg/L
3 mg/L
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing
Writing Style:
• Usually active voice but can use passive.
• Passive voice should not be overused
• active –
• “ The drafter improved upon the line quality ”
• passive –
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The line quality was improved upon by the drafter
”
• Avoid editorial “ we ”
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Edit frequently - read, revise, read, revise, …
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing
Quotation of Material:
• Avoid plagiarism - learn to use quoted material
Refer to the Student Code on cheating www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/8/8-10.html
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Short quotations - placed between quotation marks and the source cited
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Long quotations - single spaced and indented on the left and right margins. Cite your source.
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For this class only - you may use copyrighted material without permission (copy charts/graphs) but you must indicate the source of this material
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing
Symbols and Abbreviations:
• Define all symbols when first used and/or in a table of nomenclature - see sample report
• Abbreviations are frequently overused. Define nonstandard abbreviations in text when first used.
Examples:
30 ’ = 30 feet
The new center is called CBI (Center for
Biopolymers at Interfaces).
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing I
Department Requirements:
• Final Report-1 paper copy to Instructor
• Electronic copy should be sent to
• Instructor
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Final Report will be returned in less than 2 weeks;
A technical rewrite may be requested.
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A cover is required
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing II
Style, Grammar, Punctuation
• Commonly Misused Words:
Affect, verb, to influence
Heat affects the surface.
Effect, verb, to bring about
A radical change was effected.
Effect, noun
The Coriolis effect will be studied
Comprise, verb, contains or includes
The text comprises all three modes of transfer.
Compose, verb, made up of, constituted of
The mixture is composed of sand and gravel
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing II
Style, Grammar, Punctuation
• Hyphenation (16,17,27):
When two or more words modify another word, and the words work as a unit, the hyphen must be used but do not hyphenate most prefixes added to common nouns.
bubble-cap tray liquid-gas interface a 20-percent increase a two- or three-year study precooled not pre-cooled nonpolar not non-polar
Exceptions: co-worker not coworker co-ion not coion
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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing II
Style, Grammar, Punctuation
• Units of Measure:
Spell out the unit of measure when no quantity is given several milligrams not several mg
Do not use plurals for abbreviated units of measure
50 mg not 50 mgs
In ranges and series, retain only the first unit of measure
10-12 mg, between 25 and 50 ml
When a sentence starts with a specific quantity, spell it out as well as the unit of measure
Twenty-five milliliters of acetone was added.
Use the percent symbol with a number, without a space
25% 45-50%
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Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Complacency = Oblivious to errors

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CHFEN 4903 Report Writing II
Grading
A report is not acceptable and must be revised and turned in again if the instructor determines that the report does not meet the minimum standard for senior chemical engineering students
Category
A. Preliminary Oral Quiz, Teamwork
Score
10
25 B. Coherence – Does the report tell a technically coherent story? Are objectives stated and met?
C. Technical Accuracy
D. Professional Standards – English, Form,
Visuals, Citations, Lab operations, Safety, Use of equipment, Cleanup
TOTAL
45
20
100
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Scoring Rubric for CHFEN 4903 – Categories and Learning Objectives
Category
A. Preliminary Oral
Presentation,
Teamwork (10)
B. Coherence
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Does the report tell a technically coherent story? Are objectives stated and met?(25)
C. Technical
Accuracy (45)
Learning Objectives/Outcomes
(8) Demonstrate effective team skills-goal setting, consensus-building, listening, etc.
(9) Demonstrate effective leadership skills
– team discussions, calling team meetings, etc.
(11) Produce a professional-quality oral presentation (as a team), etc.
(7) Evaluate the quality of results by comparison with accepted correlations and theories and develop valid conclusions about deviations etc.
(10) Produce professional-quality written reports that present, analyzes, and interprets experimental results logically and which are well-organized and delivered
D. Professional
Standards
– includes quality of English
Language, Form,
Visuals, Citations
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Lab Operations, safety, efficient use of equipment, cleanup (20)
(1)-(6) Apply concepts from previous courses, mathematics, compute description statistics and apply to analyze experimental data, develop specific experimental objectives to meet overall experimental goals, design and conduct experiments, analyze experimental data to obtain parameters and correlations
(7) Evaluate the quality of results by comparison with accepted correlations and theories and develop valid conclusions about deviations etc.
(3) Apply methods of statistical inference
(10) Produce professional-quality written reports that present, analyzes, and interprets experimental results logically and which are well-organized and delivered
(11) Produce a professional-quality oral presentation, etc.
(12) Apply concepts of professional ethics to design and conducting experiments and analyzing and interpreting experimental data
(13) Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory equipment and instrumentation and their capabilities and limitations

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– Exemplary
– Proficient
– Apprentice
– Novice

Category Exemplary Proficient Apprentice Novice Score
A. Preliminary Oral
Presentation,
Teamwork
B. Coherence
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Does the report tell a technically coherent story? Are objectives stated and met?
C. Technical Accuracy
D. Professional Standards includes quality of
English Language,
Form, Visuals,
Citations
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Lab
Operations, safety, efficient use of equipment, cleanup
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Student worked well in group, helped set group goals, participated in all team discussions, played a leadership role, prepared well for and presented an excellent oral presentation
Objectives were well stated and all objectives were met.
Report told a technically coherent story and was well written. Analyses, interpretations and conclusions clear and logical.
Experiments were designed and conducted with virtually no errors; concepts
(theory) from previous courses applied correctly; uncertainty analysis excellent; excellent comparison with accepted correlations/results
Written report is virtually errorfree, well-organized, easy to read, contains highquality graphics, several good references, followed required format; excellent attention to safety and cleanup; knowledgeable of equipment; used equipment efficiently
Student worked well in group, helped set some group goals, participated in most team discussions, prepared well for and presented a good oral presentation
Objectives were fairly well stated and most were met. Report told a technically coherent story and was fairly well written. Analyses, interpretations and conclusions were mostly clear and logical.
Experiments were designed and conducted with only a few errors; concepts (theory) from previous courses applied correctly with few errors; uncertainty analysis good; good comparison with accepted correlations/results
Written report has only a few errors, relatively wellorganized, easy to read, contains good graphics, a few good references, mostly followed required format; good attention to safety and cleanup; fairly knowledgeable of equipment; mostly used equipment efficiently
Student worked fairly well in group, helped set only a few group goals, participated in a few team discussions, fairly prepared for oral quiz and presented a fair oral presentation
Objectives were fairly well stated and some objectives were met. Report did not tell a technically coherent story but was fairly well written.
Analyses, interpretations and conclusions were fairly clear and logical.
Experiments were designed and conducted with several errors; concepts (theory) from previous courses not applied correctly; uncertainty analysis fair; comparison with accepted correlations/results not quite done correctly
Written report has several errors, not very well-organized nor easy to read, fair graphics, references not good, usually followed required format; fair attention to safety and cleanup; not very knowledgeable of equipment; used equipment efficiently
Student did not work well in group, did not help set group goals, did not participate in team discussions, was not prepared for oral quiz and presented a poor presentation
Objectives were not stated well and objectives were not met. Report did not tell a technically coherent story and was poorly written. Analyses, interpretations and conclusions were neither clear nor logical.
Experiments were not designed and conducted correctly; concepts (theory) from previous courses not understood; uncertainty analysis poor; no comparison with accepted correlations/results
Written report is not acceptable, not wellorganized nor easy to read, contains poor graphics, no references, did not followed required format; poor attention to safety and cleanup; not knowledgeable of equipment; used equipment efficiently
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10 points max
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25 points max
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45 points max
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20 points max
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– I used to be a good writer but then I took an arrow to the knee.
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Coordinating conjunction arrow to the knee.
;
,
Conjunctive adverb
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