Writing
Styles
Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you should
be able to:
a. recognize the common
techniques in writing a technical
document;
b. use the internet to search for
samples of these styles; and
c. write/construct a technical
document using the common
techniques.
What is technical
writing styles?
Technical writing styles refer to the
writer’s way of writing in a manner by
which he or she expresses his or her
thoughts and feelings in a language. It
is a way by which information is
conveyed to the reader. Different writers
may give the same information but they
may vary in vocabulary, sentence
patterns, and organization.
It employs techniques in writing to
achieve its communicative purposes
and goals.
The use of these writing techniques
makes the document appealing and
interesting to the reader.
Kinds of Writing
Techniques
1. Definition
2. Classification
3. Description of a Mechanism
Definition
A statement of the
meaning; words, word
groups, signs or
symbols.
Definition
a. Informal Definition
Giving another word that
means the same to clarify it.
Example:
T-square is a measuring tool.
Definition
b. Formal Definition
It is a formal sentence
that contains a three
elements:
Definition
b. Formal Definition
• Species – term being defined
• Genus – class or kind where it
belongs
• Differentia/e – distinguishing
characteristic from other class
Definition
b. Formal Definition
Example:
Definition
Amplified or Extended Definition
Ensures the reader's
understanding; phrases, clauses, or
sentences.
It comes in the form of additional
sentences that support a formal
definition.
Definition
The amplified (extension or
expansion) is done in any of the
following ways:
1. Function - uses
2. Location – placement/position
3. Physical Description – physical
traits
Definition
4. Further Definition - definition
of words in the formal definition
5. Causation - causes or effects
6. Comparison – similarities with
another thing
7. Contrast – differences from
another thing
Definition
8. Exemplification - concrete
examples
9. Etymology – word derivation
10.Analysis – parts of the thing
defined
Definition
11.Basic Principle – law or
principle governing the thing
defined
12.Negation – negative statements
about the thing defined
Definition
Example:
Never eat canned or jarred foods that
emit a foul odor. The danger is botulism.
Botulism is an after fatal variety of food
poisoning
caused
by
the
botulin
organism. There are several symptoms
of botulism you should be aware of.
(Obnaia, Dela Cruz, Aquino, 2005)
Classification
A systematic process of
dividing material into kinds
or classes.
It shows the relationship
between things.
Sample Outline
I.
Introduction
Body/Group-by-group
description
III. Conclusion/Summary of the
main points
II.
Sample Outline
I.
Introduction
a. Definition of the thing
classified
b. Basis of classification
c. Main groups of classification
Sample Outline
II.
Body/Group-by-group description
a. Main group 1
i. Sub group 1
ii. Sub group 2
Sample Outline
II.
Body/Group-by-group description
b. Main group 2
i. Sub group 1
1. Sub-sub group 1
2. Sub-sub group 2
ii. Sub group 2
Sample Outline
II.
Body/Group-by-group description
c. Main group 2
i. Sub group 1
ii. Sub group 2
iii. Sub group 3
III. Conclusion/Summary of main
point
Description of a Mechanism
Way of presenting a device to
reader by naming it, defining it,
and explaining its function and
describing its physical appearance.
Sample Outline
I.
Introduction
II.
Body/ Part by Part Description
III. Conclusion/Summary
main points
of the
Sample Outline
I.
Introduction
a. Definition of the machine
b. Description of the machine
c. Function of the machine
d. Main parts of the machine
Sample Outline
II.
Body/ Part by Part Description
a. Main Part 1
i. Sub part 1
ii. Sub part 2
Sample Outline
II.
Body/ Part by Part Description
b. Main Part 2
i. Sub part 1
1. Sub-sub part 1
2. Sub-sub part 2
ii. Sub part 2
Sample Outline
II.
Body/ Part by Part Description
c.
Main Part 2
i. Sub part 1
ii. Sub part 2
iii. Sub part 3
Sample Outline
III. Conclusion/Summary of main
point
a. Operation of the machine
b. Operation by the machine
Application
Assessment
Thank you!