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!