TECHNICAL WRITING vs. ESSAY Lesson Objectives : At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to: a. Differentiate between technical writing and essay writing. b. Identify the key characteristics of technical and essay writing (e.g., objectivity and subjectivity, clarity and engaging language, and, structured format and flexible structure). what is Technical writing? Technical writing is a form of communication that professionals use to convey information about specialized topics. A technical writer might create content to provide instructions or explain technical concepts regarding environmental regulations, computer applications or medical procedures. what is an Essay? An essay is a piece of writing that is written to convince someone of something or to simply inform the reader about a particular topic. In order for the reader to be convinced or adequately informed, the essay must include several important components to make it flow in a logical way. Technical Writing •Technical writing focuses on providing clear and straightforward informative content to help readers understand complicated concepts. Essay Writing •Essay writing aims to convince and engage readers with well-developed arguments and analysis. highly objective and focuses on practicality and efficiency, Technical Writing aiming to convey information in a concise and precise manner. It is often used in fields such as engineering, technology, and science Essay Writing is more subjective and allows for the expression of personal opinions and interpretations aiming to convey information in a concise and precise manner. Formality and Tone TECHNICAL WRITING: The language in this style is straightforward and specific. It resembles a set of instructions for assembling structured content, avoiding unnecessary details, and focusing on clarity. ESSAY COMPOSITION: consider it as a letter to a friend. It’s informal, like a casual chat. The tone can be personal, expressing emotions and opinions freely. An essay weaves a narrative, allowing the writer’s voice to shine through. Use of Jargon TECHNICAL WRITING: It often includes industryspecific terms and jargon. The goal is to communicate efficiently within a particular field, assuming a level of knowledge among the readers. ESSAY COMPOSITION: Essays generally avoid excessive jargon, opting for easy and accessible language. The emphasis is on connecting with a broader audience, making the content relatable and engaging. Structural Framework TECHNICAL WRITING: Technical documents follow a structured and logical format, just like maps. Whether it’s a manual or a report, the information is organized systematically, allowing readers to navigate with ease. ESSAY COMPOSITION: Essays have a more flexible structure. While they may have an introduction, body, and conclusion, the content flows naturally, allowing for creativity and exploration of ideas. Audience Considerati ons TECHNICAL WRITING: Technical writing is tailored to a specific audience with a particular knowledge base. It assumes the readers have a certain level of expertise in the subject matter. ESSAY COMPOSITION: Essays adapt to various readerships, considering a broader spectrum of backgrounds and interests. The goal is to engage and resonate with a diverse group of readers. Objective & Subjective Evaluation TECHNICAL WRITING is subject to objective evaluation. Technical documents are assessed based on accuracy, clarity, and adherence to predefined standards. Success is measured by how effectively it fulfills its intended purpose. ESSAY WRITNG involves subjective evaluation. The assessment of an essay includes factors such as creativity, originality, and the ability to engage the reader emotionally. Success is often measured by the impact on the reader’s perspective. Well Done! Thank you for participating.