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.