Characteristics of Technical Writing

Technical writing, just as any other form of writing, has certain characteristics which distinguish it from other types of writing. One of the main characteristics of technical writing is the fact that it clear and straight forward. If you are interested in technical writing for professional purposes, it is very important to know that this type of writing require that the writer stick to the subject matter and relay information in a clear and concise manner. It is very different from writing opinion pieces, essays, prose, non-fiction or fiction. The language used should be very direct and straight to the point. You should avoid using words that people do not understand, and you should also avoid an eloquent writing style. Another characteristic of technical writing is that it is very detailed and informative. The perfect example of technical writing is a textbook. The written contents of most textbooks is geared to providing information by describing the subject matter as fully as possible. Technical writing is also very structured. This type of writing has a very obvious composition that makes it easy for the reader to follow along. Solid structure is needed with technical writing as it allows the audience to easily access the information as needed.

Difference between literary and technical writing?

Literary writing allows you to be creative and is usually fictional. It is objective and often can be interpreted in many ways. Technical writing is scientific and usually attempts to explain something in a very clear, subjective way. It is based on facts
Literary Writing 1. 2. 3. 4. it it it it entertains or it amuses the reader. suggests the writer's message. imparts a lesson. broadens a person's outlook in life.

Technical Writing 1. 2. 3. 4. it it it it provides useful information. directly informs the writer's ideas or messages. gives instructions or directions. serves as a basis for decision making.

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Technical report writing has two basic purposes: 1. To inform 2. To persuade The physical description of a new machine, the steps in a process, or the results of an experiment. A writer not only describes two sites for a factory but also persuades readers to accept one of them as the best i.e. to prove your point. The document that achieves these purposes is called technical writings. a. Reassure recipients that you are making progress, that the project is going smoothly, and that it will be complete by the expected date. b. Provide their recipients with a brief look at some of the findings or some of the work of the project. c. Give their recipients a chance to evaluate your work on the project and to request changes. d. Give you a chance to discuss problems in the project and thus to forewarn recipients. e. Force you to establish a work schedule so that you'll complete the project on time
What are the ABC's of technical report writing? Accurate Brevity Confidence Dignity Emphasis Facility Grammatical correctness Honesty Illustrations Judgement Knowledge Logic Mechanical Neatness Objective Planning Qualification Revision Straight sentences Thoroughness Unity View point Word choice Zest and its meanings Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_ABC's_of_technical_report_writing#ixzz1PXhOrpGk . Accuracy - must be tactful in the recording of data, statement of calculating mathematical figures. 2. Brevity - it's easier to grasp the main idea of the report written if you have a brief report. 3.Confidence - a writer has to be decisive or sure of what is he writing about. 4. Dignity - ring of authority - all grammatical constructions must be complete, no flowery words. ideas/info must be well-organized, simplified, summarized & expressed in straightforward manner. 5. Emphasis - stressing the major points & subordinating them. 6. Facility - devices used by the writer. 6.1. Pacing - technical/unfamiliar info should be presented from small to large quantity.

6.2. Sequence - familiar to unfamiliar ; simple to complex. 6.3. Arrangement - significant details should be stressed & balanced to show their proper relationship. 6.4. Continuity - thought should be clearly established, illustrated, or stated. 7.Grammatical Correctness - reflects the communicative competence of the writer. 8. Honesty - if the writer borrowed some statements, ideas, or quotations, he has to acknowledge them either in footnotes, end-notes, or cite the author or sources. Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/ABC's_of_technical_writing_and_its_meaning#ixzz1PXihFw3c