9780130476111

For courses in Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Writing for Technicians, and Business Writing; as well as corporate training seminars in writing. This well-written, practical text serves perfectly as an inexpensive supplement to technical and scientific courses where students need to write documents such as reports, proposals, letters, and memos. Unique in its combination of an alphabetized handbook with brief chapters on organization and efficiency, this handy reference for on-the-job writing gives quick, easy-to-find answers to common writing problems faced in various technical and professional careers.

The Writing Process: Achieving Speed and Quality

1

(22)

Definition of Technical Writing

1

(4)

Purpose: Getting Something Done

2

(1)

Writer: Conveying Your Knowledge to the Reader

2

(1)

Readers: Understanding Their Diverse Needs

3

(2)

Nine Steps to Better Writing

5

(15)

Write a Brief Purpose Statement

5

(1)

Consider the Obstacles Your Readers Face

6

(1)

Determine Technical Levels of Readers

6

(1)

Determine Decision-Making Levels of Readers

7

(2)

Find Out What Decision-Makers Want

9

(1)

Collect and Document Information Carefully

9

(5)

Write an Outline

14

(1)

Write Your First Draft Quickly

15

(3)

Revise in Stages

18

(2)

Writing in Groups

20

(3)

Get to Know Your Group

20

(1)

Set Clear Goals and Ground Rules

21

(1)

Use Brainstorming Techniques

21

(1)

Agree on a Revision Process

21

(1)

Use Computers to Communicate

22

(1)

Structure: Achieving Order and Design

23

(16)

Basics of Organization

23

(3)

Write Different Parts for Different Readers

24

(1)

Emphasize Beginnings and Endings

24

(1)

Repeat Key Points

25

(1)

ABC Format

26

(5)

The Abstract Gives the ``Big Picture''

29

(1)

The Body Gives Supporting Details

30

(1)

The Conclusion Provides a Wrap-Up

30

(1)

Page Design

31

(8)

Use White Space Liberally

31

(1)

Use Headings and Subheadings Often

32

(2)

Use Lists Frequently

34

(3)

Use Fonts Effectively

37

(2)

Special Topics: Graphics and Oral Presentation

39

(34)

Graphics

39

(19)

Terms in Graphics

39

(1)

Reasons for Using Graphics

40

(2)

General Guidelines

42

(2)

Guidelines for Pie Charts

44

(3)

Guidelines for Bar Charts

47

(4)

Guidelines for Line Charts

51

(2)

Guidelines for Tables

53

(2)

Guidelines for Technical Drawings

55

(3)

Oral Presentations

58

(15)

Guidelines for Preparation and Delivery

58

(8)

Guidelines for Speech Graphics

66

(2)

Guidelines for Overcoming Nervousness

68

(5)

Appendix A: ABC Formats and Examples

73

(62)

ABC Format 1: Positive Letter

74

(2)

Example 1: Positive Letter

75

(1)

ABC Format 2: Negative Letter

76

(2)

Example 2: Negative Letter

77

(1)

ABC Format 3: Neutral Letter

78

(2)

Example 3: Neutral Letter

79

(1)

ABC Format 4: Sales Letter

80

(2)

Example 4: Sales Letter

81

(1)

ABC Format 5: Memorandum

82

(2)

Example 5: Memorandum

83

(1)

ABC Format 6: Instructions

84

(4)

Example 6: Instructions

85

(3)

ABC Format 7: Problem Analysis

88

(3)

Example 7: Problem Analysis

89

(2)

ABC Format 8: Recommendation Report

91

(3)

Example 8: Recommendation Report

92

(2)

ABC Format 9: Equipment Evaluation

94

(3)

Example 9: Equipment Evaluation

95

(2)

ABC Format 10: Lab Report

97

(3)

Example 10: Lab Report

98

(2)

ABC Format 11: Trip Report

100

(2)

Example 11: Trip Report

101

(1)

ABC Format 12: Feasibility Study

102

(3)

Example 12: Feasibility Study

103

(2)

ABC Format 13: Proposal

105

(3)

Example 13: Proposal

106

(2)

ABC Format 14: Progress Report

108

(3)

Example 14: Progress Report

109

(2)

ABC Format 15: Formal Report

111

(17)

Example 15: Formal Report

112

(16)

ABC Format 16: Job Letter and Resume

128

(7)

Example 16: Job Letter and Resume

129

(6)

Appendix B: Writing Handbook

135

(86)

Alphabetized Table of Contents

135

(3)

Topical Table of Contents

138

(83)

Style

138

(1)

Grammar

139

(1)

Usage

139

(82)

Index

221

(5)

Planning Form

226

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

This little book aims to provide you with a handy reference for on-the-job writing. It does not pretend to be the last word on the subject. There are plenty of longer books to serve that purpose. Instead, it gives you quick, easy-to-read answers to common writing problems you will face in school and on the job. This introduction includes information on the organization of the text, changes in the third edition, and the sources used in writing it. ORGANIZATION OF TEXT ThePocket Guidepresents information on five main subjects, each with its own chapter or appendix: Chapter 1--The Writing Process: Achieving Speed and Quality Chapter 2--Structure: Achieving Order and Design Chapter 3--Special Topics: Graphics and Oral Presentations Appendix A: ABC Formats and Examples Appendix B: Writing Handbook Each section gives you a "jump start" on planning, drafting, or revising when you are rushed to deliver a document. The two appendices will be especially useful for immediate help with writing. Appendix A includes one-page outlines ("ABC Formats") for 16 different types of documents, followed by model examples. Appendix B contains alphabetized entries to assist with questions about style, grammar, and usage. CHANGES IN THE THIRD EDITION Although the third edition retains the same basic structure and content of the previous editions, it does include five main changes: More information in Chapter 1 on audience analysis, with a shod case study that responds to the needs of a complex audience More information in Chapter 1 on conducting research and avoiding plagiarism, with examples of research cards and a list of references New guidelines in Chapter 2 on font selection in page design, with an illustration New guidelines in Chapter 3 on use of technical drawings as graphics, with two illustrations Addition of a Planning Form at the end of the book, to assist writers in preparing thoroughly before beginning a draft With just a few pages added, the book keeps its focus on providing a quick reference guide for (1) classes in technical writing in which only a short text is needed, (2) classes in various technical and scientific fields in which a short book is needed to supplement the main text, and (3) working professionals who want a handy tool for planning, drafting, and editing their writing.

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Pocket Guide to Technical Writing

Pocket Guide to Technical Writing

0130476110

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