OVERVIEW
textbook access (PART 2, Chapter 7)https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780134433479?context_token=0d880580-8ecd-0139-9feb-6e4a36372b55
Technical descriptions “are detailed explanations of objects, places, or processes” (TCT, 5th ed., 120) that are written by experts for a non-technical or an equally technical audience. Professionals often rely on technical descriptions for two purposes: 1) to describe a mechanism/product/formula/model in detail and 2) to describe a process in detail. A technical description requires specific, direct language so that the reader understands what makes up the product or what the process entails. As an expert in your field, you could encounter technical descriptions on a daily basis and will probably even create some on your own—often for the general public or for someone in a non-technical position within or outside of your company.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
To practice writing this genre, come up with a rhetorical situation that calls for a technical description. Then write a product (option 1) or process (option 2) technical description, based on your rhetorical situation. Be sure to do the following, at minimum:
Choose a topic related to your major.
Select a topic that you know a lot about, have access to and can take apart.
Use a specific title versus a vague one.
Write technically (specifically, objectively and concisely).
Organize a standard technical description document.
Incorporate at least one visual (drawing, photograph, illustration, or diagram) that you’ve created with the major parts labeled (read closely Chapters 18 and 19 of our textbook).
Include at least one outside source, complete with a works cited or references page, to support one of your claims, but overall rely on your own knowledge on the topic.
Use a reader-friendly style that gives each section (not necessarily every paragraph) its own heading—add at least eight headings.
Submit the technical description to Canvas as a MS Word document. If the Word version isn’t displaying your TD as you intend, then also add a pdf version. Do not just add the pdf version.
Option 1: Process Technical Description
With this option, write a process technical description by describing a whole process or task. Also reveal your area of study in some way. You may pick any process, but you must come up with at least five steps that are needed in order to complete the process. Probably don’t pick a process with too many steps due to our limited timeframe. Most importantly, pick a process that you are very familiar with—this technical description needs to come from you, not from a series of outside sources. Refer to the following list for ideas of what past students have done (but don’t use these):
How a combine separates kernels from the other parts of the corn
Operating a tool
How to identify bullying among 4th graders
Developing black-and-white film
Building a web page
Winterizing a car
Quitting smoking
Pickling green beans
Dressing appropriately for snowmobile riding
Treating a second-degree burn
Developing confidence
Washing a sweater to prevent it from shrinking
What happens as cheese ages
Cleaning a dog’s ears
After you’ve chosen your topic, describe how that process happens, possibly without human interaction. Helpful Note: You are not instructing someone on how to complete the process; the readers are curious about how that process happens, but they are not completing the process themselves.
Product Technical Description Rubric (X/50)
The title clearly states what the technical description details; the introduction mentions the genre/purpose statement, the specific product, the product’s definition, the preview statement and any other information fitting of a brief report’s introduction (10 points).
The body sections technically and thoroughly describe (using specific wording) all parts of the product, including dimensions, locations, shapes, materials, functions, weights, colors, etc. This section also adds an element that reveals your area of study (20 points).
The conclusion explains one successful cycle, briefly reminds the readers of the genre and the parts described, and provides closure for the readers (5 points).
The document relies on the author’s own observations, knowledge and experiences, but it incorporates the one required outside source in a fitting place, complete with an in-text citation. It also ends with a reference or works cited page (5 points).
The document uses a reader-friendly and professional layout (with headings that allow maneuverability); in other words, it follows the CRAP principles described in class and in Ch. 17 of our textbook. It also incorporates at least 1 effective visual (with a caption and labels) that the author has created; a statement like “As seen in Figure 1” directs readers to it (5 points).
The document relies on a midlevel, concise & professional style by using complete sentences, strong verbs, proper grammar, and a fitting tone (an objective one that leaves out personal pronouns) to relay its points (5 points).
Process Technical Description Rubric (X/50)
The title clearly states what the technical description details; the introduction mentions the genre/purpose statement, the purpose of the specific process, the preview statement and any other information fitting of a brief report’s introduction (10 points).
The body sections technically and thoroughly describe (using specific wording) all parts of the process. This section also adds an element that reveals your area of study (20 points).
The conclusion explains one successful cycle, briefly reminds the readers of the genre and the process described, and provides closure for the readers (5 points).
The document relies on the author’s own observations, knowledge and experiences, but it incorporates the one required outside source in a fitting place, complete with an in-text citation. It also ends with a reference or works cited page (5 points).
The document uses a reader-friendly and professional layout (with headings that allow maneuverability); in other words, it follows the CRAP principles described in class and in Ch. 17 of our textbook. It also incorporates at least 1 effective visual (with a caption and labels) that the author has created; a statement like “As seen in Figure 1” directs readers to it (5 points).
The document relies on a midlevel, concise & professional style by using complete sentences, strong verbs, proper grammar, and a fitting tone (an objective one that leaves out personal pronouns) to relay its points (5 points).
Rubric
Technical Description Rubric
Technical Description Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTitle & Introduction
The title directly states what the technical description details. The introduction details the specific product/process, genre, purpose of the document, definition, preview statement and any other information fitting of the implied rhetorical situation.
10 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTD’s Body
Product: The body sections technically and thoroughly describe (using specific wording) all parts of the product, including dimensions, locations, shapes, materials, functions, weights, colors, etc. The writer’s area of study is implied in this section.
Process: The body sections technically and thoroughly describe (using specific wording) all parts of the process. The writer’s area of study is implied in this section.
20 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
The conclusion briefly reminds the readers of the genre and the parts or steps described. It ends by providing closure.
5 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAuthor Expertise (Ethos)
The document relies on the author’s own observations, knowledge and experiences, but it incorporates the one required outside source in a fitting place, complete with an in-text citation. It also ends with a reference or works cited page.
5 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDocument Design
The document uses a reader-friendly and professional layout (with headings that allow scannability); in other words, it follows the CRAP principles described in class and in Ch. 17 of our textbook. It also incorporates at least 1 effective visual (with a caption and labels) that the author has created; a statement like “As seen in Figure 1” directs readers to it.
5 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Style
The document relies on a midlevel, concise & professional style by using complete sentences, strong verbs, proper grammar, and a fitting tone (an objective one that leaves out personal pronouns) to relay its points.
5 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
5 pts
Total Points: 50
