Basic Techniques of Technical Writing

There are five distinctive technical writing techniques frequently used in technical and
scientific writing. They are definition, classification, partition, description of mechanisms,
and description of processes.

The discussion on the five special writing techniques is intended to help the student
determine how to develop and arrange his data in a way that would best communicate
his ideas to his reader.

Our report focus on the first technique- DEFINITION.

DEFINITION
The need for defining occurs when the report uses technical terms which are not
familiar to the reader or when common terms are used in a special way.

Definitions are classified as:

a) Informal- consists of one or more synonymous expressions substituted for the
unfamiliar term used.

b) Formal-preferred to be used in technical and scientific work; has three parts: term,
genus, differentia.

Examples:

Term Genus Differentia

A triangle is a plane figure bounded by 3 straight lines having 3 angles

RULES FOR DEFINITION

In formulating a formal definition, observe the following:

1) Try to use simple words. Don't define an unfamiliar term by using more difficult
terminology which would further confuse the reader.

Not this: A network is anything reticulated or decussated, at equal distances, with

interstices between the intersections.

Good: A network is a complex system of electrical wires or channels that

interlace or cross like a fabric of a net.

2) If the term being defined is a noun, the word after 'is' should also be a noun (the
name of the class). Don't begin your definition with 'when', 'what' or 'where'.
Not this: Soldering is when metal surfaces are joined by using melted metal
or metallic alloy.

Good: Soldering is the process of joining metal surfaces using melted

metal or metallic alloy.

3) In defining a term, avoid using the term itself or any of its derivatives.

Not this: A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with parallel sides.

Good: A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with opposite sides equal.

4) Don't put the term you are defining in too broad or too narrow a class.

Too broad: A crystal is something that glitters in the sun.

Too narrow: A crystal is a formation of quartz geometrically patterned.

Good: A crystal is a solid piece of matter in which the atoms, molecules or ions
composing it are arranged in a definite geometric pattern.

METHODS OF EXPANDING A FORMAL DEFINITION:

The one-sentence formal definition usually serves as a topic sentence for a somewhat
more extensive explanation of a topic resulting in what is called an amplified, expanded
or extended definition. Such definition can be developed by using any of the following
methods:

1) Details- A term can be clarified by the addition of related or supporting particulars. To

define a mechanism, a vivid description of its various parts will enable the reader to
"see" it.

2) Examples or instances- General statements particularly abstract definitions are

made more concrete when illustrations are cited.

3) Comparison, contrast and analogy- Analogy cites similarities- The reader is

made to understand an unfamiliar object or idea by comparing it with another object or
idea more familiar to the reader. Using contrast, the differences of both objects are cited
in order to make the idea clear. Comparison combines the two methods of analogy and
contrast (pointing out similarities and differences).
4) Word Derivative-Extended definitions may be revealing and interesting because
they explain the origin of the term or the idea. Definitions such as these are seldom
logically adequate, but they are often extremely useful illustrations for clarification.

PLACEMENT OF DEFINITION IN REPORTS

The proper location of definitions depends upon how important they are to the text and
on the probable knowledge of the readers. Definitions may be placed:

1) In the text itself- when the terms to be defined are not many and synonyms or
appositives will suffice to make their meaning clear;

2)In the footnote- when the report is to be read by a mixed group of readers, some of
whom may know and some may not know the terms used in the text.

3) In a special section in the introduction- when the terms are of critical importance
in understanding the text of the reports; and

4) In the glossary at the end of the report- when the inclusion of two many definitions
in the text itself would cause repeated interruptions, thereby causing the reader to lose
track of the topic being discussed.
 Technological Institute of the Philippines
Quezon City

Technical Communication
(ENGL293)

Basic Techniques of Technical Writing

(Definition)

Prepared by:

Jurada, Juan Paulo D.

Borjal, Christine Irene O.
Garganera, Bryan Carl
Reyes, Redon B.

Submitted to:

Prof. Lorna R. Dimatatac

 Transmittal Letter

July 11, 2011

PROF. LORNA R. DIMATATAC

Technological Institute of the Philippines

938 Aurora Blvd.,Cubao,Quezon City

Maam:

We are submitting to you the report entitled Basic Techniques of Technical Writing,

which includes Definition. It was requested to be submitted on July 11, 2011. The

content of this report is concerned on the abovementioned technique only. This report

also discusses the rules for definition as well as the methods for expanding a formal

definition and its placement in reports, which were being tackled on the latter part of this

report.

If you should have any questions concerning our report, please feel free to contact

Christine Irene O. Borjal at +639289065705.

Sincerely,

Christine Irene O. Borjal

Leader, Group 1 (IE21FB1)

References:

Technical Writing (Revised Edition 2004) by Vicente, Corazon C. et al.; p.16-21