Lesson 3: Purposes, Readers and Principles of Technical Writing

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, purposes, audience considerations, and core principles of good technical writing discussed in the lesson.

Technical Writing

A form of written communication that conveys specialized or technical information clearly and accurately to help readers perform tasks or make decisions.

Informative Purpose (Technical Writing)

Provides information and instructions that lead to the accomplishment of specific tasks and sound decision-making.

Analytical Purpose (Technical Writing)

Examines events, systems, or situations, explains their implications or failures, and recommends needed changes.

Persuasive Purpose (Technical Writing)

Influences decisions by demonstrating benefits—such as fair labor practices—to convince readers to act or agree.

Readers of Technical Writing

Specific individuals or groups (e.g., managers, engineers, scientists, technicians) who need technical documents for work or study rather than for leisure.

Reason for Reading: Assignment or Report

Readers consult technical material to prepare for an assignment, conference, or formal report.

Reason for Reading: Verify Information

Readers seek technical documents to learn about a personal issue (e.g., an ailment) or to affirm or refute a theory.

Reason for Reading: Prior Knowledge

Readers who already know much about a topic (e.g., giving a lecture) use technical texts to deepen or organize their understanding.

Reason for Reading: Information, Not Pleasure

Readers turn to technical writing primarily for factual content, not entertainment.

Principle 1: Identify Specific Reader(s)

A technical writer must keep a clearly defined audience in mind throughout the report.

Principle 2: Define Specific Purpose

Every section of the report should contribute directly to the writer’s stated objective.

Principle 3: Use Concrete, Familiar Language

Choose specific, single-meaning words that are easily understood and cannot be misinterpreted.

Principle 4: Logical Organization (Beginning and End)

Check that the report’s structure follows a clear sequence from introduction to conclusion.

Principle 5: Formal, Presentable Format

Ensure the final document is professionally formatted, neat, and suitable for formal situations.