Lesson 2: Characteristics, Subject Matter, Purposes of Technical Writing

Vocabulary flashcards covering the essential characteristics, distinctions, purposes, and subject matter of technical writing compared with literary writing.

Technical Writing

Professional communication that presents objective, precise, and usable information, often in business, science, engineering, and industry.

Clear and Straightforward

A key trait of technical writing that emphasizes unambiguous wording and uncomplicated sentence construction.

Detailed and Informative

Characteristic of technical writing that provides exhaustive facts, data, and explanations to ensure reader understanding.

Structured Format

The organized layout of technical documents, including headings, subheadings, lists, and standardized sections.

Informative Purpose

Goal of technical writing to deliver factual content that increases the reader’s knowledge.

Instructional Purpose

Goal of technical writing to guide the reader through procedures, steps, or directions.

Objective Tone

Impersonal, unbiased, and neutral attitude typical of technical writing.

Literal / Denotative Language

Direct wording that states exactly what is meant, avoiding figurative expressions.

Specialized Jargon

Technical or scientific terms used within a particular profession or field.

Subject Matter of Technical Writing

Topics linked to business, science, technology, engineering, and other professional areas.

Literary Writing

Creative composition that focuses on human experience, emotion, and entertainment using figurative language.

Figurative / Connotative Language

Words or phrases with suggested or imaginative meanings, typical of literary writing.

Personal Style

Elaborated, subjective approach commonly found in literary works.

Conversational Tone

Light, informal attitude frequently employed in literary writing.

Point of View (Technical)

Preference for third-person perspective (e.g., "the researcher"), maintaining objectivity.

Point of View (Literary)

Flexible use of first, second, or third person (I, you, he, she, we, they) to convey personal experience.

Analysis by Partition

Breaking down an idea or object into independent elements for close examination.

Classification

Dividing a group into smaller, mutually exclusive categories.

Mutually Exclusive Divisions

Separate parts that do not overlap yet collectively cover an entire subject.

Expository Writing

Writing that explains or informs; one of the four basic forms alongside persuasive, descriptive, and narrative.

Basis for Decision-Making

Role of technical documents to provide data and analysis used to choose a course of action.

Professional Documentation

Formal records (reports, manuals, memos) produced in workplace settings.

Data Recording

Capturing observations and results accurately for future reference in technical fields.

Logical Analysis

Systematic evaluation of information that can be scientifically assessed, a feature of technical writing.