Post on 14-Aug-2015
OBJECTIVESBy the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Identify the purpose of technical descriptions
Recognize the two main types of description
Identify the elements of a good technical description
Identify ways of being objective
Like definitions, descriptions answer the question ‘what is it?’ but give additional information to help readers visualize what’s being described.
shape materials
function operation?size
Give enough detail to convey a clear picture but don’t burden the reader with unnecessary information.
U s e d r a w i n g s , d i a g r a m s a n d photographs with captions and labels that help users understand what they are looking at.
• Used when we want readers to visualize a static item.
• A part of all physical descriptions.
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• Used in describing a mechanism/device in action.
• Reflects the order in which the parts function.
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• Used to describe a process • Also used to describe an item when it needs to be
visualized in the order in which its parts are assembled.
•use exact measurements.
•specify locations and positions with words like ‘above’, ‘behind’ and ‘adjacent’, ‘horizontal’ and ‘parallel’
•Use correct names
The volume controls are conveniently placed.
The two volume controls are located on the left hand side of the handset approximately 28 mm from the top. The two buttons are horizontally aligned, parallel with the ‘silent’ switch.
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SUMMARYthe purpose of technical descriptions
two types of technical description; product and process
elements of a good description
how to be objective