1. TECHNICAL WRITING FOR NINTH GRADE ENGLISH

2. A REASON TO WRITE: 1. Informational: a. Technical Writing –resumes, memos, letters, pamphlets, descriptions, manuals, directions, newspaper articles, recipes, procedures, power point, lab report… b. Expository (also informational)– literary analysis, compare- contrast, descriptive, cause/effect, problem/solution 2. Entertain – humorous essays, short stories, novels, poetry 3. Express feelings – journal, diary, essay, poetry 4. Persuade - essays, speeches, advertisements, editorials, public service announcements

3. TECHNICAL WRITING A specialized form of writing which addresses specific informational needs using specific format, graphics and precise words. Technical comes from the Greek word “techne” meaning skill. Technical writing is for learning, teaching and critiquing.

4. TECHNICAL WRITING INVOLVES: …the clear and objective presentation of facts to a specific audience

5. CHARACTERISTICS OF TECHNICAL WRITING Informative Impersonal and objective (no opinions) Descriptive May use charts, tables, graphs, statistics Concise Uses a specific format Easy to understand

6. RULES FOR TECHNICAL WRITERS Be accurate. Address problems that users actually experience. Use clear language, avoiding jargon whenever possible.avoiding jargon Consider what users already know and pick up where that knowledge leaves off. Don’t assume knowledge on the part of the audience.

7. MORE RULES FOR WRITERS Be organized in a way that allows users to quickly find specific information. Leave out unnecessary details. Document information with graphics. Stick with the information, not an opinion.

8. MORE RULES FOR WRITERS Use consistent language and formatting to reduce confusion. Anticipate users' questions and then answer those questions. (FAQs) Follow standard formats to reduce reader confusion.