Notes confusion in understanding the purposes of abstracts and summaries. Analyzes their essential aspects (purpose, reader, tone, logic, relation to the parent document, and length) to provide an understanding of their essential distinctions. (SR)

Notes that while compound nouns are the lexical trademark of many technical languages, their simple surface structure belies the complexities involved in their generation and comprehension. Suggests that by considering carefully these underlying complexities, technical writers can improve the readability of their texts. (HTH)

Recommends that teachers concentrate on explaining explicit procedures for revising style, because many novice writers interpret revision as only proofreading for typing or spelling errors. Provides a set of guidelines for stylistic revision that help students identify problems with passive verbs, nominalizations, wordiness and imprecise language.…

Maintains that the traditional plan of development, an essential element of the introduction to a formal report, invites boredom. Argues that an ideal plan shows not only the main divisions of the report, but also its challenges (problems, areas for further research, debatable issues) and items of special interest. (SR)

Discusses the problem of poor English skills among college students and the need for correct English in business and industrial communication. Presents techniques for improving such skills. (HTH)

Defines elucidation as writing to teach and inform "all" about a complex sequence or process so that even a novice can complete the process without problems. Provides a model for writing description/instruction, using elucidation in the introduction, conclusion, and body of the essay. (HTH)

Describes a comparison of the function of audience in students' writing processes with that of experienced technical writers. Examines students' rough and final drafts for content and style as audience considerations influenced revisions. (HTH)

Examines the collegiate version of "Writer's Workbench" (a computer program that analyzes the surface elements of students' writing and provides feedback to assist in revision) on the writing of sophomore technical writing students. Concludes that "Writer's Workbench" can be an effective but limited tool for technical writing…

Describes an editing assignment in which senior engineering students use their knowledge of non-finite clauses (both restrictive and non-restrictive) to achieve concise mature writing. Explains the linguistic background provided to students before the assignment, gives details of the published "answer guide" and the exercise, and…

Diagnostic memos written by students in a general technical writing class reveal that students need (1) to know that strong communication skills are desirable beyond immediate job prospects, (2) information about and practice in team-writing tasks, and (3) to understand that graphics are an integral part of the technical communication process.…

Describes a technical writing exercise used in the writing assistance program of a school of engineering. The exercise involves comparison of an original and rewritten memo to illustrate poor technical writing and how it differs from its better-organized and better-developed counterpart. (HTH)

Advocates emphasizing the reader-writer relationship and the context of editor to facilitate the objectivity and distance technical writing students need to revise effectively. Suggests providing technical writing students with an opportunity to work with others writing in an editorial capacity to help them better understand this relationship.…

Describes current indexing systems, documents the shift from manual to automated indexing methods, and offers suggestions for writers and editors on the critical importance of careful wording and controlled vocabularies to ensure effective access to technical and scientific articles. Suggests teaching strategies for helping students control…

Describes a number system of commenting on technical writing assignments, where students must look up the comment number on a photocopied key. Provides a sample of the comment numbers and their translations, which cover both general grammatical errors and specific style, information content, and specific assignment difficulties. (SKC)

In addition to citing bibliographies, books, and reviews on technical writing materials, this bibliography lists materials on the profession; theory and philosophy; courses, programs, and internships; research; teaching; consulting, training, in-house courses; writing professional documents; technical writing and computers; graphics/visual aids;…