{"product_id":"writing-in-the-technical-fields-isbn-9780780310360","title":"Writing in the Technical Fields","description":"Using an informal, hands-on approach, this practical guide reviews the basics of good technical writing. It provides a simple, effective system for writing all types of technical documents including letters, memos, minutes, procedures, manuals, proposals, progress reports, and final reports. You will gain a better understanding of the writing process and learn how to: improve the coherence of your writing, write better paragraphs, write better sentences, choose the right word and more. \u003cp\u003ePreface xiii\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart I: Techniques 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter I. Introduction 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreat Workplace Writing as a Craft, Not an Art 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnlearn What You Learned in School 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocus on What You Know About Writing at Work 6\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharacteristics of Effective Workplace Writing 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2 Before You Start Writing 13\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Short Writing Sessions, Not Long Ones 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWrite Collaboratively 15\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalyze Your Audience 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDefine Your Purpose 18\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvaluate the Implications of Your Audience and Purpose 19\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMake Sure Your Boss Agrees with What You've Decided 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 23\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGenerate Ideas to Include in the Document 23\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrganize Your Information 26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWrite the Draft Quickly 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpend Your Time Revising 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4 Using the Computer to Improve Your Writing 39\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstand What the Computer Can—and Cannot—Do for You 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse the Computer When You're Just Getting Started on a Document 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse the Computer When You're Drafting 41\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse the Computer When You're Revising 42\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Specialized Software 43\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5. Improving the Coherence of Your Writing 47\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWrite Informative Titles and Headings 48\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Lists to Communicate Parallel Information 50\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Introductions to Forecast Discussions 52\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Conclusions to Complete Discussions 55\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6 Writing Better Paragraphs 59\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBegin with a Clear Topic Sentence 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupport the Topic Sentence Logically 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmphasize the Coherence of the Paragraph 62\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeep Paragraphs to a Manageable Length 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7. Writing Better Sentences 67\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermine the Appropriate Stylistic Guidelines 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse the Active and Passive Voices Appropriately 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoose Appropriate Sentence Patterns 70\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocus on the Real Subject 72\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocus on the Real Verb 73\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Modifying Elements Effectively 74\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeep Parallel Items Parallel 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8 Choosing the Right Word 79\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoose Simple, Clear Words and Phrases 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid Unnecessary Jargon 82\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid Euphemisms 82\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid Cliches 82\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid Sexist Language 83\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Readability Formulas Carefully 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9 Creating and Integrating Graphics 87\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermine Whether You Need Graphics 87\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermine What Kind of Graphic to Use 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMake the Graphic Honest 90\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMake the Graphic Self-Sufficient 91\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermine Where to Put the Graphic 95\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTie the Graphic to the Text 95\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10. Improving Page Design 99\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeave Adequate Margins 100\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsider a Multicolumn Format 101\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Appropriate Line Spacing 102\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Appropriate Justification 104\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstand the Readability Levels of Type Fonts 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse the Different Members of a Type Family 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Type Sizes Appropriately 108\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Uppercase and Lowercase 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesign Titles and Headings for Emphasis and Clarity 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesign Lists for Clarity 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart II: Applications 115\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 11. Letters 117\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearn the Standard Letter Formats 117\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearn Letter Protocol 118\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForecast the Purpose of the Letter 122\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnd on a Positive Note 123\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAchieve a Natural Tone 124\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 12 Memos 127\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreate an Informative Heading 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eState the Purpose Up Front 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInclude a Summary 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConclude with an Action Statement 130\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 13. Minutes 135\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInclude the Necessary Housekeeping Details 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecord Events Accurately 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecord Events Diplomatically 137\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 14 Procedures and Manuals 141\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmphasize Safety 142\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrient the Reader 145\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWrite Clear Instructions 148\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdd Graphics to Clarify the Text 150\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesign the Document for Easy Use in the Field 152\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnticipate the Need for Updates 154\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInclude Troubleshooting Tips 154\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 15. Formal Elements of Reports 157\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransmittal Letter 158\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTitle Page 160\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable of Contents 160\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbstract 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExecutive Summary 164\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppendices 166\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 16 Proposals I69\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlan Before You Start Writing 170\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShow That You Understand the Readers’ Needs 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePropose a Clear, Specific Technical Plan for the Project 174\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemonstrate Your Professionalism and Credibility 176\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse Graphics to Help Your Readers See Your Ideas 177\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvaluate the Proposal Carefully Before You Send It Out 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 17. Progress Reports 183\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClarify the Context 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExplain the Progress Clearly 184\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExplain the Progress Honestly 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 18. Completion Reports 189\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroduce the Report Clearly 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescribe Your Methods 191\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePresent Your Results 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDraw Conclusions from the Results 194\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePresent Your Recommendations 195\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppendices 197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA. Checklists 199\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eB. Handbook 207\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eC. Commonly Misused Words and Phrases 241\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD. Guidelines for Speakers of English as a Second Language 247\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eE. Guidelines for Writing to Speakers of English as a Second Language 261\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eF. Selected Bibliography 265\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 271\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eMike Markel is the author of Writing in the Technical Fields: A Step-by-Step Guide for Engineers, Scientists, and Technicians, published by Wiley.  Electrical Engineering\/Technical Writing Writing in the Technical Fields A Step-by-Step Guide for Engineers, Scientists, and Technicians Mike Markel, Professor of English and Director of technical Communication, Boise State University and Editor, IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication \"The author has an engaging style of writing…[he] demonstrates an excellent command of the language and discusses the ‘real-world’ problems and fears faced by most writers.\" — John Blyler, Westinghouse Hanford This comprehensive and informal guide presents and excellent \"hands-on\" approach to technical writing. Combining leading-edge research with practical advice, it provides a simple, effective system for writing any type of technical document: brief memos, proposals, and reports will be easier to write, and easier to read. Enjoyable and reader-friendly, you’ll find yourself referring to the excellent suggestions and examples in this book again and again. Key features include\u003cbr\u003e:the techniques of technical writing such as: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ethe writing process\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eusing the word processor as a writing tool\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eimproving the coherence of writing\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003egraphics and page design\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ecomplete coverage of common technical documents: letters, memos, minutes, procedures, manuals, proposals, progress reports, and final reports\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003econtemporary discussions of ethics and word processing\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003esix appendices:\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003echecklists\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ereview of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003elisting of commonly misused words and phrases\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eguide for speakers of English as a second language\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eguide for writing to speakers of English as a second language\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ebibliography\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eplus much more!\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e This book is intended for everyone—from people who write an occasional memo, to those who write all day long—anyone who wants a quick look at the basic principles of good on-the-job technical writing. You’ll gain more confidence in your writing and do it faster and more effectively. Also of Interest … A New Guide for Better Technical Presentations Applying Proven Techniques with Modern Tools edited by Robert M. Woelfle, E-Systems, Inc. Providing all the latest techniques in one handy, easy-to-use source, this guide gives you the background you need to make more effective technical presentations—written, oral, even computer graphics. 1992 Softcover 416pp IEEE Order No. PP0277-4 ISBN 0-87942-283-1","brand":"Wiley-IEEE Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47990511042789,"sku":"NP9780780310360","price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780780310360.jpg?v=1761788119","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/writing-in-the-technical-fields-isbn-9780780310360","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}