Writing Assignment #4: Mechanism/Product Description, Explanation of a Process, or Instructions
Descriptions and explanations of products, mechanisms, processes, organizations, and organisms constitute much of the subject matter of technical and scientific writing. Instructions are also critical to working with technology. In this assignment, you will write one of these types of documents, with emphasis on meeting the needs and expectations of your target audience.
Format: Use the format and the sections in Chapter 20 (Figure 20.4 for a mechanism description; or Figure 20.5 for a process description; or Chapter 21 (Figure 21.8) for a set of instructions.
Include a bibliography page in APA, MLA, or Chicago Manual format.
Also, include at least one visual. See Chapters 12 and 13 for guidance and examples of visuals and page design.
Length: 2-3 pages (not including bibliography)
References: Provide at least four references in the bibliography of your description or instructions. Document your information with footnotes or parenthetical citations.
Audience: Nontechnical users of products, readers who need to understand processes, and those who need instructions to perform procedures.
TASK:
Situation: You are a technical writer in an organization that depends on clear, accurate, and correct writing to survive. You are working on a writing project that will be read by nontechnical readers, both within and outside the organization.
Write a product/mechanism, process description, or instructional document of two to three pages, using a format (which you may modify) in Chapter 20 for product descriptions/mechanisms and processes, and in Chapter 21 for instructional documents. Provide a bibliography and footnotes or parenthetical citations for your sources of information, including your visuals. Provide at least one visual.
NOTE: This assignment does not have to be related to Paper #6 (Report), but may be if you wish.
Criteria for excellence:
• Clearly stated purpose.
• Fully meets the needs and expectations of the target audience for understanding (and, as appropriate) use of the product/mechanism/process.
• Sufficiency of research and development of information, including use of the text and Web sources.
• Clarity of ideas.
• Communicating intent to audience.
• Absence of errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling, and documentation.