Scenarios for Technical Communication Critical Thinking and Writing

by Kynell, Teresa C.; Stone, Wendy Krieg

• ISBN13: 9780205275243
• ISBN10: 0205275249
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-10-12
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

In today's fast-paced work environment, where e-mail, fax machines, and FedEx have transformed the way people communicate, the ability to write succinctly and effectively on the job can mean the difference between gaining or losing business. Based on the belief that real world simulations of workplace writing situations provide the best opportunities for improvement, this book invites readers to consider actual relationships, situations, and the intangible elements that affect workplace writing. The tips and techniques offered in this book help readers develop critical thinking abilities in conjunction with occasions to practice realistic workplace writing. Individual scenarios of various lengths and levels of complexity provide abundant opportunities for readers to practice technical writing forms and learn about important principles. Technical writers, business people, writers and workers training for such positions.

Table of Contents

Preface	vi
1 Using Scenarios to Learn Technical Communication	1	(22)
What Are Scenarios?	1	(1)
What Will Scenarios Help You Learn?	2	(1)
How Do You Find the "Right" Answer to a Scenario?	3	(3)
Working Through a Scenario: A Sample Situation	6	(13)
The Disappearing Lake	6	(13)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	19	(4)
2 Memoranda and Letters	23	(36)
Memos	23	(6)
Letters	29	(10)
Some Final Notes on Memos and Letters	39	(1)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	39	(2)
Scenarios for Memoranda and Letters	41	(18)
Accounting for New Computers	41	(5)
The Archaic Report Form	46	(3)
The Air Bag Problem	49	(3)
Sunset Inn Accessibility	52	(2)
Soil Incineration: The Groundwork	54	(5)
3 Ethical Considerations and the Role of the Technical Communicator	59	(34)
Ethical Decisions Are Part of Every Writing Situation	60	(1)
What Are Your Ethical Responsibilities?	60	(1)
Locating the Site of the Ethical Problem	61	(3)
Explicit Aspects of Ethical Situations	64	(2)
Implicit Aspects of Ethical Situations	66	(3)
Determining the Ramifications	69	(1)
Considering the Foundational Questions	70	(2)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	72	(1)
Scenarios for Ethical Considerations	73	(20)
The Carpet Treatment Problem	73	(5)
Environmentally Friendly Frost Spacers	78	(4)
The Heated Sidewalk Problem	82	(4)
The Mysterious Syringe	86	(3)
Soil Incineration: The Protestors	89	(4)
4 Technical Definitions	93	(22)
Parenthetical Definitions	94	(1)
Formal Definitions	95	(3)
Expanded Definitions	98	(4)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	102	(2)
Scenarios for Technical Definition	104	(11)
The New Technology Problem	104	(1)
Cable Modem Pilot Project	105	(2)
The Pitted Park	107	(2)
The Integrated Ed Problem	109	(2)
Soil Incineration: Defining in Muddy Waters	111	(4)
5 Technical Descriptions	115	(28)
Preparing to Write a Technical Description	115	(4)
Writing the Extended Description	119	(3)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	122	(3)
Scenarios for Technical Description	125	(18)
The Pinging Modem	125	(5)
Jack the Ripper	130	(3)
Making Waves	133	(3)
The Glowing Globe	136	(3)
Soil Incineration: Technical Description Troubles	139	(4)
6 Technical Instructions	143	(26)
Planning for Technical Instructions	144	(10)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	154	(1)
Scenarios for Technical Instructions	155	(14)
Finding the Money	155	(2)
Cellulose Insulation Installation	157	(4)
Where's the On-Ramp to the Information Superhighway?	161	(2)
Save the Planet	163	(2)
Soil Incineration: Ash Transportation	165	(4)
7 Resumes and Cover Letters	169	(32)
Seeing Both Sides: Job Searching and Hiring	169	(1)
Important Considerations	170	(1)
Cover Letters	171	(3)
Resumes	174	(6)
Common Employment Correspondence Mistakes	180	(2)
Exercises for Classroom Discussions	182	(1)
Scenarios for Resumes and Cover Letters	183	(18)
The Boss's Son	183	(3)
Internship Adventure	186	(1)
Intern Search	187	(8)
The Judiciary Opportunity	195	(1)
Soil Incineration Case: Research Intern Wanted	196	(5)
8 Short and Long Reports	201	(48)
Short Reports	201	(6)
Long or Formal Reports	207	(24)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	231	(1)
Scenarios for Short and Long Reports	232	(17)
The Trouble with Traffic	232	(2)
The High-End Real Estate Plan	234	(3)
What's the Plan?	237	(3)
The Construction Accident	240	(5)
Soil Incineration: Alternative Combustion Methods	245	(4)
9 Proposal Writing	249	(34)
Proposals Based on Request for Services	250	(2)
Proposals Based on a Perceived Need	252	(1)
Guidelines for Writing the Proposal	253	(10)
Exercises for Classroom Discussion	263	(1)
Scenarios for Technical Proposals	264	(19)
Marni Proposal	264	(8)
File Access from Anywhere	272	(3)
On-Site Day Care Proposal	275	(3)
Kid's Knob Proposal	278	(2)
Soil Incineration: The Final Proposal	280	(3)
Appendix Guide to Creating and Working with Visuals	283	(8)
Using Visuals-When and How	283	(2)
Choosing a Visual Type	285	(3)
Creating Clear and Accurate Visuals	288	(3)
Index	291