To: Nancy Myers

From: Sarah Hauge

Date: April 29, 2020
Subject: APLED 121-Chapter 7 Summary

CHAPTER 7

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS AND PROCESS ANALYSIS

Define Technical Descriptions - Part-by-part description of the components of a mechanism,

tool, or piece of equipment.

Types of Technical Descriptions

● Operations Manuals - Often included in the packaging to help consumers utilize a

product. Often includes technical descriptions for the consumer’s better understanding.

● Product Demand Specifications - For when a company needs a product that doesn’t
currently exist. Must be very detailed so that the product needs are met, and often
written to a high-tech audience who understands the specifications being requested.

● Study Reports Provided by Consulting Firms - Provided by a third party after reviewing a
company’s needs.

● Construction Design - Prior to building, the design must be laid out for the client and the
city as relates to publicity or permit needs.

● Sales Literature - Product descriptions for the purpose of making money.

Definition of Process Analysis - Comparable to an instruction, except focusing more on how

something works, as opposed to how to make it work.

Examples of Process Analyses - Engineering, Automotive Sales, Biomedical Tech

Criteria for Writing Technical Descriptions and Process Analysis

 ● Title - Precisely describe your topic.
● Overall Organization
○ Introduction - What the topic is, Why it’s important and explanation of the
functions, capabilities or processes.
○ Discussion - Describe components and how it works - the process.
✓ Details - Use language that the reader can easily understand.
✓ Word usage - Factual, use photographic words (Specific). Subjective,
use impressionistic words (Vague or connotative).
✓ Internal Organization - Itemize in a logical structure. Use SPATIAL
organization to describe a product vs CHRONOLOGICAL when writing
about a process.
● Highlighting Techniques - Call out specifics with headings or graphics.

The Writing Process at Work

● Prewriting - Create the outline

● Writing - Write the piece.
● Rewriting - Allow someone to provide feedback on your rough draft and then amend
your writing as needed.