chapter 2_technical definitions

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Unit 2: Types of Technical Documents UWB10402 Technical Communication 1

What do you think of the following words? Can you guess the meanings? Try it out withyour friends.

Microprocessors Stress Diabetes

Laser Fiber optics Column

Surfing Computer Frame

Normally, texts which contain technical terminology will incorporate definitions and

explanations. This is particularly the case if the text is aimed at non-experts or students of

technical subjects. A term should be defined if the word or phrase used

1: is unfamiliar to the reader2: has multiple meanings3: has a specific meaning in that discipline. The same word in one discipline

can mean a different thing altogether in another discipline

A definition is:

a statement which gives clear, exact, concise description or explanation of a statement ofthe meaning of a word or phrase or the nature of an object

When writing definition, some common words and expressions could be used, such as:

Examples:

1. A computeris an electronic device.

2. Exercises are physical and mental activities.

3. The term laboratory refers to a room or building used for scientific research.4. Arachnophobia means that a very strong fear or hatred of spiders.

Elements of Definitions

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is/are bywe mean means byis meant

is taken to be denotes is/can be defined asin other words that is (to say)


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Plain English the purpose of definition is to clarify meaning, so use languagereaders could understand

Examples:

compare:

i) A tumor is a neoplasm

ii) A tumor is a growth of cells that occurs independently of surrounding

tissue, and serves no useful function.

Basic properties definition should convey the properties that differentiate it

from all others.

Examples:

i) A thermometer measures temperature

ii) A book can be used to write in, to display pictures, and to record financial

transactions.

iii) A book is a bound volume of pages.

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Neoplasm this word is still

unclear and needs more ex lanation

This is better because it gives

accurate description of the

term

This is essential information

and gives real meaning of theterm.

For this term, it cannot be defined according tofunctional properties because books have multiple

functions.

Therefore, the basic property of theword that we could use is physical.


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Objectivity we need to omit our opinions from a definition, unless readers ask

for them.

Examples:

i) Bomb is defined as an explosive weapon detonated by impact and a timingmechanism.

ii) Bomb is an explosive weapon devised by some idiots to blow up the world.

2 types of definitions

1: the short formal definition of one sentence

2: the extended definition of several paragraphs or of the whole process

The short formal definition

Usually of one sentence that contains 3 parts

1. the term or word or phrase to be defined

2. the class of object or concept to which the term belongs

3. the different characteristics which distinguish this term from all others of

that class

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This definition gives fact.

some idiots to blow up the world is opinion

and the definition ignores a bombs basic

property.


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1 2 3

WORD/TERM V CLASS DIFFERENTIATING

CHARACTERISTICS

Water is a liquid made up of molecules of 2 parts of hydrogen to 1 part of oxygen.

Topaz is a mineral which is transparent or translucent

aluminium silicate, usually yellow incolour and used as a gem.

A pencil is an instrument for writing or drawing, made of thinrod of graphite, enclosed in a wooden

cylinder.

In writing short formal definition, there are 2 rules:

1. Specific class differentiation

Assign the term to a class and then detail precisely how this term differs

from other term within that class

Example:

An elephant is a huge mammalorder of Proboscides, of the suborder Elepantoidea.

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Specific class differentiation to define itemClass


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Rule 2:

No repetition of word.

Never repeat same word used in definition as it is a weak definition. Itdoes not tell the reader any new information.

Use another word to give more information.

Example:

A postman is a man who carries and delivers letters.

A postman is a mail carrier who delivers letters.

Now, lets try giving a short, formal definition to the following terms:

Word / term Verb Class Differentiating characteristics

Hay is grass mown and dried for cattle food.

A headache is a continuous pain in the head.

1. A heart

2. A supermarket

3. A clock

4. A volcano

5. An engineer

6. An orchid

7. A dolphin8. A computer

9. A mobile phone

10. A bicycle

Table 1: Short formal definition

The Extended Definition

What is Extended Definition?

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Repetition

Gives new information to the work of a postman


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Some definitions and explanations give further distinguishing characteristics bymeans of a defining relative clause.

Expanded definition that involves more than one sentence.

It could be written in a paragraph or more, or even a whole essay to clarify the

definition. This depends on the topic for each discipline and the need for details to achieve

the purpose of writing it.

Relative clause includes relative pronouns which are:

Ways to extend a definition:

1. Etymology or Derivation

Refers to the origin of the word, its multiple meanings, and the way the

word is used up to the present time.

Examples:

i. Alcoholhas its original roots from the Arabic word al-kuhul, which meant a

colourless, inflammable, and pungent liquid with the chemical properties of

C2H6O. Alcohol today can be burned as fuel, used in industry and medicine,

and can be intoxicating element found in whiskey, wine, beer or in fermented

and distilled liquors known as ethyl alcohol.

ii. Nicotine has its roots in the French word nicotiane, which means the tobacco

plant. This Nicots plant was named after Jean Nicot, French ambassador at

Lisbon. He introduced the tobacco seeds to France in 1560. This tobacco plant

is poisonous water-soluble alkaloid, C10H14N2, found in the tobacco leaves

which are used ordinarily in an aqueous solution of its sulphate as an

insecticide. When the smokers of tobacco leaves became addicted to smoking,

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Who orthatfor peopleWhen for a period of timeWhere for a place or a locationThatorwhich for things


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D. Detailed characteristics of each division i) physical characteristics, (ii) location

(iii) uses

5. Compare and Contrast

Use of analogies can compare the unfamiliar with the familiar based on a

pattern of similarities. In doing this, we need to ask the following

questions when giving definition:

Does it resemble anything familiar?

How does it differ from comparable things?

How is it both similar and different?

Examples:

i. The way the animal heart pumps blood throughout the body is like the way

water pump works to pump water into the water pipes.

ii. A seam gauge resembles a short ruler, except it has a length wise slot in the

middle of its entire length.

iii. Fiber optics technology results from the superior capacity of light waves to

carry a communications signal. Sound waves, radio waves, and light waves

can all carry signals; their capacity increases with their frequency. Voice

frequencies carried by telephone operate at 1000 cycles per second, or hertz.

Televisionsignals transmit at about 50 million hertz. Light waves, however,

operate at frequencies in the hundreds of trillion of hertz.

In addition to the 5 ways of expanding a definition above, we can also use descriptive

details where we elaborate details like class, size, shape, colour, properties, uses and

other information which we think are helpful in clarifying the term. Other than that, we

can use examples and incidents, and we can also combine several ways in order to help

with the understanding of the term.

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Exercises

1. The following are 2 samples of extended definitions written by a group ofstudents. Read the samples and identify:

a) the term, the class, and the differentiating characteristics

b) which way they used to define the term

c) whether the definition is successful in explaining to readers what the term

means

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Scientific calculator is an electronic device that

people use to calculate mathematics equation.

This device is made up from electronic

components. The case is made up from hard

plastic. The structure consists of buttons and

screen. The buttons are used to type in numbers

and mathematics symbols. The function of the

screen is to display what is being punched from

the buttons.

Mechanical pencil consists of two terms that are

mechanical and pencil. It is called mechanical

because the pencil is produced by machines and

it consists of a set of moving parts that does a

certain task. While pencil is a type of stationery

used to write. So mechanical pencil is not like

conventional pencil because mechanical pencil

uses spring to eject the thin carbon lead from

the body in order to write. Whereas, the normal

pencil needs to be sharpened in order to write.

Student B


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2. The technical words in column A are similar in meaning to the more generalEnglish in column B. Match them.

A B

1 Sheets A Goes up and down

2 Escalator B Swings backwards and forwards

3 Motion C Goes in a line4 Converts D Movement

5 Has a linear motion E Goes round and round

6 Reciprocates F Moving stairs7 Rotates G Large, thin, flat pieces

8 Oscillates H Changes

3. Choose 1 term from Table 1: Short formal definition that you have done earlier.From the short formal definition, expand the description of the term using ways that you

have learned in this unit. Write it in the following space.

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Read the following paragraphs:

1.

Source: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/the-elven-

brooch

2.

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Sterling Silver Elven Leaf Brooch

This is a gorgeous reproduction of the leaf brooch worn by

Frodo, Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, and the other members

of the Fellowship in Peter Jacksons film version of The Lord

of the Rings. This inspiring and beautiful piece symbolises

the spirit and bond of those entrusted to save Middle-Earth.

Made of finely handcrafted solid sterling silver and rich

green enamelling, the brooch measures 2 inches tall by 1

7/8 inches wide, and has a pin along the back so you can

fasten it to your shirt or jacket. The brooch is presented in

cotton filled box, and comes with a certificate of authenticity,

which makes it a wonderful gift for men and women who are

fans of The Lord of the Rings.


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Sources: http://www.answers.com/topic/stapler,

http://www.allproducts.com.tw/manufacture98/shyouken/product2.html

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A stapler comprises many components, most of which are metal

stampings and spring type parts. Main components of a typical

home or office stapler include the base; the anvil (the metal plate

over which you put the document that you want to staple); the

magazine (which holds the staples); the metal head (which covers

the magazine); and the hanger (which is welded to the base and

holds the pin that connects the magazine and base). Rivets are

used to keep the parts together, and a pin is the hinge point for the

top and bottom half. There are also rubber and plastic materials

used both in enhancing the product and in making the stapler

cosmetically appealing. The springs in a stapler typically perform

two separate jobs: they keep the row of staples lined up in the

track and ready to be used, and they return the plunger blade to its

original up position. (The plunger blade acts as a guillotine, in that

it separates one single staple from the row of staples each time it is
http://www.answers.com/topic/staplerhttp://www.allproducts.com.tw/manufacture98/shyouken/product2.htmlhttp://www.answers.com/topic/hingehttp://www.answers.com/topic/guillotinehttp://www.answers.com/topic/hingehttp://www.answers.com/topic/guillotinehttp://www.answers.com/topic/staplerhttp://www.allproducts.com.tw/manufacture98/shyouken/product2.html


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Exercises:

1. From the paragraphs in the previous pages, find:

a) words that you think are factual

b) words that represent the writers opinion

Fill in the table below with your answers.

Paragraph 1

Facts Opinion

gorgeous

Paragraph 2

Facts Opinion

metal stampings

When you are done, compare your answers with a friend. Be prepared to rationalize your

answers.

TUTORIAL TASK

2. In this part, you need to choose 1 card. Each card contains questions regarding

Technical Description. Prepare the answers to the questions, and present it to the whole

class. You may do it using power point slide presentation. You are given about 5 minutes

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to talk about what you have discovered. While your friends are presenting, you may take

notes for the rest of the question cards.

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Card A

1. What is the definition of Technical Description?

2. List 3 important features in a technical description.

3. How do you describe an object?

Card B

1. Give examples of words/terms that you use to describe an object.

2. Do you need to include visuals in technical description? Why/Why

not? Give examples.

3. What is physical description?


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Card C

1. What is the purpose of writing technical description?

2. What is functional description?

3. What should a technical description contain?


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LANGUAGE ENRICHMENT

3. In the following box are verb participles that can be used when writing a

description of a functional, physical, or manufacturing process. Choose an object and

write the description using the passive voice in present tense. You can use the verbs given

or other verbs that you know. When you are done, read aloud the descriptions withoutsaying the name of the final product. Your classmates have to guess what is being

described.

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ASSIGNMENT 1 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION (10%)

Assembled extracted placed studied constructed

joined removed cleaned heated processed

tested selected manufactured connected

inserted programmed treated evaluated measured

separated transferred welded adjusted polished

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For this assignment, you are going to write a technical description of an object of your

choice. The following is how you are going about the assignment:

1. Choose an object. You must get the approval from your lecturer about your

choice.

2. Take not more than 5 pictures of the object from different views and print them.You are not allowed to lift images from other sources such as the Internet or

books.

3. Label the parts of the object.4. Write a description of the object which should include the following items:

a. The extended definition of the object

b. The physical aspects of the objectc. The functional aspects of the object

5. Organise your description into Introduction, Content, and Conclusion. You must

include the pictures that you have taken in the description.

6. You should write about 1000 words. Indicate the word count on the assignmentcover page.

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Your assignment will be evaluated by the following criteria:

Content the answer is relevant and adequate to the assigned situation, shows knowledge

to the subject, and well-developed thesis/topic.

Language use effective simple and complex constructions, few errors of agreement,

tense, number, word order/function, articles, pronouns, prepositions

Organisation fluent expression, overall pattern is clear, well-organised, logical

sequencing, cohesive.

Mechanics mastery of conventions few errors of spelling, punctuation, capitalisation,

paragraphing.

References:

Boeckner, K. and Brown, P.C. (1993). Oxford English for Computing. Oxford: Oxford University

Press.

Glendinning, E.H. and Glendinning, N. (1995). Oxford English for Electrical and Mechanical

Engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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Lannon, J.M. (1994). Technical Writing. 6th ed. New York: HarperCollins College Publishers.

Rose Tunku Ismail. (2001).A Students Guide to Writing. Kuala Lumpur: DBP.

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~bccorey/105%20Folder/Tech%20Def%20Assign.doc
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~bccorey/105%20Folder/Tech%20Def%20Assign.dochttp://www.public.iastate.edu/~bccorey/105%20Folder/Tech%20Def%20Assign.doc