1. Maria Martha Manette A. Madrid, Ed.D.
Professor
Panpacific University North Philippines
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines
martzmonette@yahoo.com
2. 1. Explains and discusses a subject matter in a factual
and in a straightforward style.
2. Characterized by certain formal elements such as its
scientific and technical vocabulary, its use of graphic
aids, and its use of conventional report form.
3. Characterized by the maintenance of attitude of
impartiality and objectivity by extreme care to
convey information accurately and concretely by the
absence of any attempt to arouse emotion.
4. There is a relatively high concentration of certain
complex and important writing techniques-in-
particular definition, description of mechanism,
description of process, classification and
interpretation.
3. Gives information that leads to the accomplishment of
specific tasks and in the making of needed decisions.
Ex: information on what to do during an earthquake, how to
use saftey devices to avoid fire and burns
Analyzes events and their implications, the failure of
certain systems as educational, socio-
economic, political, etc., and the needed changes.
Ex: how to save the dying rivers of the country, in
particular, the Pasig River
Persuades and influences decision by showing how a
business or an industry suceeds because of just and fair
treatment of labor, how the educational system can be
improved through the implementation of the
recommendations of the Educational Commission.
4. Fundamental Characteristics (Conway, 1987)
1. Concrete Language
- Use of concrete word than of an abstract one
2. Denotative Language
- Utilization of the dictionary or lexical meaning of a word
3. Objectivity
- An impartial, impersonal or unemotional weighing of
evidence of information
4. Targeted or Defined Audience
- Defining the audience helps the writer know what to
write and how to write it
5. Style
- Adopts a different style from a literary writing, must be
economical , clear, concise and concrete
6. Common Format
- Adhere to the practice of using standard layouts or
formats
5. Is a writer’s way of writing, a manner by
which he expresses his thoughts and feelings
in language.
How the material is written.
The way by which information is carried
across to the reader.
Ex. a) Time flies
b) Time is infinite movement without one
moment of rest.
6. Analyses:
a) Simple, but emotional, a little sentimental. It
avoids the word “died” and substitutes a
softer, gentler, less unpleasant expression.
b) Is a plain, brief statement in which the
writer’s feelings are not directly indicated.
7. Clarity- the single most importnat aspect of
good technical writing. It enables the readers
to understand what the information means to
convey. Readers need facts, not hazy or
imprecise terms, to make decisions and
accomplish tasks.
◦ Use of specific and concrete words
◦ Appropriate verbs (use action verb and active voice
of the verb)
8. Conciseness –means every word counts, is very important, it
saves time and increases the forcefulness of writing.
Ex: Please repeat the sentence again. (5 words)
Please repeat the sentence. (4 words)
Preferred Not Preferred Preferred Not Preferred
Begin initiate before prior to
Pay compensation about with reference to
Fire conflagration consider give consideration to
True veracious conflicts comes in conflict with
Wordy verbose operates is in
operation
Total aggregate now/currentlyat this point in time
Question interrogate because/since in view of the
fact that
Find out ascertain despite in spite of
Try endeavor
10. Coherence – the smooth flow of ideas and data
- transitional words prepare readers
for the next point or a change in direction
To indicate Time To Add To Contrast
Finally In addition However
Before Furthermore On
the other
hand
After Also But
Soon Wherever In Contrast
11. To Compare To Indicate Space
Similarly Beyond
In the same way Behind
In comparison Forward
In the same manner In Front of
To indicate Cause To Conclude
Because On the whole
For that reason To summarize
Since In conclusion
Due to the fact that In summary
12. Conventions of Standard English
◦ Common sentence errors as sentence fragments,
comma splices, and run-on(fused) sentences
should be avoided
Sentence Structure and Length – natural word
order, simple sentence structure and fairly
short sentences
13. Guide to Technical Writing
1. Accuracy – tactful in the recording of data, statement or
calculating mathematical figures . A writer must always aim to
be understood.
2. Brevity – enhance understanding on the main purpose of the
report, having a brief report.
3. Confidence – to be decisive or sure of what he is writing about.
4. Dignity – development the ring of authority, this is one of the
ethical standards. See to it that all grammatical constructions
must be complete, ideas well organized, simplified
, summarized and expressed in straightforward manner.
5. Emphasis- stressing the major points and subordinating them.
6. Facility – makes report easy to read and understand. It depends
on pacing, sequence, arrangement and continuity.
7. Grammatical Correctness – application of grammatical rules.
14. 8. Honesty – acknowledge borrowed statements.
9. Illustration – employ illustration to concretize
either thoughts or ideas.
10. Judgment – quality the information gathered
and collected by considering its
ampleness, relevance, simplicity and
collaboration with the rest of the data.
11. Knowledge – limited for a mere collection of
data or information because it involves
analysis, interpretation and formulation of
conclusion.
12. Logic – process of showing the relations
among groups of things and classes of groups.
13. Mechanical Neatness – appearance of the
report, perfect in shape.
14. Normal Procedure – follow acceptable
arrangement of the different parts of a report.
15. 15. Objectivity – third person point of view is preferred.
16. Planning – basic step, gives purpose and direction to
what he has to write.
17. Qualification – chose statements that have direct
relationship to the topic being discussed.
18. Revision – more than checking spelling, punctuation
marks, spacing and margins, it cater to the diction,
organization of ideas and subject fully treated or not.
19. Straight Sentences – sentences must be limited to only
one idea or two closely related ideas.
20. Thoroughness – writer must treat well his subject matter
and objectives are realized.
21. Unity – every idea should have correlation to the main
topic.
22. Viewpoint – written from a certain viewpoint of a writer.
23. Word Choice – employ fitted words to the reader’s
ability and background.
16. Definition
◦ Informal definition- use a familiar word or phrases for
an unfamiliar word or phrase
◦ Formal Sentence Definition – conists of three parts:
word, the class and the differentiate
◦ Expanded Definition – amplify a definition by a general
discusssion of an object, process or concept
Explanation of use or function (ex: fork, amplify by adding
the function)
Description of parts
Comparison and contrast
Origin of the word
Giving Examples
Negation
Basic Operating Principles
17. Decription of a Mechanism – simply and consist
of three kinds of information: 1) what it is, 2)
what its purpose is, and 3) what it looks like.
◦ Part-by-part description –after listing down the principal
parts of a mechanism, the detailed description follows:
Focused on the aspects. (shape, size, relationship to
other parts, methods of attachment, and material and
finish)
Description of a Process (organizational pattern)-
using a time sequence to show how something
occurs or how to perform a certain task. The
process can be natural or mechanical.
ex: taking a sunbath, new technology for organic
wastewater
18. Classification and Partition
◦ Classification-the orderly, systematic arrangement
of related things following a governing principle or
basis. Initial step: brings together related items, its
froms groups from individual items. (ex: genus and
species)
◦ Partition or division- breaks down a unit into its
component parts. (ex: a house can be divided into
its parts:
foundation, floors, walls, ceiling, roof, etc.)
Interpretation – the art of establishing a
meaningful pattern of relationships among a
group of facts
◦ Statement of the Problem – the first task is to state
what the writer wanted to find out when he began
the work
19. ◦ Background
◦ How the evidence was obatined –the reliability of
interpretation is dependent on how data were
obatained. The Method of Gathering Data or
Information is explained.
◦ Presentation of Data (Results and Discussion) –
introduce the mass of data without cluttering it up
and withou burying his discussion with raw data.
Tables and graphs are vivid ways of presenting
information. They show clearly how facts relate to
one another. The text point out teh significant
relationships revealed by the table or chart.
20. Outputs or End Products of Technical Writing
1. Abstract – summarized form or a resume of any
longer piece of writing.
2. Brochure – a pamphlet or printed information
material given to a customer in order to convince or
persuade him to take an action on the company's
services.
3. Business Letter – written communication used to
transact business which cannot be conveniently
conducted orally.
4. Contract – formal arrangement made between two or
more persons, organizations or parties to do
something on mutually agreed terms.
5. Feasibility Report – intended to examine the
advantages and disadvantages of a certain project
for determining the possibility of going into it.
21. 6. Graphic Aids – pictures, graphs, diagrams, and
other printed materials used in illustrating
important details in a report.
7. Instructional Manual – describes the procedures
on how to install, maintain and operate an
equipment or gadget.
8. Memorandum – written communication
circulated within the company and its branches
which is used to disseminate a message of
information.
9. Monograph – textbook treatment that requires a
full illustration a thorough documentation.
10. Policy – course of action adopted or pursued by
an individual, party business and industry.
22. 11. Printed Action Memo – this prepared form
requires only a checkmark in an appropriate
square to indicate its message.
12. Proposal – merely suggests an activity or
project to be pursued for a change or an
improvement.
13. Specification – contains detailed information
about performance courses, materials for
construction needed, theory of operations,
sample calculations, tables and operating data or
information.
14. Technical Report – provides useful information
about a complete program of work, for reference
and permanent record.
15. Article for Technical jargon – information
published in a journal reporting an achievement
or discussing a certain problem.
23. 1. Upward communication ( to supervisors) – usually
addressed to mangers and supervisors who are
often busy.
2. Lateral communication ( to peers) – addressed to
peers who may share the writer’s expertise in a field.
3. Downward communication ( to subordinates) –
addressed to employees and technicians who are
most concerned with how to increase productivity
and their incomes.
4. Outward communication (to customers, public
interest groups, stockholders, the government and
others) – goes outside the company and so the
techniques of upward communication is used.
24. 1. A good memo passes between
departments, between individuals in different
departments, between management and staff, and
others.
2. Most firms provide printed forms and restrict and
restrict inter-office correspondence to one subject
only in order to encourage conciseness and clarity
and to facilitate filling and reference.
3. Should always be courteous, complete and direct to
the point (tone).
4. The length varies. Some memos such as those
announcing a shortened work , may be only a
sentence or two in length. Others such as those
announcing a change in policy may be several pages
long. Whatever their length, memos should always
be clear and direct to the point.
25. Main parts of the Inter-office Memo
1. Heading- printed on the top of the top. It includes
the name of the company, date, sender, receiver and
subject.
Note: Memo To is used only when the writer is
addressing to his subordinates or an individual or a
group of people who have lower positions than him.
While Memo For is used when the writer is
addressing to his superior or someone who has a
higher position than him.
2. Subject- brief statement about the content of the
message.
3. Message - includes the following:
a. statement why the memorandum is written
b. a detailed information
c. suggestions for future action
26. Estoque and Sons Co.
Inter-Office Memo
TO: Mr. Robert Cads
FROM: Pat Estoque
SUBJECT: NEW PRICE LIST
On June 3, 2009, our new price list goes in effect.
Copies should be in the hands of the salesmen before
the end of the week and in the hands of the dealers by
June 30. Copies can be obtained from my secretary.
For your information.
(SGD) Pat Estoque
Product Manager
27. INTER-OFFICE MEMO
From the Desk of Jeffery Gwapo
TO: Miss Evelyn Ganda
SUBJECT: July 12 Holiday
Since July 12 – this year falls on a Sunday, the
office will be closed on Monday, July 13, to allow a
full holiday weekend.
For your guidance.
Jefferey Gwapo
HRD Officer
28. ROXAS HOUSE OF FASHION
FROM: Cristy Rey
TO: Miss Evelyn Go
Supervisor
Sales Department
SUBJECT: Advertising Campaign
This weekend, our special advertising campaign on our new LA
ROXAS Fashion Magazine will begin. This will be opened with full
pages in the magazine supplements of Metropolitan papers. Most
of the advertisements will carry keyed coupon. Your department
should be prepared for the special load of mail that will com in.
just a reminder.
(SGD)Carlos Gracia
29. INTER-OFFICE MEMO
10 May 2009
FOR: Jose A. Reyes, President
FROM: Cynthia So
SUBJECT: Distribution of Mid-year Bonus
This is in reference with the minutes taken during the meeting
of the Accounting Department last April 30, 2009. It was agreed
that the Mid-year bonus which is usually given in June, should be
distributed earlier.. The main reason for this is that most of our
employees and staff need money for the tuition fees of their
children.
For your information.
Cynthia So
Accounting Department
30. Progress Report
Annual Report
◦ Project Report
◦ Letter Report
Analytical Report
Feasibility Study
Proposals
Position Paper
31. - Aims at presenting “information about the
work done on a particular project at a
particular period of time.”
The Transitional Introduction
- Relates the present report to a previous
one as background info. States the nature
and scope of the subject matter and perhaps
a brief summary as well as recommendation.
The Body of the Report
- Presentation of the mass of information
maybe chronological or logical
32. - Figures are needed to support a narration or
facts; hence, the need for tables
The Conclusion
- Gives a more detained form and in a manner
that will spur action
- Ending is a “prophetic” conclusion (it is
forward looking, the reader is made to
anticipate, for example, the completion of the
project)
33. -Or Executive Reports are made on a yearly
basis to show the performance of a company
at the end of the period.
- Contains 1) company profile, 2) financial
highlights, 3) the president’s report, 4)
Board of Directors and Officers and 5)
Auditor’s Report.
34. -Progress, annual and project reports give
information; hence, they are classified as
informational reports.
- Some reports, are classified as analytical
reports, they include assessment, evaluation
or feasibilty study. Projects completed are
usually assessed or evaluated. A project to
be undertaken is the subject of a feasibility
study.
35. - Is made to determine whether or not a project is
likely to succeed, or not will be economically
viable.
- It comprises: 1)the plan, 2) the cost, 3) source of
funding, 4) the manpower/personnel
requirements, 5) the market, and 6) profitability.
1. Plan – the project, inclduing the rationale, has to
be described in detail. A sketch should
accompanyy the description if necessary. It
answer the questions: what, why and how.
Includes a time-frame-the appropriate time
neeeded to complete the project.
36. 2. The Cost – estimated cost of the equipment
and facilities entails a canvassing of the
market. What models are available and
where? Are they second hand or brand new?
3. Source of Funding – if there is a provision in
the school or company budget, the approval
of the project is 50 % sure.
- If there is no allocation for the project, or if
the allocation is not sufficient, is there a
possibility of getting loans from banks? How
much is the interest? Would the income from
the project be able to pay amortization on the
loans when they are due?
37. - Other source of funding is grants from
funding agencies.
- Another is fund drives, usually by church and
charitabel organizations.
4. Manpower or personnel
- How many persons are needed for the
project?
- What are their job titles and job description?
- What salary is recommended for each?
- A time table for the recruitment of personnel
is advisable and helpful.
38. 5. The Market- to whom will the commercial
venture cater? Will there be enough clients or
customers? This part should be supported
with a survey. The viability of the project
rests primarily on the stability of the market.
6. Profitability – the acceptability of the project
will depend or not it is profitable to be
undertaken. Economic profitability will call for
a certain amount of return (10 to 20%) on
investment. If its commercial, there is a need
to discuss how the project will benefit a
community or a specific group of people.
39. I. Introduction
II. Marketing Study
III. Technical Study
IV. Financial Study
V. Socio-Economic Study
VI. Conclusion
40. - Written offer to solve a technical problem in a
particular way, under a specific plan of
management, for a certain sum of money
- The solution offered is discussed in detail,
supported by designs or plans with alternative
plans or designs is known as technical proposals
- The management explains to the prospective
client the way a project is to be carried out, teh
pserons wjo will direct it, and the time schedule
for the different phases of the project is called
management proposal.
41. Bear in mind that “the objecive of a proposal
is to communicate clearly the facts about a
proposed technical design or program plan.
Convince that his design or plan is superior
to those submitted by competition.
Accdg. To John A. Walter (Univ. Of Texas) – a
good proposal consist of : preliminary study,
drafting a plan or outline, writing a rough
draft and planning illustrations and lay-out
and review and revision.
42. - Intended to prove a point, to justify a position.
- Intended to persuade the reader or the person to
whom it is addressed or directed.
- Aims at establishing a point or a position in the
form of an active disagreement with a known
argument, refutation of an anticipated
argument, a presentation of both of an issue with
a conclusion following one side.
- Its is supported through facts, reference to
authority, both printed and unprinted, and
reasoning.
43. Permanent Record
Written Contract
Public Relations Material
44. Major parts
1. Heading
2. Dateline
3. Inside Address
4. Salutation
5. Body/text
6. Complimentary Close
7. Signature
8. Reference Initials
45. Optional Parts
1. Attention Line
2. Subject Line
3. Enclosure Notation
4. Carbon Copy Notation
5. Blind Copy Notation
6. Postscript
46. Heading or Letterhead –place and date of the
message, contains company name, logo, office,
email address, phone, fax and mobile numbers.
Dateline –typed under the letterhead, accepted
formats: July 4, 2009 or 4 July 2009
Inside Adress – typed below dateline, contains
name of the receiver, his position/title/company
division or dept., mailing address.
◦ If the gender of the person can not be ascertained, use
the single letter M (Ex. M. Loiuse R. Ramos)
47. ◦ Observe the fff abbrevaited titles:
Mr. For a man
Messrs. For more than one man
Mrs. For a married woman
Mmes. For more than one woman
Ms. For a married or single woman
Salutation –greetings signal the beginning of
the letter. Typed two lines below the inside
address.
Body- message of the letter. Typed single or
double. Double-space is used between
paragraphs.
Complimentary Close-typed double space
below the body.
48. ◦ Formal: Yours truly, Truly yours, Yours very truly
◦ Informal: Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Yours sincerely
◦ Personal/Friendly: Cordially, Yours cordially, Cordially
yours
Signature-typed name of the writer keyed on the
fourth line below the complimentary close. May
include writer’s position which follows the typed
name, separated from it with a comma, or may
be keyed on the next line.
◦ Elizabeth B. Keys, Manager Elizabeth B. Keys
St. Joseph Drug Store Manager
St. Joseph Drugstore
Reference Initials –also known as stenographic
reference, refer to the sender of the letter or the
typist. Sender’s or typist’s initials typed in
capital letters followed by a colon or slash: (ex:
MM: fr . or MM/fr.
49. Attention Line - - assures the writer that his
letter will reach a particular person he really has
in mind. Typed tw spaces below the inside
adress and maybe centered or left margin.
Subject Line – summarizes the topic of the letter
in a few words. Centered two lines below the
salutation.
______________________
______________________
______________________
Attention: Mr. Ben E. Aurelien
Dear Sir:
Subject: Collection of Past Dues
50. Enclosure Notation – used as reference check by
both the recipient and the sender to make sure
everything included in the letter is actually sent.
Use the word “Enclosure” or “Encl”
Al: fr
Encl: SM Credit Card
Carbon Copy Notation- if the reader to know
who else is receiving a copy of the letter, type
“Copy to,” or “CC” then add the naem or names of
the other recepients. Some companies use
Cf(Copy Furnished) instead of CC.
Al/fr
Cc: Mrs. Lourdes C. Sales
51. Physical Appearance of a Business Letter
1. Stationery- unruled, firm-textured
paper, standard size is 8.5 in. by 11 in.
2. Picture Format Guide- position your
message in order to make the margin frame
even. Side and bottom should be the same.
3. Envelope Address- letter envelope should
indicate the following info.:
a. Name of the individual
b. Department or division
c. Company name
d. Street address with number, suite number, flo0r
number or apartment number.
57. Selected Kinds of Business Letters
1. LETTER OF APPLICATION
2. RESUME
3. LETTER OF ADJUSTMENT
4. LETTER OF INQUIRY/REQUEST/CLAIM
5. LETTER OF ORDER, REMITTANCE AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
6. SALES LETTER
7. LETTER OF CONGRATULATORY/ GRATITUDE
& APPRECIATION/INVITATION/SYMPATHY
8. LETTER OF RESIGNATION
58. Adjustment Letter- reply to a complaint (claim
letter)
Content: 1. Appreciation for the customer’s
thoughtfulness in writing; or agreement to the
writer’s comment as expressed in the complaint.
(Orientation), 2. Explanation of the cause of the
mistake (Information), 3. Statement of what is to
be done with the complaint(Action), 4. Attempt at
keeping the customer’s goodwill.
Application Letter
Resume
59. Letter of Inquiry – inquiries about products
manufactured or service rendered. They may
ask about persons, or money matters, too.
Follow the strategy below:
◦ His reason for the request or the questions he
seeks to be answered (Orientation)
◦ The actual questions seeking for answers or the
request itself (Information)
◦ The action he would like the reader to take (Action)
60. Letter of Request – uses the same strategy as that of
the letter of inquiry
Claim Letter – actually a complaint letter. Sent when
customer disssatisfaction with a product, service or
policy exists.
Take note of the ff:
1. State the reason for writing the letter (orientation).
2. Tell what is wrong with the merchandise or service
rendered. State in positive language the
inconvenience experienced on account of the error
(information).
3. Indicate what you would like the manager to do
about the complaint (action).
4. Express belief in the reader’s sense of fair play.
This serves as a buffer(refers to sentences that can
ease the strain between the sender and the receiver
of the letter).
61. Letter of Order
◦ Description of merchandise- name of the
product, quantity, price per piece/unit, size, color
or any other detail that distinguishes it from others.
◦ Shipment of goods ordered (where, how, when)-
complete name and address of the buyer, how
goods are to be sent, date goods are to be
delivered.
◦ Payment of goods ordered-manager’s
check, personal check, postal money
order, C.O.D., charge account or credit card.
◦ Special instructions, if any.
62. Letter of Remittance – payments made by
mail should be accompanied by a short letter.
Contains the ff:
◦ What is the remittance for? Give the particulars
about the shipment being paid for.
◦ The amount being remitted should be written in
words and in figures.
◦ If remittace is by check, managers check or postal
money order, give particulars like issuing
bank, check number or PMO number.
Letter of Acknowledgement –
acknowledgement of orders and remittances
are generally done with the use of form
letters.
63. Selling a poduct through letters
Strong beginning may be in a form of
question; a news item about an anniversary
sale, a clearance sale, a midnight sale, a
slogan, an epigram and a maxim, an amusing
anecdote, a striking parallel or the use of
famous names.
Just like an application letter, it should catch
the attention of the reader, create desire and
interest, convince the reader/customer and
induce him to act.
64. Congratulatory Letter –occasions like opening a new
businesss, receiving an award, remarkable
performance, family events like graduation and birth
of a child, etc.
Letter of Gratitude/Appreciation- thank you letters
for one-time kindness or for favors extended over a
period of time.
Letter of Invitation- may or may not require
persuasion. News announcement and info about
significant events calling for a celebration do not
require persuasion. Letter of invitation expressing
persuasion require the inclusion of the 5 W’s
(who, why, where, when, how) and other details that
the readers will need to appreciate).
65. Letter of Sympathy –those who suffered from
may be comforted by messages of sympathy
from business associates as well as from
personal friends.
66. Composing the Materials for the Research
Report
Expository Type of Writing
Rules for Effective Writing of the Research
Report
Writing, Revising, Editing for Proper
Documentation and Finalizing the Report
Footnotes
Bibliography