{"id":8271,"date":"2013-10-29T18:53:38","date_gmt":"2013-10-29T18:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=8271"},"modified":"2026-03-25T10:51:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:51:10","slug":"a-technical-passage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/a-technical-passage\/","title":{"rendered":"Technical Passages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_1mojvdd_Xcs\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_1mojvdd_Xcs\" data-source-videoID=\"1mojvdd_Xcs\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Technical Passages Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Technical Passages\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_1mojvdd_Xcs:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_1mojvdd_Xcs {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/894-technical-passages-2.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_1mojvdd_Xcs\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_1mojvdd_Xcs\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Technical Passages\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_1mojvdd_Xcs\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_1mojvdd_Xcs\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_1mojvdd_Xcs\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction 79W_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"79W\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"79W_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"79W\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Aspects_of_Technical_Writing\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Aspects of Technical Writing<\/a>\n<ul><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Concision\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Concision<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Accuracy\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Accuracy<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Accessibility\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Accessibility<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Clarity\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Clarity<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Formatting\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Formatting<\/a>\n<ul><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Instructions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Instructions<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Processes\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Processes<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Specifications\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Specifications<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h3\"><a href=\"#Resumes\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Resumes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Review\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Writing comes in a variety of forms. When many of us think of a piece of writing, our minds often automatically go to literary works like novels or poems. These are forms of creative writing. Other styles include academic writing and business writing. But today, we\u2019re going to look at another writing style, known as technical writing.<\/p>\n<p>According to the standard definition, technical writing is the practice of documenting processes, such as software manuals or instructional materials. However, not all technical writing needs to describe a formal process. The definition of technical writing has broadened in recent years to include other forms like reports, briefs, proposals, resumes, and descriptions just to name a few.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Aspects_of_Technical_Writing\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Aspects of Technical Writing<\/h2>\n<p>\nSo, what are some of the attributes that make up technical writing? Let\u2019s take a look:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Concision\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Concision<\/h3>\n<p>\nConcise writing is straightforward and to the point; no needless words are used. In this sense, technical writing is not decorative like literary writing. The purpose of a technical passage is to get across information to the reader as quickly and effectively as possible, so the shorter the better, so long as all the pertinent information is effectively conveyed. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Accuracy\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Accuracy<\/h3>\n<p>\nOf course, all writing should be <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/fact-or-opinion\/\">accurate<\/a> when describing its subject. However, technical writing requires complete accuracy. No guesstimates. In fact, poor technical writing in certain contexts\u2014how to operate heavy machinery, for instance\u2014could potentially end in disaster.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Accessibility\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Accessibility<\/h3>\n<p>\nThe most effective technical writing can be understood by the readers it is intended for. This varies from topic to topic. Instructions from IKEA should be understood by the average consumer; however, there are also more specific topics\u2014things like discussions of processes in quantum physics that would require a level of technical writing that is more advanced. Sub-headings, numerical lists, and tables may also help the reader understand the information being presented fully. As such, don\u2019t think of technical writing as just words\u2014design can also be a crucial component.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Clarity\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Clarity<\/h3>\n<p>\nTechnical writing can be completely accurate, but if there is a hint of ambiguity, then it is not quite good technical writing. For example, think of a set of instructions\u2014 if an instruction manual is unclear or vague in its directions, there\u2019s a high chance that the end product will not come together as planned.<\/p>\n<p>Now that we know what makes up good technical writing, let\u2019s look at formatting. <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Formatting\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Formatting<\/h2>\n<p>\nHow a technical passage is <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/writing-purpose-and-audience\/\">formatted<\/a> largely depends on the context. Remember that technical writing comes in a variety of forms, and each form has its own conventions. Instruction manuals, for instance, might contain visual aids, graphs, and numerical lists. Other kinds of technical writing might contain sub-headings or subsections. This helps enhance the organizational appeal of the passage.<\/p>\n<p>Other common features are bullet points, varied font sizes, and bold text. These design elements are all important for emphasis. For example, bullet points might be used in a list of required parts in an instruction manual. Important notes might use bold text or varied font sizes in order to draw the reader\u2019s attention. Keep in mind that all of these design elements have an intended purpose; they work toward enhancing the reader\u2019s understanding of the technical passage.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, the formatting of any piece depends on the rules and conventions of that form. For instance, different companies, organizations, and academic style guides\u2014MLA, APA, and Chicago to name a few\u2014all require different formatting rules for composing technical passages.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at a few specific examples of technical writing. Do keep in mind that these are only four examples, and there are numerous other ones: <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Instructions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Instructions<\/h3>\n<p>\nLike we\u2019ve mentioned already, a set of instructions for building a piece of furniture is a form of technical writing.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Processes\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Processes<\/h3>\n<p>\nPhotosynthesis, the life cycle of a caterpillar, and the formation of a star are examples of processes. Note that some processes and instructions can overlap. For instance, a technical document for law enforcement officials that describes how to book an arrested suspect is both a set of instructions and the description of a process.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Specifications\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Specifications<\/h3>\n<p>\nThink of these as the varied aspects of the parts, components, and nature of an object. When you read the details about an iPhone on its packaging\u2014its size, camera capabilities, memory, and so on\u2014you are reading a specific form of technical writing that is formatted in a very specific way and follows a very specific set of conventions.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Resumes\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Resumes<\/h3>\n<p>\nResumes inform the reader of an applicant\u2019s credentials and experience. Though there are various ways to format a resume, certain conventions exist among all resumes. <\/p>\n<p>Note that these four kinds of writing fall under the umbrella of technical writing because they all\u2014if done successfully\u2014fulfill the critical components that we\u2019ve mentioned: (concision, accuracy, accessibility, and clarity).<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span id=\"Review\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Review<\/h2>\n<p>\nNow that we\u2019ve covered the definition and formatting of technical writing, let\u2019s look at a review question before we go:<\/p>\n<p>Which is not an important part of effective technical writing?<\/p>\n<ol style=\"list-style: upper-alpha;\">\n<li>Unambiguous writing<\/li>\n<li>Complete accuracy<\/li>\n<li>Writing in a way that allows for audience understanding of the topic<\/li>\n<li>Long length<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer1')\">Show Answer<\/button><\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer1\" style=\"display:none; box-shadow: 1.5px 1.5px 5px grey; background-color:#E0E0E0; padding: 30px; padding-bottom: 15px; width: 60%; margin: auto; text-align: center;\">\n<strong>The correct answer is D.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Some technical passages may be long, but a long passage is not always necessary for an effective technical passage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nThanks for watching, and happy studying!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"citelist\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Technical_writing\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cTechnical Writing.\u201d Wikipedia. <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instructionalsolutions.com\/blog\/what-is-technical-writing\"target=\"_blank\">DuPuis, Tom. 2018. \u201cWhat Is Technical Writing? 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