Engl 316Technical Communication

Introduction

In your everyday life you engage in many different types of writing, whether it be writing an email to a friend or filling out a report at work. Though you may write in many different situations, most good writing has basic similarities. This chapter will explore these similarities, namely the effective use of rhetorical principles and how they apply to technical communication. Additionally, this lesson will explore how to craft effective sentences and how to apply the basics of edited American English. At the end of this lesson, you will be asked to complete a test which will enable you to assess your understanding of grammatical principles.

Lesson Objectives

When you have completed this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define rhetoric
• Understand and use ethos, pathos, and logos in your writing
• Understand how to improve sentence structure
• Apply the basics of edited American English

Reading Assignment

Read Chapter 13 and the article entitled "Electronic Lifeguard" on pages 27-32 of the supplemental section at the back of Lannon's Technical Communication, 9th ed.