Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1984

Quirk Topics Enliven Technical Writing Classes

Robert Hays

Abstract

The use of quirk topics can help solve one of the technical writing instructor's hardest problems: selection of a challenging topic. A quirk topic derives from some paradox of science or technology which, upon reflection, calls for thought. The quirk topic challenges the technical writing student to focus on the reader, gather data, and interpret and report data convincingly. This article explains the use of quirk topics, suggests twenty such topics, and explains how to solve problems of their use.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1984-01-01
DOI
10.2190/nn96-h3vj-x848-hx6c
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Closed
Topics
writing pedagogy technical communication
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References (4)

  1. Case Problems Improve Technical Writing Courses and Seminars (1976)
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. A Rapid Debugging Technique (1979)
    Technical Communication
  3. (1979)
    ABCA Bulletin
  4. (1982)
    Technical Communication
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