Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1979

Technical Writing: What it is and What it isn't

Charles R. Stratton University of Idaho

Abstract

The author of this article directs his remarks primarily to teachers of literature who may be considering the teaching of technical writing. He shows the similarities existing among the forms of creative, expository, and technical writing. He then cites some of the differences: the interactions of writer, subject, and the audience; the use of graphics; and the emphasis of the practical rather than the aesthetic.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1979-01-01
DOI
10.2190/n664-6j52-wgb1-rylx
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
teacher development technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (7)

  1. Kynell et al. (2009)
    The Association of Teachers of Technical Writing: The Emergence of Professional…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. MacNealy et al. (1999)
    Can This Marriage Be Saved: Is an English Department a Good Home for Technical …
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. BLYLER (1993)
    Theory and Curriculum: Reexamining the Curricular Separation of Business and Te…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Allen (1990)
    The Case Against Defining Technical Writing
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  5. Stratton (1989)
    Anatomy of a Style Analyzer
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Show all 7 →
  1. Rutter (1981)
    Through a Different Looking-Glass: Technical Writing to Train the Imagination
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Crodian (1980)
    Strategies for Teaching and Administering Technical Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

References (12)

  1. Mathes J. C. and Stevenson D. W., Designing Technical Reports, The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, p. 15…
  2. McCrimmon J. M., Writing With a Purpose, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 6th ed., p. 5, 1976.
  3. Gorrell R. M. and Laird C., Modern English Handbook, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, 6th ed., p. 3, 1976.
  4. Crews F., The Random House Handbook, Random House, New York, p. 3, 1974.
  5. Pickett N. A. and Laster A., Writing and Reading in Technical English, Canfield Press, San Francisco, p. 5, 1970.
Show all 12 →
  1. Fear D. E., Technical Communication, Scott, Foresman and Company, Glenview, Illinois, p. 5, 1977.
  2. Pauley S. E., Technical Report Writing Today, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, p. 9, 1973.
  3. Ambiguity: An Exercise in Practical Semantics (1974)
    Proceedings, the 21st International Technical Communication Conference
  4. The Electric Report Card: A Followup on Cassette Grading (1975)
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Breidenbach E. J. (1976)
    Technical Communication
  6. Needs Assessment for Communication System Design (1976)
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  7. System Design for Communication Packages (1976)
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
CrossRef global citation count: 8 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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