Some Shibboleths in the Teaching of Technical Writing

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 1971

Some Shibboleths in the Teaching of Technical Writing

John A. Walter

Abstract

A good many teachers of technical writing are guilty of blindly following tradition and convention in teaching students to rely on the outline as an organizing device, in categorically condemning the passive voice, in magnifying the importance of form and format, and in insisting on a set of inflexible rules for grammar and style that ignore widespread usage. Implicit in the attack on shibboleths is a plea for honest pragmatism in determining effectiveness in technical writing.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1971-04-01
DOI: 10.2190/gq9v-w76d-392u-1et1
Topics: writing across the curriculum technical communication voice and style

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

Brett (1971)

The Editor's Bootstraps

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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