Difference between revisions of "Assignment 1"

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Revision as of 19:30, 9 April 2008

COMP3040 > Assignment 1: Multiple Audiences


Introduction

It is the night before your first Technical Communications assignment is due for peer editing. You must write three documents for three different audiences, with three different purposes. First you must write an article for The Manitoban to introduce the general student body to the COMP1010 wiki, and inform them of applications of new technology on campus. Second, you must introduce new COMP1010 students to the wiki and explain its helpful features. Finally, you will describe the COMP1010 wiki in a letter to Computer Science alumni, raising awareness of the department and soliciting financial support.

5 steps lie between you and sleep:

  1. Figure out why you are writing each document and complete the planning forms.
  2. Determine what kind of language is suitable for each document.
  3. Brainstorm ideas and compose an outline for each document.
  4. Write a first draft for each document.
  5. Revise each draft until you think they are perfect.

Remember not to rely on spell checkers. After peer editing you will integrate any suggestions and ideas you have gained into a polished final copy.






...by students

Below you will find real examples of what previous students have submitted, complete with comments from the marker. Learn from their successes and avoid their follies.

Example Assignment 1
The first example is an excellent illustration of the payoff of good planning and the consequences of neglecting thorough editing.

Example Assignment 2
The second example is an excellent illustration of using different tones for different audiences and the consequences of not clearly stating the purpose.


Avoid Common Pitfalls

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Many students have tackled this assignment before you. Don't make the same mistakes they did.

Purpose

- Clearly state the purpose at the beginning of the article.

Audience

- Avoid terms or ideas that some people in your audience may not be familiar with.
- Avoid the frequent use of contractions, they can be confusing to ESL students.

Style

- Join the revolution and use 'their' as a singular gender neutral possessive!
- Don't be too wordy. Simple is better.
- Stick to the ABC format at all levels.
- Don't start sentences with numerals.


Applied Topics

  1. ABC Approach
  2. Purpose
  3. Audience
  4. Ideas and Outlining
  5. Organizing and Writing the First Draft
  6. Editing and Revising