Technical writing is aimed to educate, inform, or explain how to do something. This type of writing is completely different from narrative writing because its purpose is to teach readers some specific ability or skill. This type of writing is detail-oriented and requires a deep understanding of the subject. Here is some information from writers-house.com that will help you approach technical writing in the right way.
Types of Technical Writing
There are three most common types of technical writing with examples:
Traditional technical writing
- Articles for trade publications;
- An analysis of a legal case;
- A summary of medical experiments that should be published in a journal.
End-user documentation
- A cell phone manual;
- A how-to guide on using a scanner;
- A manual that teaches home computer users to set up a network.
Technological marketing communications
- Informative articles about the benefits of IT consulting services for businesses;
- A sales pitch about a new type of software or a new device.
Types of Technical Writing Assignments
Technical writing is often required in such areas as engineering, chemistry, hardware and software development, biotechnology, etc. Technical writing is also used on various websites, as well as in handbooks, owner’s manuals, articles, etc. Examples of technical writing assignments include promotional brochures, training manuals, articles, and operation guides.
Training Manuals
Technical writers also create various training manuals. When writing a manual, they might provide such information as duties associated with a certain position, general information, standard procedures, corporate policies, end-user documentation, etc.
Operations Guides
When technical writers work on operations guides, they should perfectly understand their subject. It’s important to know that people who will be read a guide are likely beginners and therefore need detailed instructions and explanations. There are the following types of operations guides:
- Engineering guides;
- Installation guides;
- Assembly instructions;
- Computer software guides;
- Owner’s manuals.
Promotional Brochures
The main purpose of promotional brochures is to inform readers about a certain offer. However, such brochures should also motivate readers to take this opportunity, using keywords and the right type of phrasing.
Online Articles
This is another type of technical writing, which is common on the internet. Most often, when people need a guide or instruction, they use search engines and read online articles. In this case, technical writing may vary from informative articles about a certain subject in general to detailed instructions.
Technical Writing Work
If you think about becoming a technical writer, you can choose one of many categories of technical writing described above. In addition, you should study your field and read relevant sources. Last but not least, you shouldn’t forget about training your writing skills.
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