Technical Writing

ENGL 2152

Project 5b - An Analysis of Three Documents Produced as Part of a Profession.

(See Moodle site for due date)

In this project you will write a memo to me in which you analyze the three documents that you received during your interview (Project 5a)

This is what the format of your project should be:

1 Cover and/or title sheet giving all pertinent information (title, date, your name, submitted to, etc).

2 Introduction. In narrative form give the details of the documents (who, what, when where, why).

3 Body. Include copies of the three documents (annotated if appropriate). You can do this as scanned documents via an enclosure at the end, or scan them and put them within the body of the project. Examine the documents one at a time for, at minimum, the following criteria:

a. Audience. Identify the intended audience. How well did the document “hit” that target? What techniques did the author use to reach that audience? Give or reference specific examples.

b. Purpose. Identify the purpose of the document. How successful was it in achieving that purpose? Give or reference specific examples.

c. Style. Formal or informal? Very detailed or general? Describe the tone. Give or reference specific examples. How would you describe the writer’s style? Is the style successful?

d. Appearance / Accessibility. How effective and accessible is the document?

4 Conclusion. In narrative form, tell me what you learned from studying these documents.

· What did you learn about the role of writing in this particular job or profession?

· How did the level and type of writing match your assumptions?

· Were there any surprises, or did it conform to your expectations?

· How would you describe the role of writing to this profession or to this specific person’s job?

Note that while you do not have to use these specific terms as headings or organizational principles, your report / memo should be clearly organized with headings, and be “user-friendly.” I would recommend that to thoroughly discuss and analyze your documents, this project should be a minimum of about 2 ½ pages (not including the documents themselves).