English writing for hall class

305T: Technical Writing

Paper 1: Proposal

Fall 2013

Due Date Oct 8th

Guidelines: (Note: Keep these guidelines. They will not be on all assignment handouts. Everything except the page-count applies to all of the papers we will be working on).

Format:

Font: All: 12 cpi/normal default setting.

Style of Font: All: Tms Roman or New Tms Roman.

Margins: All: Top, Bottom, Left, and Right @ 1" for all sides. Left-side justification only.

Text Spacing Between Roman Numeral Subheadings: Double Space after and before a subheading. All subheadings should be in 12 cpi font and be in bold.

Text Spacing Between Graphics/Visuals: What's Proportionate to in-graphic text comments and/or "keys." (Normally two double-spaces before and after visual).

Total Page Count: Minimum: 6 pages DS. Maximum: 8+ pages DS.

Unacceptable Visuals: (Not Applicable to Proposal)

1) Photocopies (use "*scan-in" text document forms for visuals). 2) Non-Computer-Aided Drawings/illustrations/Graphs (Use a CAD software program). *Use graphics that are generated, designed by you; often downloadable graphics are not acceptable for publication for legal reasons. Also, if they are downloadable from the I-net or CD-ROM software, they "cheapen" the integrity of what you are trying to accomplish. In this way, you will avoid legal issues attached to copyrights and "fair-use" limitations. Visuals must be clear, have a tendency to be self-explanatory, have high resolution, and be in color where applicable (Note: to get proper depth perception, we need to show third dimensions--3d), and have

"Keyed," self-referencing process explanations either within the text or with the graphic itself. All visuals need to be internally referenced within the text as parenthetical citations. Example: (See Fig. 2-4, 5). Also, don't forget to "support" your \visuals by providing textual or word explanations for them.

Your name: (Last, then First--an example: Records, Monty) one-inch (I") down from the Left- side margin. Page one, the first page with your name, is not numbered. Subsequent pages after page one will have your Last Name Only and Page Number in the upper Right-hand Comer of the page, one-inch (1") down from the Top of the page (example: Records 2, Records 3, etc). Leave two (2) spaces between the last letter of your name and the page number.

Title: After you type your name, Triple-Single Space (3 single spaces), type the name of the Title to the Proposal, and then center it in the middle of the page. You should give a creative indication to the Title--examples in 12 cpi font:

Impact of Poverty within the Terre Haute Community: A Proposal Concerning Social Issues

OR:

Proposed Study of Robotic Technology as it Applies to Automotive Manufacturing

OR:

Electrical Efficiency in Three-Phase Inductive Motors: Proposed Guidelines for Use in Industrial Applications

After the title has been typed in 12 cpi font, centered, and placed in bold, Triple-Single Space (3 single spaces) and begin the first paragraph or subheading (See Section: I. Definition of Problem).

2) Language/Style:

You may use discourse/discipline-specific language as long as parenthetical definition

clarifications are given within parentheses.

Poor Example: "The main Alternating Circuit panel uses poly-phase, induction-based, synchronous-speed motors with laminated stators to account for losses due to hysteresis and eddy current variations that occur within printing industry motors when used on steady conveyor applications."

Better Example: "The main electrical circuit panel uses Alternating Current (480 V AC) to adjust motor speed. This AC circuit is used to power constant-speed motors (Synchronous Motors) so the process of printing materials on a steady conveyor line will not contribute to electrical motor loss. Motor losses include: Hysteresis (resistance to becoming magnetized) and Edgy-currents (isolated currents within the motor stator; the non-moving part) (See Fig 1-3)." Notice how the language "internally references" itself to the document that is currently being read; it doesn't assume too much on the part of the audience.

Many websites were based on this internal reference factor with the creation of links/ hyperlinks.

The diction (word choice) and style (the way something is said) should be clear at all times, even if writing to a professional audience. Notice that the "Better Example" above has direct, to-the-point style and language. In Technical Writing, clarity of language = clarity of ideas--this is an exact relationship. Your documents should have both. This doesn't mean, however, that you

Compromise the subject matter for general everyday language that is imprecise and technically vague. Never use the words I, me, or my in Technical Writing; let the subject do the talking. The style of Technical Writing pretends objectivity, so it is written in 3d person. In other words, it appears through the style (3d person) that the subject is of primary importance, not the writer.

3) Subheadings/Sections: (Specific Sections of the Proposal) (Type the Subheadings into your paper)

Paper 1: Proposal

These are the actual sections of the paper below:

I. Definition of the Problem(s):

In this section, you need to define what the problem is exactly; to do this, you need to do the

Following things:

Use a clear, precise definition of the problem. It may be your own definition or a more objective (dictionary type) definition.

► Make sure the diction (word) choice is appropriate for understanding the problem.

► Make sure you have denotative, not connotative, meanings in your definition.

► since the definition leads to the description of the problem, does your definition adequately "set up" or support the descriptions that follow? Is there a good connection or "lead- in" from the definition?

Example Sentence: “Within the major or profession of ________, the problem is __________, and involves the subtopics or areas of ________, ________, and ________.”

II. Potential Solutions:

In this section, for each subtopic (see Example Sentence above) write a short paragraph that gives solutions for each subtopic. You should try to provide an explanation for each solution using your own point of view, not sources.

III. Description of the problem(s).

Take as many words as you need for this. Consider the following questions/points before you answer the question:

► What’s the best way, in terms of examples, the audience can know the problem(s)?

► What are the best-case examples that come to mind?

► Remember, you know what you are talking about, but the readers need to see it.

► Are the examples vivid, clear; can the readers relate to or identify with them?

► Remember, Description involves the five (5) senses; are you using them?

► Are the examples of the problem related to the reality-level of the audience?

► Don’t forget about the joumalistic questions of Who, What, When, Where, Why?

IV. Importance/Significance of Inquiry

► What is the state or condition of the problem (how does it exist, or how is it known) at the present time considering the fact that the problem has not been solved, and why is it important to solve this problem in view of attempts that have been made in the past, but have failed? (See Handout: consider how Redundant- Determinate leads to Pre-Determinate, Determinate, and Post-Determinate knowledge and meaning in the historic cycle of a problem).

V. Relevance Statement:

► Type the following statement in this section and answer it: "The research involved with this proposal is socially and culturally important because.”

*Here, be as precise as possible, giving clear examples of the relationship to social, cultural, and even interdisciplinary considerations.

VI. Scope of Inquiry:

► In attempting to solve the problem(s), what exactly will you cover in terms of specific information? What limitations are you imposing on the project so it will have practical, useable, and workable solutions? Explain both questions.

VII: Methodology:

►Are you using traditional (library) or non-traditional (interviews, surveys, DVD, etc) sources? Both? Explain and justify your choices in relation to your approach for defining and solving the problem. You do NOT have to provide a listing of sources—i.e. a Works Cited listing.

English 305T/Proposal Grade Sheet

Student’s Name_________________________Class Time___________________

Section I: Definition

Yes or No: Is the definition worded so that its meaning is clear?

Yes or No: Does the Definition contain POV?

Yes or No: Definition names subtopics?

Section II: Potential Solutions

Yes or No: At least one solution for each subtopic?

Yes or No: Solutions utilize POV, not sources?

Yes or No: Original POV solutions to Problems?

Section III: Description of the Problem

Yes or No: Quantity of examples (development) good?

Yes or No: Quality of examples (development) good?

Yes or No: Are the examples practical, using real-world applications of the Definition?

Yes or No: Do the examples clarify and show (by example) the Definition?

Section IV: Importance/Significance of Inquiry

Yes or No: Does this section clearly explain why the problem is important to solve to the profession?

Section V: Relevance Statement

Yes or No: Does this section explain why the research is socially and culturally important to non-professionals?

Section VI: Scope of Inquiry

Yes or No: Does this section clearly explain what information will be covered in the research and why it’s important to consider these areas of focus or subtopics within the problem?

Section VII: Methodology

Yes or No: Is there a clear explanation of why the writer is using traditional, non- traditional, or both types of sources?

Comments and Grade:__________