This activity aims to help you gain a clearer understanding of good technical communication as well as reflect on the etiquette of everyday workplace communication. Before you do this activity, you’ll need to read:  “Introduction to Technical Writing”  (Links to an external site.) and Plain and Inclusive Language

Part 1:

After reading these texts, what stands out to you most about technical writing? Did anything surprise you? What ideas or information were most interesting to you? Was there anything that surprised you about the 7Cs standards listed in the chapter? Is there a standard you have for professional writing that was not included?

Part 2:

1. Choose a recent piece of professional correspondence (it can be an email from a work colleague, a memo from FIU’s president or provost, or a physical letter you received regarding the recent census or from your cable company).

2. Submit a 300 word min. reflection that addresses the following:

A) Describe how the chosen text reflects the six characteristics of technical writing outlined in the chapter (in other words, how do you know this is technical writing? Remember to specify what text you chose (no need to include the sender’s name or similar details, but be specific about genre, context, purpose of the chosen piece of correspondence).

B) Explain if and how the chosen text meets the 7Cs as well as the basic standards of good technical writing outlined in “Introduction to Technical Writing”  (Links to an external site.)

Here’s how you’ll be graded: 

• Assignment submission is well-developed, thorough, and detailed. (6 points)
• Assignment submission responds to all parts of the assigned texts or prompt. If a word count is mentioned, the assignment meets the word count. (2 points)
• Assignment shows evidence of proofreading and editing. (2 points).