difference of technical writing and essay

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Technical Writing vs. Essay Writing

Major variations of writing in both styles, beyond common writing distinctions, key challenges, how is technical writing different from writing an essay.

Read in 07 mins Published: 14-Nov-2023

how is technical writing different from writing an essay'

When we think of writing, we often connect it with articles, blogs or essays. But do you know there are many different styles and formats to consider while writing content? The two most popular writing types we are going to discuss here are technical writing and essay writing. Both of the styles involve the use of words and language to communicate ideas and information to a specific audience.

However, there are some key differences between the two styles that set them totally apart. Understanding these differences can help identify which approach is best suited for your particular needs. Through this article, we will explore how technical writing is different from writing an essay, their characteristics, as well as tips on how to excel in each style.

Technical writing and essay writing are two interesting styles of writing that have their unique characteristics and purposes for a diverse audience. So, whether you're a student working on an academic paper or a professional looking to communicate complex ideas, read on to discover the right way!

Technical writing focuses on providing clear and straightforward informative content to help readers understand complicated concepts. At the same time, essay writing aims to convince and engage readers with well-developed arguments and analysis. Understanding the difference between the two styles can help you figure out which approach is right for you.

For example , if you were writing a technical manual on how to assemble a computer, you would use technical writing to provide step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams and explanations. On the other hand, if you were writing an essay on the benefits of renewable energy, you would use essay writing to present compelling arguments supported by evidence and expert opinions.

Technical writing is highly objective and focuses on practicality and efficiency, aiming to convey information in a concise and precise manner. It is often used in fields such as engineering, technology, and science. Essay writing is more subjective and allows for the expression of personal opinions and interpretations. It is commonly employed in academic settings and aims to persuade and engage readers through effective rhetoric and logical reasoning.

Understanding the appropriate style for your purpose can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your writing and ensure that your intended message reaches and resonates with your target audience.

Four major variations of writing can be found in both technical and essay writing styles.

Formality and Tone

Technical Writing: The language in this style is straightforward and specific. It resembles a set of instructions for assembling structured content, avoiding unnecessary details, and focusing on clarity.
Essay Composition: Now consider it as a letter to a friend. It's informal, like a casual chat. The tone can be personal, expressing emotions and opinions freely. An essay weaves a narrative, allowing the writer's voice to shine through.

Use of Jargon

Technical Writing: It often includes industry-specific terms and jargon. The goal is to communicate efficiently within a particular field, assuming a level of knowledge among the readers.
Essay Composition: Essays generally avoid excessive jargon, opting for easy and accessible language. The emphasis is on connecting with a broader audience, making the content relatable and engaging.

Structural Framework

Technical Writing: Technical documents follow a structured and logical format, just like maps. Whether it's a manual or a report, the information is organized systematically, allowing readers to navigate with ease.
Essay Composition: Essays have a more flexible structure. While they may have an introduction, body, and conclusion, the content flows naturally, allowing for creativity and exploration of ideas.

Audience Considerations

Technical Writing: Technical writing is tailored to a specific audience with a particular knowledge base. It assumes the readers have a certain level of expertise in the subject matter.
Essay Composition: Essays adapt to various readerships, considering a broader spectrum of backgrounds and interests. The goal is to engage and resonate with a diverse group of readers.

Technical writing and essay writing both require solid skills in writing along with the ability to communicate information effectively. Let us understand some unexplored distinctions that can help writers tailor their approach and achieve their intended goals.

Intent of Communication

Technical writing mainly serves a practical purpose. It aims to express information, focusing on delivering instructions or presenting facts. The focus here is on providing guidance or documentation for a specific task or process.
Essay writing takes a more exploratory route. Essays are a platform for expressing ideas, opinions, and emotions. They invite readers to delve into the writer's thoughts, often without a predetermined practical outcome.

Emotional Engagement

Technical writing is more objective and factual. The major goal is the transmission of information with minimal emotional engagement or personal biases.
Essay writing encourages emotional connection. Essays often involve personal reflections, storytelling, or persuasive elements that light up emotions and relate with the reader on a more personal level.

Flexibility in Structure

Technical writing follows a structured and standardized format. Whether it's a manual or a report, our technical writing services follow a predetermined framework to ensure clarity and consistency.
Essay writing embraces a more flexible structure. It allows for creativity in the organization, enabling writers to experiment with different formats to suit the content and convey ideas effectively.

Language Complexity

Technical writing prioritizes clarity over literary flair. The language used is straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complexity. The focus is on delivering information comprehensively to a specific audience.
Essay writing celebrates the beauty of language. Essays often employ a more varied and expressive vocabulary, allowing writers to craft sentences that convey not only information but also evoke a particular atmosphere or emotion.

Objective & Subjective Evaluation

Technical writing is subject to objective evaluation. Technical documents are assessed based on accuracy, clarity, and adherence to predefined standards. Success is measured by how effectively it fulfills its intended purpose.
Essay writing involves subjective evaluation. The assessment of an essay includes factors such as creativity, originality, and the ability to engage the reader emotionally. Success is often measured by the impact on the reader's perspective.

Facing challenges is a natural part of life, and in various aspects, understanding the key challenges helps us find effective solutions. Here are some informative pointers illustrating key challenges to shed light on these hurdles:

Resource Limitations

Limited budgets and resources constrain growth and innovation. These limitations can hinder the ability to implement new ideas and strategies. In order to succeed in writing an impactful essay, it is important to incorporate factors such as creativity, originality, and the ability to engage the reader emotionally. However, one must also navigate technical communication hurdles and find a balance between creativity and coherence in the narrative.

Adapting to Change

Change is constant, but coping with it can be not easy. It requires individuals and organizations to be flexible and open-minded, willing to embrace new ideas and approaches. Adapting to change also involves overcoming resistance and fear of the unknown, as well as continuously learning and evolving to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Market Competition

Staying competitive in a crowded market is a perpetual struggle. Companies must innovate and differentiate themselves to stand out from their competitors regularly. It involves understanding customer needs and preferences, conducting market research, and developing unique value propositions.

Regulatory Compliance

Following through complex regulations requires ongoing effort. Businesses must stay updated on changes in regulations, ensure their operations comply, and allocate resources to implement necessary changes. It may involve hiring legal experts or consultants to navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements and mitigate potential risks.

Talent Acquisition and Retention

Attracting and retaining skilled employees is a continuous battle. Businesses must develop effective recruitment strategies, offer competing remuneration packages, and develop a positive work environment to attract top talent. Additionally, implementing employee retention programs and providing opportunities for growth and development can help retain skilled employees and reduce turnover rates.

Technical writing and essays are distinct but equally valuable. In this guide, we have understood how technical writing is different from writing an essay. While technical writing ensures precision in conveying information, essays bring a personal touch, enriching the world of words with creativity.

As technical writing excels at delivering information with precision, essays unfold as a canvas for personal expression and exploration of ideas. Recognizing these differences empowers writers to choose the most suitable form based on their communication objectives and the nature of the content.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary has extensive experience of over 5 years in writing on a wide range of topics, including healthcare, technology, science, and business. She is highly knowledgeable and skilled in researching and crafting accurate, well-structured, and engaging content. Mary is a reliable and professional writer who is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure her clients are satisfied with her work. She is committed to delivering quality content on time and within budget.

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Technical Writing VS Academic Writing: What’s the Difference?

There are many types of writing. For example, there are technical writing and academic writing. Experienced professionals from College-Writers.com say some students think these two types of writing are similar, the truth is that these are two completely different categories.

Technical & Academic: Definitions

It may seem that academic writing should be more complicated and difficult because it is focused on some specific and narrow discipline. Indeed, this type of writing is often associated with the use of specific jargon. In addition, academic writing may describe very complicated concepts and provide specialized knowledge. However, technical writing may also contain jargon used in a certain industry.

As the name suggests, technical writing is intended to describe technical information. It may be focused on scientific subjects, engineering, etc. The term “technical writing” is used when referring to articles, training materials, documents, etc.

Technical writing may vary depending on the specifics of a particular industry. For instance, when you have to write documentation for hardware, this task is completely different from writing about software. Technical writing is also used in many other industries, including pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and so on.

Manufacturing enterprises and other organizations aim to satisfy customers delivering top-notch products and services. Thus, these companies put a lot of effort into ensuring comfort and safety. However, they also should have quality support documentation. Technical writers create such sorts of documentation in order to fulfill the needs of the company.

Different Objectives

Technical writing and academic writing also have completely different purposes. Academic writing is aimed to present a certain point of view on a particular subject. Academic papers present results of research and demonstrate someone’s knowledge. In turn, technical writing explains something to readers and informs them. Technical papers often explain how to use a certain product or service. Technical documents can also describe procedures used by the manufacturer to perform certain tasks. What technical and academic writing have in common is that both types may contain jargon.

Audiences Are Different

Academic and technical writing also target different audiences. Academic papers are usually intended for fellow scholars. However, there are also academic pieces of writing intended for a wide audience.

Technical writing is intended for people who use the product or service. Quite often, this type of writing is also aimed for government inspectors or people responsible for specific tasks.

What Should I Choose?

As you can see, it makes sense to choose a style depending on your audience. Actually, knowing the audience is the main rule of the writing of any kind. Once you’ve determined the audience, you can proceed to choose your style of writing. For example, if you need to write an article for an academic journal, you should stick with the academic style. On the other hand, if you need to write a manual on some gadget, the technical style will obviously be the best choice. The right style will help your readers understand all the necessary details.

Think of the Impact

Think of who will read your paper and ask yourself, what is your main goal? Your style may vary depending on what you want to accomplish. For example, if you’re writing for the general audience, which is quite diverse, you should choose the technical style. On the other hand, if you want to persuade your readers, the academic style will be a better choice. Academic writing enables you to provide reasons, evidence, and various details related to your assumption. If you want to persuade your readers, put more effort into writing a strong conclusion that will make an impact.

Career Options

If you become a technical writer, you will be able to find jobs in various industries, including pharmaceutical, IT, manufacturing, etc. There are many companies from all over the world that look for talented technical writers who can describe their devices and technical processes. You can also choose some narrow niche, for example, a certain type of software or hardware, and work in this area.

Academic writers should have better writing skills in order to write academic articles. Academic writers can also work as thesis writers, essay writers, dissertation writers, and so on. If you choose to work in the academic field, you will write white papers, research reports, and many other types of academic papers.

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What is Technical Writing? A Comprehensive Overview

Carla Wardin

Senior Marketing Communications Consultant

Illustration of a technical writing checklist with a blue pen and gears in the background, symbolizing the structured and detailed nature of technical documentation.

Why technical writing matters, differentiating technical writing from other forms, skills for technical writers, choosing the right tools for your technical writing projects, technical writing processes and techniques, the importance of visual elements, types of technical documents, working with smes, handling technical reviews and feedback, the role of technical editing, career paths in technical writing, gaining relevant experience as a technical writer, translating technical knowledge into words and visuals, subscribe to techsmith’s newsletter.

Have you ever struggled to understand a complicated manual or wished a set of instructions were clearer? That’s where the magic of technical writing comes in. Technical writing is the art of translating complex information into easy-to-understand documentation.

In this post, we’ll explore what technical writing is, why it’s important, and the skills required to do it well. Whether you’re considering a career in technical writing or simply curious about the process, this guide is for you.

Technical writing plays a pivotal role in many aspects of our lives and different industries. Here’s why good technical writing is so important:

It helps users understand and use products more effectively
It saves time by providing precise instructions
Reduces the need for customer support
Ensures procedures are followed correctly
Improves the overall user experience

Technical writing is different from other forms of writing.

While other forms of writing may aim to entertain, inspire, or express opinions to readers, technical writing focuses on instructing. It targets specific audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge and uses clear, concise, and objective language.

Technical writing is highly structured and often includes visual aids to help with understanding, while other forms of writing are free-flowing and use visuals for aesthetic purposes.

While strong writing skills are a given, other qualities that good technical writers employ include clarity, accuracy, conciseness, and usability.

Writing and Communication

Technical writers need to focus on straightforward language and avoid opinion, jargon, and complex wording. Writers can take courses designed for technical writing to learn strategies. Technical writers need to express information efficiently, eliminating unnecessary words and phrases. Writers can edit their work, removing redundancies and wordiness.

It does take time to simplify. A lot of times, I’ll write out what I think, and then I go back to it later, and it’s like I can take this out, and I can take this out, and this goes over here, and this goes over here, it’s a process. Michele Wiedemer, Customer Education Consultant 🎧 The Visual Lounge: Episode 13

Accuracy and attention to detail

Technical writers need to research and test their text since errors can negatively affect the readers. They can learn how to evaluate sources and identify credible information, as well as work with reviewers to catch errors.

Organizational skills

Technical writing involves thoughtful organization, clear instructions, and a user-centric approach.

Selecting the right tools for your technical writing projects depends on several factors, like your project requirements, budget, collaboration goals, and integration with what you’re already using. Technical writers use a variety of tools, including version control systems and content management systems. However, two tools from TechSmith stand out:

Snagit for screen capture and simple recordings

This screen capture and image editing tool works well for technical writing needs. It allows you to capture screenshots, annotate images with arrows, callouts, and text, and create step-by-step visual guides .

Snagit’s scrolling capture feature is particularly useful for documenting long web pages or software interfaces. Snagit’s presets and custom hotkeys let you create presets for your most-used tasks, like capturing a specific area of your screen or applying a particular set of annotations. Really, that’s just the beginning. See why technical writers choose Snagit.

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Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.

Screenshot of a document about puffin migration patterns with a section for changing styles highlighted.

Camtasia for polished training videos

Camtasia is an all-in-one screen recording and video editing software that lets technical writers create professional-quality video tutorials and demonstrations. With drag-and-drop transitions, callouts, and more, you don’t have to be a professional video editor to get impressive results.

Creating useful technical documentation is a process that involves careful planning.

First, you’ll need to plan by defining your audience, establishing the purpose of the document, and deciding the scope of the project.
Next is research, where you gather information and organize it into an outline or flowchart that works for you.
For the writing portion, you’ll have to draft your content, following the outline and using the research findings.
You’ll also want to incorporate visuals like diagrams and annotated screenshots to make your content easier to understand.
After that, there’s the review and revision process.

Visual elements are helpful for creating effective technical documentation. They can help to:

Clarify complex information: Annotated visuals can illustrate complex concepts in a way that is easier to understand than text alone.
Break up long blocks of text: Visuals can make your document more visually appealing and less intimidating.
Improve engagement: Engaging visuals can help to keep readers interested in your content.

By following these steps, you can create clear, concise, and informative technical documents.

Technical writers create many different kinds of documents , each serving a specific purpose and tailored to a particular audience. Let’s explore some of the most common types of technical documents and look at tips for writing them.

User manuals

User manuals are guides designed to help users understand and use a product or service. Tailor your language and level of detail to the user’s technical expertise. Avoid technical terms whenever possible, and use screenshots, diagrams, and other visuals to illustrate instructions and clarify complex concepts.

Standard operating procedures (SOPs)

SOPs are detailed, step-by-step instructions for performing specific tasks or processes. They are designed to help with consistency, quality, and safety in workplace operations. In writing these, it helps to be specific and detailed, so there’s no room for interpretation. Use flowcharts, diagrams, or photos to illustrate the process and keep them up-to-date.

White papers

White papers are reports that explore a specific topic or problem in depth. They are used to educate readers, present research findings, or promote a particular product or service. Gather information from credible sources, cite your references, and focus on presenting information and insights, not selling a product or service.

Case studies

Case studies examine real-world scenarios or projects. A good strategy is to highlight the solution’s measurable benefits and create a narrative that highlights key statistics.

Technical writers typically work with subject matter experts , also known as SMEs, who have invaluable technical expertise about the product. Collaboration between SMEs and technical writers is critical for producing the best quality documentation.

Before meeting with an SME, research the topic and prepare a list of questions that focus on the information you need for your document. You can also ask questions during the interview.

It’s important to establish a relationship with your SMEs since you will be working with them on a regular basis. Don’t hesitate to ask SMEs to explain technical terms or concepts in simpler language. This will help you translate their knowledge into clear writing your target audience can understand.

To capture accurate information, take detailed notes as well as record interviews for future reference. It’s also helpful to check the information you receive from SMEs with other sources.

Technical reviews are part of the writing process, as they let SMEs check documents for accuracy. Approach feedback with an open mind since SMEs are experts in their field, and their changes can help you improve the quality of your documentation. Consider all changes and incorporate them as appropriate. Be sure to track changes so you can easily identify revisions and share the revised document with your SME.

By following these strategies for effective collaboration and feedback management, you can build relationships with SMEs and produce high-quality technical documentation that meets your audience’s needs.

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Someone capturing a screenshot of a mountain scene with a person and goats using Snagit, showing cropping tools on the screen.

Technical editing is another quality control checkpoint for your documentation. Technical editors, often experienced writers themselves, review your content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and usability. Technical editors also catch grammatical errors, typos, and formatting errors, making sure the final product is polished and professional.

While a professional technical editor is invaluable, self-editing and peer reviews are also important steps. After checking your own work with fresh eyes, find someone with technical knowledge or experience in your field to look it over. Let the reviewer know what type of feedback you’re looking for, such as clarity, accuracy, and usability.

Technical writing offers many career paths with opportunities for specialization in different industries and types of documents. Types of specialization include API, medical, scientific, and UX. After gaining experience and expertise, technical writers can advance to roles such as technical writing manager, content strategist, or technical communication consultant.

Gaining experience in your chosen profession takes some work. You can start with internships and freelance work to build your exposure and reputation in the industry. Networking with other technical writers and potential employers also helps – go to industry events and conferences to connect. Professional development opportunities like online courses will also help you learn more about – and keep up with – changes in technical writing.

Technical writers are skilled at simplifying technical jargon, creating engaging content, and using tools to help them reach their audiences. By following a structured writing process, collaborating with subject matter experts, and continuing to learn, technical writers can work in a wide range of industries. Translating technical knowledge into easily understood content is a talent that will always be in demand.

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Additional Resources

How to remove the background from an image, how to blur text in screenshots: 5 tips for clear, private screenshots, how to screen record on windows 10 or 11 (with audio).

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Writing Tips

A Guide to Technical Writing (With Examples)

4-minute read

5th May 2023

You can find technical writing in lots of places, including in your home, at your job, in many industries, and in businesses of all sizes. If you need help with business writing specifically, check out how we can assist you .

In today’s post, we’ll break down what technical writing is and how to do it effectively. We’ll also provide some handy examples.

What Is Technical Writing?

Technical writing doesn’t always look very technical! It can be anything that describes how to do a task or how to operate a machine or system. Or it can cover a specialized topic. Technical writing includes recipes in your favorite cookbook, board game instructions, operator manuals, health and safety regulations, legal documents, and financial reports.

Instructions for Carrying Out a Task

This type of technical writing can be a recipe for a cake, the instructions for a board game, tips on how to walk your dog to heel, or the script for a social media video on how to cut your own hair.

Operating Manuals for Machinery, Appliances, or Systems

Technical writing can also be the user guide for a dishwasher, for a factory machine that makes cardboard boxes, a “how to” guide for spreadsheets, or instructions for changing the oil in your motorcycle.

Specialized Topics

The list here could be very, very long! Technical writing on specialized topics includes a company’s business reports, a medical consultant’s letter to a patient, health and safety regulations, employment policies, and legal documents.

So How Do I Produce a Great Piece of Technical Writing?

Let’s take it in three stages: Who? What? How?

Who Is It For?

In any type of writing, knowing your audience is important. This is particularly true of technical writing. Here are some examples of who might read technical writing:

· A renter of an apartment that needs details on their lease

· An electrical engineer who needs to know how the wiring is laid out in the apartment block

· The janitor of that same building who needs to know the location of the emergency lights

· The occupant of apartment 61, who needs to know how to use the oven in their kitchen

They all need information presented to them, but what information do they need?

What Do They Need?

The renter needs a legal document that leaves no room for doubt about their legal rights and obligations and those of their landlord. The document will be very detailed, containing terms that need careful explanation.

The electrical engineer needs accurate, clear information about the wiring, as they could get hurt or cause harm to someone else if the diagram is inaccurate.

The janitor needs clear directions and a map of where the emergency lights are.

The occupant of apartment 61 needs instructions that are written in plain English so they can use their oven safely.

How Should Technical Writing Be Composed?

Follow these steps when writing a technical document:

· Research and know your subject thoroughly.

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· Decide on the appropriate writing style. Just because it’s technical, doesn’t mean it has to contain lots of jargon . Be concise, be direct, and be straightforward.

· Consider whether you need to include diagrams, maps, images, charts, and/or tables.

· If writing instructions, take it one step at a time, write objectively , and make sure the instructions work!

Examples of Technical Writing

Let’s look at some examples:

The first version contains unnecessary words, but the warnings are not specific enough. The instructions should be concise and clear. In the second version, the danger is stated right away, and the critical warnings are concise and specific.

In these examples, the first version is unnecessarily wordy. It provides a lot of detail for minor tasks but gives vague instructions for bigger tasks. The second version is much clearer. The instructions are easier to follow, and they include each necessary step.

Good technical writing needs the following attributes:

1. Relevance

2. Accuracy

4. Accessibility

5. Simplicity

Really good technical writing will include these attributes every time.

Is technical writing difficult?

Technical writing does not have to be difficult if you follow our guide and do your research beforehand.

Are there professional bodies for technical writers?

There are several professional organizations for technical writing. This list from UTA Libraries is very useful.

What can I do if I’m not sure that my technical writing style is appropriate to my subject?

We have experts in many fields who can check your writing and advise on style .

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Technical Writing vs Essay Writing: 5 Insights to Consider for Content Creation

Technical writing and essay writing should not be incorrectly identified as being the same thing. Though both concepts are about sending an easily understandable message, the applications and recipients are very dissimilar. More understanding of every style’s goal and necessity causes the general improvement of writing. When you understand the differences between technical and essay writing, you’ll have a sharp insight to help you develop content appealing to the readers.

Table of Contents

How Goals Differ Between Technical Writing and Essay Writing

Essay writing is the process of writing essays and other forms of academic papers such as term papers, theses, and dissertations among others.

Technical writing is more of persuading the readers, by providing them with information in the most direct manner. Its purpose is to state facts, views, and findings in a precise and impartial manner. On the other hand, essays are used to convince and look at issues creatively or philosophically.

Technical articles should not be too difficult to read, lengthy, or grammatically incorrect. And sometimes finding good technical manuals that are simple and easy to read is quite a tedious job. It can be in any form, such as:

An instruction manual or user guide
Training course
Product descriptions
White papers
Product manuals
Reference Guides
Annual reports and more

In this fast-paced digital age, technical writers must utilize certain strategies to achieve true reader engagement. Indeed, this is a huge challenge!

This type of writing employs formal and professional language and does not include expression of emotion since it covers facts and also provides instructions. Awareness of the emotional language is not present in the document.

The essay tends to be more free and may have elements of personal observation and emotions. Professional Essay Tigers writers try to involve the author’s feelings, attitudes, judgments, beliefs, and opinions to influence readers’ subliminal minds.

Anyway, the main goal of content creation is to capture people’s attention. Interesting material must be educational, and entertaining, and stimulate different ideas in one’s mind. It grabs the attention of the reader and makes them interested to read the further part of the passage.

Key Differences in Research, Structure, and Style

Technical writing implies extensive reference to reliable sources to guarantee the total accuracy of the information used. Checkable information is used and the content is often tightly organized based on certain key points.

Writing essays enables the writer to be more creative since they do not limit them to specific areas of writing. Interpretations and emotions can be used to formulate an argument by writers. It may be less structured, as the aim here is to collect some remarkable examples and stories that can illustrate the given topic.

Regarding its structure, technical writing conforms to a traditional pattern and includes an abstract, introduction, methods, results, and conclusion.

Unlike writing, particularly in the style of research papers, essays have a less strict structure that is logical and connected.

Compared to other types of writing, the essays sound more like an informal discussion and therefore have a higher tendency to have different sentence structures. Opinions can also be expressed effectively, especially when the writer is passionate and tries to convince the reader.

Technical documents are used in a strictly functional way as their primary aim is to convey information and provide instructions. Some essays are meant to provide people with some entertainment and food for thought on rather abstract matters. As much as technical writing skills are important to most professions, the ability to write good essays is useful throughout one’s life, both in private and professional spheres.

It is helpful for a writer or online writing service to have the ability to specialize in various styles of writing. Being knowledgeable about the differences between technical and essay writing is important when writing for any purpose and any audience. It should be understood that these two styles are quite different but are very similar in terms of importance; with practice, a writer can easily move between the two.

5 Insights to Apply When Creating Content

1) focus on your audience.

Whether writing technical or essay-style content, focus on your target audience. Consider their needs, knowledge level, and reasons for reading the content. For technical writing, use concise and objective language while for essays adopt an engaging and persuasive tone. In both cases, choose a vocabulary and level of detail appropriate for your readers.

2) Structure Matters

For technical writing, use headings and subheadings to logically organize thoughts while for essay writing, structure paragraphs into an introduction, body, and conclusion. An effective structure helps readers follow your main ideas.

3) Clarity and Accuracy Are Key

Write clearly and accurately by choosing a precise language and checking facts. Being concise is particularly important in technical writing but also helps engage readers of essays. Provide examples and explanations as needed to ensure your content is fully understood.

4) Use an Active Voice

In both technical and essay writing, use an active voice as much as possible. Active voice makes writing more engaging and impactful. For example, say “The scientist experimented” rather than “The experiment was conducted by the scientist.”

5) Review and Edit

Carefully proofread and edit your work to ensure a high-quality result. Double-check for any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Do it by yourself or turn to professional online agencies . Review how well your writing flows and make any necessary changes to the structure or wording. Polish and perfect your work before publishing.

To Sum Up, technical writing and essay writing have their differences, but they also share some key similarities. Whether you’re crafting an essay or technical document, strong organization, clarity, and precision are must-haves. While essays allow more creative freedom, technical writing demands adherence to strict style guidelines. Understanding these nuances helps writers adapt their approach to each genre. But no matter what you write, engaging your readers and delivering your message effectively should always be the goal. Though the writing style changes, quality content that resonates with the intended audience remains paramount.

Matthew Lee is a distinguished Personal & Career Development Content Writer at ESS Global Training Solutions, where he leverages his extensive 15-year experience to create impactful content in the fields of psychology, business, personal and professional development. With a career dedicated to enlightening and empowering individuals and organizations, Matthew has become a pivotal figure in transforming lives through his insightful and practical guidance. His work is driven by a profound understanding of human behavior and market dynamics, enabling him to deliver content that is not only informative but also truly transformative.

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General Writing vs. Technical Writing

What's the difference.

General writing and technical writing are two distinct forms of written communication. General writing is more creative and expressive, often used in literature, journalism, or personal communication. It focuses on engaging the reader's emotions and imagination, using descriptive language and storytelling techniques. On the other hand, technical writing is more objective and precise, used in fields such as science, engineering, or technology. It aims to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner, using specialized terminology and logical organization. While general writing appeals to a broader audience, technical writing targets specific readers who require accurate and detailed instructions or explanations.

Attribute	General Writing	Technical Writing
Style	Varied and creative	Clear and concise
Purpose	Entertain, inform, persuade	Instruct, explain, document
Audience	General public	Specialized professionals
Tone	Subjective, personal	Objective, impersonal
Language	Varied, figurative	Technical, precise
Structure	Flexible, narrative	Logical, organized
Grammar	Less strict, creative freedom	Strict, adherence to rules
Examples	Illustrative, imaginative	Concrete, practical
Formatting	Varied, artistic	Consistent, standardized

Further Detail

Introduction.

Writing is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in various aspects of our lives. Whether it is for personal expression, academic pursuits, or professional communication, the way we write can greatly impact the effectiveness and clarity of our message. Two prominent forms of writing that often come up in discussions are general writing and technical writing. While both share the goal of conveying information, they differ significantly in terms of purpose, audience, style, and structure. In this article, we will explore the attributes of general writing and technical writing, highlighting their unique characteristics and the contexts in which they are commonly employed.

General writing encompasses a broad range of writing styles and purposes. It is primarily used for creative expression, storytelling, opinion sharing, or persuasive communication. The purpose of general writing is often to entertain, inform, or evoke emotions in the reader. It allows for more freedom in terms of language choice, tone, and narrative techniques. On the other hand, technical writing is focused on providing clear and concise instructions, explanations, or documentation about a specific subject matter. Its primary purpose is to convey complex information in a straightforward manner, ensuring that the reader can understand and follow the instructions or grasp the technical concepts being presented.

The intended audience is another crucial factor that distinguishes general writing from technical writing. General writing is typically aimed at a broader audience, ranging from the general public to specific interest groups. The language used in general writing is often more accessible, employing everyday vocabulary and avoiding technical jargon. It aims to engage and captivate readers of various backgrounds and interests. In contrast, technical writing targets a specific audience with a particular knowledge base or expertise in the subject matter. The language used in technical writing is more specialized, utilizing industry-specific terminology and concepts that are familiar to the intended readers. The goal is to provide precise and accurate information to those who require it for professional or educational purposes.

Style and Tone

The style and tone of writing also differ significantly between general writing and technical writing. General writing allows for more creativity and personal expression. It often employs descriptive language, figurative expressions, and narrative techniques to engage the reader's imagination and emotions. The tone can vary depending on the purpose of the piece, ranging from formal to informal, conversational, or even poetic. In contrast, technical writing adopts a more objective and formal style. It focuses on clarity, precision, and accuracy, avoiding ambiguity or subjective language. The tone is typically neutral and professional, aiming to convey information in a straightforward and unbiased manner.

The structure of general writing and technical writing also exhibits notable differences. General writing allows for more flexibility in terms of structure, often following a narrative or essay format. It may include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, with the content flowing in a logical and coherent manner. The structure can vary depending on the genre or purpose of the piece, allowing for creative experimentation. On the other hand, technical writing follows a more standardized and structured approach. It often employs headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to organize information systematically. Technical documents may also include tables, diagrams, or illustrations to enhance clarity and understanding.

To further illustrate the differences between general writing and technical writing, let's consider a couple of examples. In general writing, imagine a short story that aims to captivate the reader's emotions and imagination. The author may use vivid descriptions, engaging dialogue, and narrative techniques to create a compelling narrative. On the other hand, in technical writing, consider a user manual for a new smartphone. The document would provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up and use the device, using clear and concise language, accompanied by diagrams or screenshots to aid understanding.

In conclusion, general writing and technical writing are two distinct forms of writing that serve different purposes and cater to specific audiences. General writing allows for creativity, personal expression, and emotional engagement, while technical writing focuses on clarity, precision, and conveying complex information effectively. Understanding the attributes of each form of writing is essential for selecting the appropriate style, tone, and structure to effectively communicate with the intended audience. Whether you are crafting a captivating story or providing clear instructions, honing your writing skills in both general and technical writing can greatly enhance your ability to convey your message with impact and clarity.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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Technical writing is any writing about technical information. It can include, but is not limited to, preparation of technical manuals and handbooks about technology.

Technical writers need to have good writing skills, because they have to convey complex information. They also need a reasonable understanding of technology, because it is hard to explain something that you do not understand.

This page explains what we mean by technical writing, and discusses the skills required by technical writers.

What is Technical Writing?

Traditionally, technical writing focused on the documentation of processes, including through instruction manuals. However, the description is now broader.

There is no very precise definition (see box), but the term has come to mean any writing related to technology or technical processes.

Some definitions of technical writing

Technical writing is performed by a technical writer (or technical author) and is the process of writing and sharing technical information in a professional setting [Wikipedia]

Technical writing is simplifying the complex [Techwhirl.com]

Forms of technical writing may include white papers, instruction manuals, handbooks and product descriptions. Some people suggest that technical writing can also include press releases, reports, briefs and business proposals. These may certainly need some technical input. However, they are not usually written by technical writers.

The distinction is probably that these documents mention technology, but their purpose is not to simplify technology per se . For example, a press release may be about a particular piece of technology, and it may need to explain it simply, but its purpose is to ensure that journalists write about the technology.

An illustrious history

Technical writing has been recognised as a profession since the 1940s, and it expanded exponentially with the spread of computers during the second half of the twentieth century.

However, its history dates back much further. It could be argued, for example, that many of Leonardo Da Vinci’s papers are technical writing, since he was discussing and explaining technology. Some people also cite Geoffrey Chaucer’s Treatise on an Astrolabe as an early example of a technical document, and suggest that much of Aristotle’s writing was technical in its nature.

Technical Writing Style

Like any other form of writing, technical writing has its own particular style.

It tends towards:

Simplicity and conciseness

You may find this hard to believe if you have ever read a computer manual, but technical writers spend a considerable amount of time and effort keeping things as simple as possible. They try to keep their writing short, and also use short words and sentences to make documents easier to read. They also use the active voice, rather than passive, and avoid the use of jargon.

Technical writing aims for clarity above all.

A Word About Jargon

Avoiding jargon is difficult if you are an expert in your field.

However, many technical writers have the advantage that they are NOT necessarily experts in the technology. Instead, they are experts in writing .

Even so, as you become familiar with a subject, jargon tends to creep in. Avoid this by reading your work over carefully, or getting a non-technical colleague to review your writing to check it makes sense to someone with less knowledge.

You may also find it helpful to read our page on Using Plain English .

The second characteristic of technical writing is its accuracy. There is no room for ambiguity or errors in a technical document. Users do not want to be making expensive errors because the documentation was incorrect.

Technical writers therefore need to check everything.

If in doubt, the accuracy of a sentence must be checked with someone with more knowledge.

Audience-focused

Ultimately, every piece of writing should be written with its audience in mind. However, this is perhaps even more true of technical writing, because you need to consider your audience’s subject knowledge, which may vary widely. A document written for experts will be very different from one written for the general public.

There is more about this in our page Know Your Audience .

An objective, fact- and task-based approach

Technical writing is not emotive in style. It uses a very objective, fact-based approach, because it aims to convey information.

In technical writing that aims to convey instructions, documents will also be very task-based. They will focus on giving readers the information that they need to complete the task as easily as possible.

Careful consideration of design issues

Technical writers often have to do more than simply write. They also have to consider the design of their document to make it easier to read.

This includes the layout on the page, and the use of headings, subheadings, bullet points and numbered lists to break up the document. All these facilitate finding information rapidly, which is crucial in a technical document.

Technical writers also have to consider the use of illustrations such as pictures, graphs and tables as a way to convey information.

There is more about this in our page on Presenting Data .

They may therefore be considerably expert in using statistical tools and software to prepare technical illustrations.

Skills Required by Technical Writers

Technical writers require a wide range of skills. Many of these are similar to other writers, but there are also some very specific skills needed.

Technical writing skills include:

Extremely good written communication skills , and especially the ability to convey complex information in simple language, and to write very clearly.

An ability to grasp a technical subject quickly . Technical writers are not experts in everything. However, they usually have the ability to pick up and grasp technical subjects rapidly. They need to be able to understand enough to explain the issue simply to others.

A broad knowledge of technology . Technical writers usually have a broad but shallow understanding of a wide range of technology issues. This allows them to knit their knowledge together effectively with new information, and set their work in context.

A recognition of what they don’t know. Technical writers need to be able to consult with experts or do further research when necessary. They therefore need to understand the limitations of their own knowledge.

Knowledge and skill in various computer packages , including statistical software and design/illustration packages.

Good proofreading and editing skills. Finally, technical writers need to be able to read over their own documents and identify typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors . Technical documents need to be free of these errors, and look professional.

A Growing Area of Writing

Technical writers are needed to bridge the gap between technical experts and the general public, to explain technology in simple terms. As technology becomes even more complex, including through the use of artificial intelligence, this need will only grow.

Developing the skills needed to become a technical writer could well be a good investment in your future.

Continue to: Writing for the Internet Journalistic Writing

See also: Business Storytelling Coherence in Writing Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs)

5 Types of Technical Writing

Become a Certified Technical Writer

Technical writing spans various industries, each with its unique demands and requirements. Understanding the different types of technical writing enhances one’s ability to communicate complex information, whether crafting user manuals, developing product documentation, or preparing technical reports.

Discover how each type functions and why mastering them elevates your technical communication skills.

If you’re interested in learning via video, then watch the video below. Otherwise, skip ahead.

Five Types of Technical Writing in 2024

From detail-oriented technical reports to extensively researched white papers, examples of technical writing span dozens of industries and operations.

Here are the five most prevalent forms of technical writing you can adopt as a career.

Medical and Scientific Papers

Technical writing within the medical and science realm comes under the traditional technical writing umbrella.

This is the first example of modifying technical information to make it understandable for a specific audience.

Researchers use this academic to interpret their findings, organize and condense them into engaging content, and publish it in various journals, newsletters, and online platforms.

The skill requirements for medico-scientific papers include:

Exceptional attention to detail when breaking down high-value experiments and findings
High accuracy when inserting names, dates, citations, etc.
Effective organizational skills, especially when taking all the raw data and organizing it into a user-friendly content form
A flair for authority and credibility that lends itself very well to academics in general

User Manuals and Assistance Guides

User guides are a common form of technical writing that even non-technical professionals encounter.

This type looks to answer specific usage-related questions for consumer products and improve everyone’s end-user experience.

User help guides break down the product into its constituent parts, explain how each part functions, and answer questions about each piece’s solutions. Furthermore, they involve answering queries as consumers use the product for an extended period.

Check out our Technical Writing Certification Course if you’re interested in technical writing for user guides and other technical documentation.

Standard skill requirements for the technical writing of user guides include:

Thorough knowledge of how to organize instruction manuals into stages and sections based on how the product works
A knack for creating solution-oriented content that perfectly explains how to solve a specific problem
Complete understanding of each product
A direct and no-frills style with clear and concise points and minimal use of fluff or filler content

Product or repair manual writers can find jobs with various employers, from copywriting firms to production companies. However, technical writing is a somewhat limited field, so look for an employer that offers progressive growth when applying for a job in this genre.

Books and Guides by Technical Writers

Writing technical books and long-form guides differs from the previous genre due to the length of the content, its conceptual nature, and the amount of detail they go into.

This type of writing extends a simple user guide. It talks about the intentions and purpose behind the product (usually software products).

Interestingly, even though they are more detailed, technical books must be written so any user can comprehend them.

The skill requirements for writing this form of technical documentation include:

The ability to transform complex, jargon-heavy information into simplified and informative content
Complete understanding of the formatting, structure, pacing, and length that’s ideal for these technical documents
Knowledge of when and how to insert visual aids such as graphs, images, and tables to make the content more engaging
Some experience in writing long-form content on a variety of subjects

These books can also serve as troubleshooting guides for software programs. In this role, they have to account for all the possible problems the program could encounter and explain solutions for each one.

Assembly Manuals

Assembly and repair manuals are another niche form of technical writing.

This is due to the technical skills required to understand the disassembly and re-assembly process of a specific machine or piece of equipment. Most general repair guides contain assembly manuals for various types of machinery.

Assembly guides are different from any other form of technical communication because most (if not all) companies require you to be able to perform disassembly.

The skill requirements for assembly manuals and guides include:

A theoretical and practical understanding of the equipment and repair processes involved
Experience working with and repairing machinery of a similar type or function
Ability to research (to find better, more efficient disassembly and repair processes)
Extensive knowledge of how production lines work and how to keep the machinery operating optimally

While most companies are looking for technicians with writing skills, some accept career writers who are willing to learn about processes.

Technical Documents, Reviews, and Reports

Corporate content development contains reviews and reports for stakeholder meetings, proposals, and business pitches.

It’s another versatile form that mixes academic reporting and technical research-based guides. Reports are technical documents that explain the process and outcome of any research, be it scientific or business-centric.

Technical reports take several forms, such as feasibility reports, primary research reports, business plans and prospectuses, short-form proposals, press releases, and case studies.

High-level understanding of the process that’s under focus, as well as how similar processes progress over time
Complete knowledge of the product, as well as past, current, and (proposed) future operations
The ability to communicate in a business-savvy manner while also maintaining an adequate amount of technical know-how in the content
Excellent English language skills with an emphasis on conveying a business message

Technical reports are essential parts of corporate operations. This makes the job quite well-paying in most cases.

Technical Writing Skills in 2024

Regarding academic skills such as writing and linguistics, there is no substitute for an education that supports the skills.

The same is mostly true for technical writing, with the only caveat being that you also need to be knowledgeable in the actual technical processes.

But education and technical knowledge won’t bring you career success as a technical writer in 2024. You need a few more skill pointers to become a great technical writer :

Research Skills: The ability to perform highly detailed research is the cornerstone of a successful career. Most technical writing involves some form of research and study before the actual writing. Ensure that you develop the ability to research extensively and be highly observant throughout the research to find the most valuable points for your content.
Efficient Planning: Unless you have a complete timeline to develop your technical content, you must learn how to manage your research, outlines, content writing, and distribution efficiency. Planning for the content ahead of time or developing a system to wrap up high-level content quickly will help you stick to deadlines without compromising quality.
Observation Skills: Most technical content is long-form and involves many complex data points. Develop a keen sense of observation, which will help you pick valuable data from a sea of random information.
Being Tech-Savvy: Digital ages require knowledge of content development software systems in 2024, especially to develop more high-quality content quickly. If you’re not already, take online courses in content writing software systems before applying for a job.

These technical writing skills will help you succeed in your career. Additionally, make sure that this type of content appeals to you as a technical writer and that you’re willing to explore the various sides of it throughout your career.

Final Thoughts

According to the BLS, most technical writers make over six figures a year. When technical writers take home these figures, it makes it one of the best-paying jobs in the professional field of writing and media. Technical writers are desperately needed to make communications clear, and technical writers can involve themselves in many demands to create a technical document or technical documentation.

To ensure that you excel in your career, find out where your technical marketing communication strengths lie and what technical documentation skills companies value, and apply for jobs accordingly.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about technical writing.

What is technical writing, and how does it relate to software development?

Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that focuses on creating clear, concise, and accurate documentation for complex topics. In the context of software development, technical writing involves creating various types of documents, such as technical manuals and technical specifications. These documents are crucial for developers, end-users, and stakeholders as they provide essential information about software functionality, features, and usage. Effective technical writing ensures that all parties involved have a comprehensive understanding of the software and its capabilities, which can facilitate smoother development processes and user interactions.

How do I create technical documentation for a new software product?

Creating technical documentation for a new software product requires a systematic approach. Start by gathering detailed information about the software from the development team, including its features, functionalities, and architecture. Use this information to draft technical manuals and specifications that outline how the software works and how it should be used. Ensure the documentation is structured logically, with clear headings and subheadings, and include diagrams or screenshots if necessary to enhance understanding. Additionally, it’s essential to write in a style accessible to your target audience, whether they are developers, users, or other stakeholders.

What role do technical manuals play in business or sales proposals?

Technical manuals play a crucial role in business or sales proposals by providing detailed information about the technical aspects of a product or service. When included in a proposal, these manuals can help potential clients or partners understand the specifications and capabilities of what is being offered. This can be particularly important for complex products or services where technical details are a significant factor in the decision-making process. By presenting well-structured technical manuals, you demonstrate transparency and expertise, which can strengthen your proposal and build confidence with your audience.

How do technical specifications differ from technical manuals in documentation?

Specifications and manuals serve different purposes in the documentation. Technical specifications detail a product or system’s specific technical requirements, features, and performance criteria. They provide a comprehensive list of what the product is expected to achieve and the standards it must meet. In contrast, technical manuals are more comprehensive guides that include instructions for using, operating, and maintaining the product. While specifications outline “what” a product is, technical manuals explain “how” to use it effectively. Both are essential for complete and effective technical documentation but address different product lifecycle aspects.

How can a technical report enhance a business or sales proposal?

A technical report can enhance a business or sales proposal by providing in-depth analysis and evidence supporting the proposed solution or product. Including a technical report in your proposal adds credibility and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the technical aspects related to the project. It often includes data, research findings, and detailed explanations that validate the proposed approach or technology. This level of detail can reassure potential clients or partners of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution, thereby strengthening the overall proposal and increasing its chances of success.

What is the importance of including a technical report in technical documentation?

Including a technical report in technical documentation is crucial for providing a detailed and objective account of a project’s technical aspects. A technical report offers a comprehensive analysis of technical data, methodologies, and results, which can be valuable for stakeholders seeking to understand a project’s technical background and outcomes. It helps document the development process, testing procedures, any issues encountered, and their resolutions. This thorough documentation is essential for future reference, troubleshooting, and ensuring that all technical aspects are well-recorded and accessible for review or compliance purposes.

If you are new to technical writing, we recommend taking our Technical Writing Certification Course . You will learn the fundamentals of being a technical writer, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.

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What is Technical Writing?

Technical writing establishes processes, such as instructional materials or software manuals. Traditionally, it was restricted to user manuals of some type.

Modern technical writing is no longer bound to user manuals. Instead, it encompasses all documentation of complex technical information and processes. In addition, it contains executive summary statements, reports, and briefs.

8 Great Technical Writing Examples to Inspire You

What is the purpose of technical writing .

The main purpose of a technical document is to deliver complex information to readers in a way that they can use and comprehend, even if they don’t have previous knowledge of the subject. For example, technical writing explains how a particular object works or how to complete a task or project.

As a result, the efficiency of the products is increased, the service life of the products is extended, and the dangers associated with misuse are avoided.

Technical writing is very challenging but essential to the software development process. Technical writers help users avoid common problems and complete tasks more efficiently by providing clear and concise documentation.

What are the Examples of Technical Writing?

The following are some examples of technical writing.

End-User Manuals and Assistance Guides

Writing a user manual is a big responsibility because the finished document will be used by people who depend on it to provide them with instructions they can follow. Therefore, writing a user manual requires organizational and technical writing skills.

It includes:

Identifying the audience
Defining the purpose of the manual
Identifying the how-to steps
Formalizing the written steps
Developing appropriate graphics
Being brief and detailed
Verifying accuracy
Formatting for readability

Technical Documentation/Technical Reports

A technical report is a document that communicates information about technical research objectively and factically. This technical report includes three key features of research, i.e., process, progress, and results.

You can follow two approaches in a technical report, depending on what suits you best.

Top-down approach: In this, you structure the entire report from title to sub-sections and conclusion and then start arranging the topic in the respective chapters. This permits your thought process to have a defined flow and thus helps in time management as well.
Evolutionary delivery: This approach is suitable if you believe in moving with the process and flow. In this, the author decides and writes as and when the work advances. This gives you a broad thinking horizon. When some new vision or inspiration strikes, you can add and tweak certain parts.

Technical Marketing Communications

Technical marketing communications seek to make people realize they need products. It persuades the person through communication skills, and this distinction affects everything from the genre’s focus to its content and medium.

Technical marketing communications work on technical, complex subject matters. It pays close attention to its target audiences and benefits from a concise, accessible writing style.

Feasibility Studies

A technical feasibility study is an analysis that considers a project’s relevant factors, like technical and scheduling considerations, to ascertain the likelihood of completing the project successfully.

A technical feasibility study assesses how you intend to deliver a product or service to customers. Think materials, labor, transportation, where your business will be located, and the technology that will be necessary to bring all this together.

Preparing a preliminary analysis.
Creating a projected income statement.
Conducting a market survey.
Making a business plan.
Preparing a balance sheet.
Reviewing data and making a decision.

Technical White Papers

A common technical white paper is a document that explains a business situation and a tech-based answer to that situation. Largely a B2B marketing tool, this type of white paper seeks to make the complex ideas dominant in the high-tech world legible to those who aren’t specialists in the field.

A coherent white paper conveys to those entrusted with finding solutions as well as the decision-makers who hold the coins.

There are multiple ways to reinforce your story and support your white paper effectively, including:

Case studies
Links and sources for further information

A memo (or memorandum) is normally used to communicate policies or procedures within an institution. It is frequently written from a one-to-all perspective (like mass communication), broadcasting a message to an audience rather than personalized, interpersonal communication. It is also used to update a team on activities for a given project or to inform a specific group within a business of an action, event, or observance.

Technical memos include:

Introduction
Experimental
Conclusions

What are the Benefits of Technical Writing?

There are many benefits of technical writing. Some are:

1. Clearer Communication

High-quality, well-versed documentation and manuals reflect well on the organization. Readers translate the level of competency revealed through the documentation onto the brand. In addition, many technical writers help clarify technical or specialized topics by translating developer jargon into simpler language, helping your organization meet the target audience’s needs.

2. Awareness

Technical writers work to consider content from the user’s perspective. Most technical writers are aware and know how to connect to your audience. They have a unique talent for understanding complex content from both the viewpoint of industry experts and the average consumer. They can understand the audience’s unique needs, allowing them to create effective technical communications that resonate well.

3. Reduced Costs

A good technical writer has the knowledge and skill critical to complete a clear end-product faster with the distinct needs of the product market in mind. Eventually, well-written and clear manuals will reduce service calls to the technical support department.

4. Impartial

Having the final product manual written by in-house developer results in excessive descriptions or exaggerated benefits. While preserving a high level of an attribute is important, professional technical writing must be concise and impartial and state the facts clearly.

Hiring a technical writer to do the job eradicates the likelihood of the manual being modified by personal interest, letting the end-user read precisely what they get.

5. Professional Formatting & Presentation

From the document font and layout to the suitable size for charts, a technical writer is able to make the content look proficient. Documentation is one element that completes the company brand. It is just as much part of the product as its other features and needs to complement it. Logos, colors, and styles can go a long way to making the documentation look like personalized documentation.

Essential Features of Technical Writing

Some important features in technical writing include:

Step 1 – Problem Statement

The first step is to develop a problem statement that needs solving as an example of implementing the technology. While the overall purpose of a technical article is to demonstrate or detail how to apply a principle or use technology, you also need to be relatively entertaining. Having a problem statement lets you tell a story and deliver context to help you understand.

Step 2 – Research and Outline

The next phase is to do some primary research to devise a rough outline based on the previous problem statement. Most of this research and design comes from the steps you need to complete the task. This step gives a rough idea of how many words you need per step to ensure you don’t go over or under any word limits too much. It also helps keep track of how much more you need to write.

Step 3 – Screenshot and Notes

This is the most time-consuming step of the process – running through from start to finish solving the problem proposed in step 1. While you must use the outline to go through these steps, you also need to take screenshots of the process and expand the outline with fairly simple notes on the steps taken. Always try and ensure that you capture every step, but also work on articles in your spare time, so sometimes parts are missed. Again, this is where screenshots help in keeping the process in mind.

Step 4 – Final Draft

With notes and corresponding screenshots in hand, the time comes to draft the final stage of the article. In this stage, you go from top to bottom and:

Introduce the article at the start
Expand the notes to make sure the problem or story comes through the process
Select and edit screenshots to illustrate and display the process
Summarise and put together the next steps at the end

Throughout this stage, you need to try and keep the word count as succinct as possible but don’t be overly worried about word count or length. It is more important to get consistent, clean work first.

Step 5 – Follow, Edit and Finalise

The final step is to clear the environment setup to compose the piece and follow your instructions and rules, preferably a day or two after the finalized, finished draft. This is to help ensure that you do not miss any step or mask over something important. Of course, you will sometimes miss some small steps that are crucial for readers to echo your journey, but this step helps diminish this as much as possible. It also allows you to flesh out or trim down your article to bring it back in line with the word limit.

Good technical writing results in relevant, useful, and accurate information geared to targeted audiences to cultivate a set of moves on the part of the audience in quest of an established goal.

The goal can be using a software application, operating industrial equipment, preventing accidents, safely consuming packaged food, assessing a medical condition, complying with a law, coaching a sports team, or any of an infinite range of possible activities. If the activity requires expertise or skill to perform, then technical writing is a necessary component.

What is the difference between technical writing and business writing?

A business writer focuses on case studies, business plans, e-books, and sales or marketing collateral. They are experts in business management and strategy.

In contrast, technical writers have a strong aptitude in the field of IT, science, or engineering. They are tasked with compiling technical documents such as instruction manuals and other instructional materials, guidebooks, technical product descriptions, and research reports.

What is the difference between technical writing and academic writing?

Technical writing provides clear and detailed information about the service and product. In contrast, academic writing focuses on proving a theory or perspective in one way or the other and highlights one specific subject.

What is the difference between technical writing and creative writing?

Creative writing is a piece of writing for entertainment and education. It focuses on creative and symbolic content, publishing creative papers to entertain, provoke, and inspire the user. However, technical writing is not done to amuse the reader. Instead, it is used to inform someone. Therefore, some technical articles are sometimes made to trigger the reader to take action.

What technical writing tools should I learn?

In general, learn style languages and markup more than a specific tool since languages have a more far-reaching application than specific tools. The most valuable markup and style languages are CSS , HTML , and XML . You can find resources to understand these languages online.

Should I get a technical writing certificate or degree?

If you are in a place in life where education fits smoothly into your schedule, then go for it. For example, if you have the money and time, and are interested in a degree, take advantage of the option. But, eventually, it is hard to get a master’s degree in technical communications.

However, a technical communication certificate or degree is not necessary to get a job in technical writing. So if you are not in a situation where education suits your schedule and budget, don’t worry too much about it.

Few professional technical writers have official degrees, specifically in this field anyway. So instead, focus your efforts on developing a strong portfolio with examples demonstrating your knowledge and skills.

How do I get employment in technical writing with no experience?

If you do not have any experience, volunteer your technical writing skills with an open source application, such as WordPress. For example, add or rewrite the information in the WordPress Codex . Alternatively, you need to create instructions for a product you use, such as your phone or camera.

The exact product doesn’t so matter much. However, interviewers will be interested to see your writing style, ability to articulate complex concepts, mastery of advanced tools to author the information, sense of organization and detail, and more.

What are the tools that I need for technical writing?

You can purchase software including MadCap Flare or Confluence.

Download trial versions of the software. However, the trials end after thirty days, so you have a limited opportunity to learn the software during this time. Of course, you can reformat your laptop every thirty days and install the latest trial versions, but doing so would avoid the idea of a trial and be a major pain.

You can try using open source substitutes, but employers seek knowledge of specific tools, especially industry-standard ones. In addition, when you invest so much energy and time in learning a new software tool, you want this time to have a more significant payback.=

Employers want forthcoming employees to know industry standard tools such as Photoshop over Gimp, Microsoft Word over Open Office, Camtasia Studio over Camstudio, etc. However, if open source is your sole alternative, it is better than nothing.

How can I get a job as a technical writer?

Obtaining your first and foremost job as a technical writer is the hardest job to get, but the jobs after you are established in the field become much easier.

These are the following steps to getting a job as a technical writer:

Build up your knowledge of languages and tools. For example, learn CSS , HTML , and XML . Also, learn graphics tools, a help authoring tool, a page layout tool, and a video recording tool.
Create a portfolio of your sample technical writing works. For example, create a how-to guide, a quick start guide, online help, and a video tutorial.
Recognize your strengths and build further specializations. These domains might include video tutorials, usability, information architecture, marketing, e-learning, content strategy, project management, or other hybrid skills.
Start a blog to document experiences and insights about the tech communications field. A blog will show your enthusiasm for the field, provide evidence of your knowledge, and let employers get an understanding of your writing, engagement, and intelligence.
Research the organizations you want to work for and identify a good fit for your talents. After analyzing the companies, create customized cover letters that present a case for why you would be a suitable fit for the company. Although custom cover letters take a while to make, they are a powerful measure of your writing knacks and skills. Taking the duration to write a custom cover letter will surely get a prospective employer’s attention.
Apply for the jobs. There are a lot of job sites available online.

Is there a permanent documentation style to stick to?

No, the style guide used per assignment relies greatly on you and the organization you work with. However, if you are working on a private task, you can experiment with various style guides and notice which one sticks.

On joining a company, some companies heed Microsoft’s style guide . Some follow Gatsby StyleGuide , diataxis , or Google technical writing guides .

There are no fixed rules. You can make your style guide and observe the world of technical writers adapt it.

Can I write for users and developers, or do I need to choose one?

You can write for both groups, but you will need to write for both groups often in your career as a technical writer. Learning to understand how to write for a specific audience is a crucial skill to have as a technical writer, and if you can write to suit both audiences, you are good to go.

The two major groups consist of:

Developers:

You write internal documentation for a team of developers you work with. This documentation covers tools, APIs, and processes that the engineers on your team use.
You create internal wikis and a knowledge base for your engineering team.
You document
Write external documentation for developers using your company’s API, tools, or resources.

Users/customers:

A technical writer writes documentation for users, who can be customers or users of a product. This documentation starts with ‘how-to guides,’ FAQs, and tutorials.

As a technical writer, you will need to work with the marketing team to produce marketing and promotional pieces.

What Should Be Considered in Technical Writing?

The most important thing in technical writing is knowing information about the document’s content and subject. Furthermore, since the information conveyed by the technical writer is intended for a specific audience and purpose, it must be accurate, understandable, complete, and detailed.

Other things to consider in technical writing include:

The language must be plain, direct, and neutral in technical texts.
Terms used in the text need to be appropriate to the field and the target audience, and there cannot be any inconsistencies in terms within the text.
The sentences must be fluent, leave no room for interpretation, and are not misleading.
Use passive voice instead of active voice in sentences.
Use professional and formal language.
The format of the document must be consistent and clear.
Insert images, charts, and warnings correctly and precisely.
There must be no grammatical, logical, mathematical, or conceptual errors.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Writing Essays

Dawn Atkinson

The current chapter focuses on essays , pieces of persuasive writing developed around defined topics. This genre’s persuasiveness rests in large part on its logical structure, inclusion of quality evidentiary support, and consistent design, as explained herein; hence, essay writing calls for planning, researching, synthesizing, and revising. Although essays are generally considered a form of academic rather than technical writing, the division is not absolute, and the prevalence of essay assignments in both writing and other university-level courses merits our focus on them here.

While reading this chapter, keep in mind that college essays typically require use of a formal writing style, although the specifics may vary depending on the particular assignment and area of study. For an overview of formal writing guidelines, see the George Mason University Writing Center’s (2017) handout entitled “Reducing Informality in Academic Writing” ( https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/reducing-informality-in-academic-writing ).

Essays can be divided into two broad types: expository and argumentative essays. To define these categories using information adapted from Student Academic Success Services, Queen’s University (2018b, para. 13), expository essays explain—they teach, illustrate, or clarify a subject for a reader—while argumentative essays make claims and seek to convince a reader to accept a position or point of view.

Focusing an Essay

For an essay topic to be manageable, its focus must be narrow enough so that it can be addressed adequately within the word or page count available; however, the topic should not be so narrow so as to impede your research efforts. When deciding on a topic, conduct initial research using library or internet resources to get a sense of current scholarship in the area, as well as points of agreement and contention, which may lead you to a focused direction for research. To pinpoint your particular interest in a topic, you might also consider using listing, mind mapping, outlining, freewriting, looping, or questioning, the brainstorming strategies described in the “Maintaining a Productive Writing Schedule” chapter of this textbook. Talking with your instructor or a librarian about a topic may also help you decide a paper’s focus.

What other methods could you use to narrow the focus of an essay?

Figure 1, a multi-page handout adapted from the Writing and Communication Centre, University of Waterloo (n.d.a, pp. 2-3), illustrates the process of narrowing an essay topic.

Developing and Narrowing a Topic

Develop and Narrow a Topic

A well-written paper depends on a strong topic that is focused and specific. To get there, you need to develop some topic ideas, choose the best one, and narrow that topic further.

Developing A Topic

Researching your subject, brainstorming ideas, and sharing your ideas with others are three steps that can help you develop a strong topic.

Do your research

Doing preliminary research will help you to discover what people who work on the topic are interested in or concerned about.

There are countless ways to brainstorm ideas for a topic; below are three common approaches.

Freewriting: Jot down ideas without revising or proofreading
Questioning: Write down questions you have about your topic without revising or proofreading
Mapping: Starting with a main topic, write down subtopics that come to mind, drawing links that show how the different subtopics relate.

Talk about your ideas

Talking to others helps you to understand your ideas from a reader’s perspective. It can help you refine the topic or even move in a new direction.

Narrowing Your Topic

Narrowing your topic makes your work more manageable and your paper more likely to succeed. A good paper takes a smaller portion of a larger issue or problem and investigates that part in depth. Narrowing your topic allows you to choose a problem that is specific enough to research with vigour. Below is an example of the process:

Move from abstract to concrete

A manageable topic is concrete. As we narrow the scope of a topic, the subject matter moves from abstract concepts to ideas that are more precise. Let’s use bicycles, again, as our example.

Main topic: Bicycles

Subtopics: Design, Safety, Health impacts, Charity drives, Bicycle usage, Bicycles and education, Reuse, Infrastructure, Environmental impacts, Policies, Bicycles and urban development, Bicycles and commercial products, Bicycle culture

Although bicycles are concrete “things,” the word bicycles could mean different things to different people. These ideas, such as design, bicycle culture, or infrastructure, are subtopics of “bicycles.”

Add specific details

As you narrow in on one subtopic, the number of subtopics decreases:

Revised main topic: Bicycles and policies

safety standards for bicycle design
safety gear policies
urban development policies and bike lanes
road policies and cyclists

Tip: Is it narrow enough? In our last example, notice that when you begin to narrow a large topic, the initial subtopics that come up are still broad, general ideas. The more you narrow, the more specific your descriptions become. You can use the traditional journalistic questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why) to help you move towards more specific topics:

road building policies?
building zone policies?
other infrastructure?
metropolitan areas?
medium-sized cities?
small cities?
construction companies?
planning committees?

Using these questions to target the subject matter, we might narrow the topic, bicycle lanes and urban development , even further to the following: policies related to bike lanes in mid-sized metropolitan areas .

As the handout illustrates, deciding upon a suitably narrow essay topic is a process that may require several attempts to complete. Regardless, devoting time to this initial planning process is a wise investment since a defined essay topic will usefully guide a paper’s development.

Structuring an Essay

Essays, like letters and memos, follow an introduction, body, and conclusion structure, although these sections may also be subdivided. The sections need to be fully developed to coherently deliver an essay’s central message to readers. They also need to be proportionate to an essay’s overall length: for instance, a brief essay requires a brief introduction and conclusion, whereas an extended essay can accommodate a longer introduction and conclusion. In general, budget 10 percent of the paper’s word count for the introduction, 80 percent for the body, and 10 percent for the conclusion.

Composing an Introduction Section

An essay introduction establishes context for the reader by commencing discussion of the document’s central message, around which all the other content will coalesce, and by revealing how the essay will unfold. To be more specific, the introduction delimits the scope and purpose of the essay so that readers understand its direction, range of coverage, and intent.

The context-setting information provided at the beginning of an introduction might include definitions of key terms that will be used throughout the rest of the paper, a summation of how something works, essential background on the topic to be addressed in the piece, or articulation of circumstances pertinent to a problem—perhaps a concise discussion of historical events surrounding the topic, previous research conducted in the area, or treatment of the topic in the news. A writer has considerable leeway when deciding how to articulate context-setting information, and inventiveness in this section can help draw readers into the essay. Schall (2014, para. 7), for instance, describes how narration , storytelling in other words, can be used to stimulate reader interest in an essay. The following examples, adapted from Schall (para. 7), present the initial lines from two essay openings, one focused on the “generic nature of America’s highway exit ramp services” and the other on shape constancy in relationship to human visual perception, to demonstrate the interest that narration can inspire.

The observation struck me slowly, a growing sense of déjà vu. I was driving the endless miles of Interstate 70 crossing Kansas when I began to notice that the exits all looked the same. → Notice how the writer uses I to communicate his/her experience.
Our eyes often receive pictures of the world that are contrary to physical reality: a pencil in a glass of water miraculously bends and railroad tracks converge in the distance. → Notice how writer omits I but is nevertheless reflective about the subject matter.

Regardless of the flavor of context-setting information you provide in an essay, the information should help readers connect with the text’s central message. Therefore, avoid beginning an essay with an overly general statement, such as “People argue about many controversial topics,” that could apply to any number of papers. This kind of nondescript material wastes readers’ time.

An essay’s central message is delivered in its thesis statement , a sentence, sometimes more, that articulates the theme of the paper and the writer’s view on it. The thesis thus explains the paper’s controlling idea by specifying what the writer has to say about a particular topic and by clarifying what will and will not be covered. The thesis statement is typically placed at or near the end of the introduction to initiate the reader’s progression into the rest of the paper. Schall (para. 8) explains that a well-written thesis statement should be inexorably tied to the essay it accompanies, carefully constructed, and revealingly focused: “concretely announce the most important elements of your topic and suggest your fundamental approach—even point [readers] toward the paper’s conclusion if you can.” The following two thesis statement examples, adapted from Schall (para. 9), fit this description.

This paper reviews the problem of Pennsylvania’s dwindling landfill space, evaluates the success of recycling as a solution to this problem, and challenges the assumption that Pennsylvania will run out of landfill space by the year 2024.
As this paper will show, the fundamental problem behind the Arab-Israeli conflict is the lack of a workable solution to the third stage of partition, which greatly hinders negotiations for peace.

Notice that each example indicates the paper’s unifying theme and the writer’s viewpoint on the matter.

Developing an effective thesis statement for an essay requires work on a writer’s part. Try using these steps, adapted from the Writing and Communication Centre, University of Waterloo (n.d.c, “Building Effective Thesis Statements”), when building a thesis statement to make the task more straightforward.

Read the assignment directions carefully so you are clear about the expectations.
Conduct preliminary research to gather and organize information about your topic.
What is new about this topic?
What is important about this topic?
What is interesting about this topic?
What have others missed in their discussions about this topic?
Conduct additional research once you have narrowed your focus in order to find evidence to support your thesis. As you research, your understanding of the topic may further develop and evolve.
Refine your thesis statement so it clearly expresses your angle or position.

As this list points out, an effective thesis statement typically develops over time and with concerted effort.

A thesis statement should fulfill the functions set out in its definition otherwise it will not guide the development of an essay. The following list, adapted from McKeever (n.d.c, paras. 12, 16, 17) and Sweetland Center for Writing, University of Michigan (2020a, para. 8), identifies markers of weak thesis statements.

A simple observation (Example: NASA scientists regularly conduct experiments in space.) Although an observation may be true, it cannot initiate a lively and extended discussion of the multiple views surrounding a complex topic.
A statement of fact (Example: Some people are opposed to stem cell research.) To determine whether a statement is a fact, ask if anyone could reasonably disagree with it. If everyone would agree that the statement is true, it is a fact, meaning that it is not open to interpretation or discussion.
A broad generalization (Example: Politics requires working for the people.) It may seem that a broad thesis statement creates the possibility for numerous essay directions, but broad issues contain too many specific arguments within them, and making a broad claim leads to making a shallow argument.
A question (Example: Why are self-service checkout machines popular in stores?) A thesis must be phrased as a statement, although you might decide to narrow the focus of an essay by devising a research question (a question that a research project seeks to answer). A thesis statement answers a research question in sentence form.
A misleading statement (Example: This essay will prove that a person who is old enough to vote and serve in the armed forces should be allowed to drink alcohol too.) The word prove points to a fact, something that is indisputable, and a thesis cannot be a statement of fact. More troubling about the example, however, is that an essay cannot irrefutably prove something, so the statement is misleading.
A statement that uses figurative language (Example: The runaway train of individualism must be controlled and not allowed to jump the tracks and obliterate innocent bystanders.) A thesis statement should enable a reader to clearly and immediately identify the focus of an essay. Figurative language, such as that used in the example, is wordy, vague, and quite frankly confusing, so avoid it.
An unfocused statement (Example: I think the inconsistent penalties for drunk driving, even if enhanced, because of the impact of drinking and driving on families who lose their children, fathers, mothers, or other family members to death and/or disability, are not strict enough in the various states, allowing drunk drivers to go free although there is a high risk of offending again.) A thesis statement that contains multiple clauses and lists is confusing. Oftentimes, such statements also present details that should be discussed in body paragraphs. Remember that a focused thesis statement identifies and delimits the direction of an essay, as this revised example does: The United States needs a consistent, national law that strips drunk drivers of driving privileges for five years after their first offense. Notice that the revised example omits I think since the phrase is redundant; the writer’s view is implicit in the sentence. In general, avoid the phrases I think , I feel , and I believe since they add unnecessary words to an essay and give the appearance of uncertainty.

Prevent the thesis statement problems listed by focusing on a specific topic and articulating your view on that topic in a clear, concise, and unambiguous way. In addition, be prepared to revise the thesis statement as necessary during your essay’s development.

Depending on assignment specifications, disciplinary conventions, educational context, or authorial choice, a writer may integrate a route map , a brief outline of the specific topics the essay will cover and in what order, in the thesis statement or provide this information in a separate sentence or sentences at the end of the introduction. The order of topics in the route map should match the sequence in which they are addressed in the body of the essay; the route map thus serves as a skeleton outline of the essay by giving readers a sense of how the text will be organized.

The essay introduction structure described here takes the form of the inverted triangle presented in Figure 2, with the reader connecting with broad context-setting information before moving on to a more narrow discussion of the essay’s focus area and organizational structure provided in a thesis statement and route map.

Upside down triangle images showing: Context-setting/background information to Thesis statement to Route Map

Figure 2. Moving from general to specific information as an essay introduction proceeds

Figure 3, adapted from the Academic Writing Help Centre, Student Academic Success Service at the University of Ottawa (2016c, para. 10), shows the introduction elements at work in a sample paragraph.

Image of essay. Why is industrial expansion more important than the survival of valuable ecosystems? Last year, that kind of priority resulted in the death of 600,000 red-tailed swallows in Ungolu. While environmentalists protest the destruction of the Ungolu rainforest for the sake of its wildlife, and particularly for the sake of the red-tailed swallow, the inhabitants of the area demand more land for cattle and living space and require more wood to generate revenue. Although the residents insist their society depends on logging practices, this does not justify the effects of these practices. Without a change in policy, the red-tailed swallow will most likely disappear in just a few years. The extinction of this species must be prevented because it would have a devastating impact on the Ungolu rainforest. As this paper will show, the clear-cutting of the rainforest has already eliminated much of the natural habitat of the red-tailed swallow, thus reducing the population growth rate of a species that plays a vital part in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Its extinction would result not only in the destruction of the rainforest, but in the destruction of the ecology that it shelters in as well. Moreover, the extinction of the red-tailed swallow is unnecessary—there are more ecological and long-lasting ways to ensure the economic development of Ungolu than logging.

Figure 3. An introduction with context-setting, a thesis statement, and a route map

If an introduction is clearly focused, comprehensibly organized, and grammatically and mechanically sound, it can inspire a reader’s interest in the remainder of the essay.

Composing a Body Section

The body of an essay expounds upon the central theme articulated in the text’s thesis statement until that theme is fully developed. The body section is divided into paragraphs, and each paragraph centers on one main point that unifies the content of the paragraph and is articulated through an explicit or implied topic sentence. A topic sentence encapsulates a paragraph’s focus, and in technical writing, explicit topic sentences typically appear at the beginnings of paragraphs to expediently deliver needed information to readers. Using this structure, everything that follows the topic sentence in a paragraph—examples, illustrations, explanations, quotations, paraphrases, summaries, reasons—supports the point made in the topic sentence. If a writer instead opts to use an implied topic sentence, he or she may discuss a source, viewpoint, question, or piece of evidence slowly in the paragraph, allowing the paragraph’s momentum to develop the text’s key takeaway. The reader is consequently responsible for inferring the paragraph’s topic sentence in this situation. Whether the topic sentence is explicit or implied, the reader should leave the paragraph with a clear understanding of its main point.

To successfully communicate a paragraph’s main point and give readers a sense of the paragraph’s direction, a topic sentence must be specific. A topic sentence that simply announces the subject matter of a paragraph—“In this paragraph, I will discuss…”—does not fit this description, as the professionals at Student Academic Success Services, Queen’s University (2018a, para. 5) explain. To devise a precise alternative, think carefully about the paragraph’s key takeaway and how that point ties in with surrounding paragraphs and ultimately links back to the essay’s thesis statement; then try to articulate the key takeaway in one focused and unifying umbrella sentence underneath which all the other points in the paragraph fall.

In the process of developing an essay’s central theme through the inclusion of focused topic sentences and relevant and substantive follow-up sentences, the body section of an essay aims to be compelling: for example, an author might try to convince readers to adopt his or her position on an issue; to take a careful look at a text and how it is constructed; to contemplate the layers of complexity surrounding an area of investigation; or, more generally, to consider the well-informed nature of the essay and its fluid delivery of information. The body section thus involves persuasion. To address an essay’s central theme in a comprehensive and fair way, a writer who aims for maximum persuasiveness will speak to the multifaceted perspectives surrounding points of discussion rather than focusing exclusively on his or her own viewpoint. The latter signals bias in an argument, a situation to avoid in academic and technical writing.

Writers may employ certain patterns of development to present information in body paragraphs so that it is logical and compelling. The following list, adapted from Student Academic Success Services, Queen’s University (2018b, paras. 12, 17-21), describes a number of these patterns.

Description: Conveys specific details about the look, taste, smell, sound, or feel of something.
Illustration/Example: Illustrates a general concept with specific examples or uses an example as evidence to support a point.
Spatial: Describes how something looks in relationship to how it occupies space (e.g., inside to outside, top to bottom, front to back, or left to right).
Comparison/Contrast: Examines two or more things to determine their similarities and differences using clearly defined criteria.
Cause/Effect: Examines the causes that have led to certain results.
Evaluation: Measures something by examining it in relation to a given set of criteria; may discuss the thing’s strengths and weaknesses in light of this evaluation.
Classification: Examines something by dividing it into categories or subtypes.
Sequence/Process: Explains how something works in sequential or step-by-step fashion.
Narration: Tells a story in chronological order.
Definition: Explains the distinguishing features of something.
Order of Importance: Places the most important information in a strategic place to affect reader perception.

Writers may combine these patterns when developing body paragraphs or use them separately; assignment directions may also specify the use of a particular pattern in an essay.

Figure 4, adapted from the Academic Writing Help Centre, Student Academic Success Service at the University of Ottawa (2016a, para. 11), demonstrates elements of persuasion at work—in this case a viewpoint (claim) supported with a reason and evidence—in an argumentative body paragraph.

What do you think of the paragraph? Apart from the argument elements identified in the paragraph, what else helps to make it persuasive?

Figure 4. A body paragraph containing a claim supported with a reason and evidence

While Figure 4 uses a quotation as evidence to support a claim, evidence in body paragraphs can take many forms: for example, summaries, paraphrases, tables, figures, equations, anecdotes, personal experiences, facts, statistics, and numerical and word field data.

Composing a Conclusion Section

A conclusion emphasizes an essay’s central message by reiterating its thesis (without repeating it word for word) and summarizing its key points. Because a conclusion brings an essay to a cohesive end, it should not discuss new information; instead, it should follow on logically from content already covered. A conclusion’s very definition—“an articulated conviction arrived at on the basis of the evidence you have presented” (Schall, 2014, para. 15)—points to its unifying function. The following conclusion sample, adapted from Schall (para. 16) and excerpted from the paper “Exercise in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Women,” reflects directly on the paper’s hypothesis, stated in the introduction, and presents a logical realization of the paper’s goals.

The majority of evidence presented in this paper supports the hypothesis that exercise positively affects bone mineral density in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Importantly, exercise has been shown to increase bone mineral density in premenopausal women even after the teenage years, and it helps preserve the bone mass achieved in the subsequent decades. Evidence also shows that exercise adds a modest amount of bone mass to the postmenopausal skeleton. As these findings demonstrate, women of all ages can benefit from regular weight-bearing exercise, an increased intake of calcium-rich foods, and—for postmenopausal women—the maintenance of adequate estrogen levels. Women of all ages can prevent osteoporosis or lessen its severity by making appropriate lifestyle choices.

If you experience a roadblock when constructing a coherent conclusion such as this, Schall (para. 14) recommends reviewing the essay’s introduction and body to revisit what the paper set out to do and how it accomplished its aims or reviewing these sections to determine the paper’s contributions to the particular research area addressed.

While focusing squarely on the essay’s central message and the document’s particular purpose, a conclusion may also discuss how the essay’s findings compare with other research in the area; emphasize the implications of the findings (what they mean and why they are important—the so what , in other words); consider the limitations of the research conducted for the essay; or make recommendations for further research. Again, these elements should link back to the essay’s central message so readers understand the context for their discussion. Here is a conclusion example, adapted from the Academic Writing Help Centre, Student Academic Success Service at the University of Ottawa (2016b, para. 7), that emphasizes the essay’s central message and summarizes its key points before underscoring the implications of the findings and proposing a solution to the issue discussed in the paper.

In the end, there is no way to deny the seriousness of the environmental threat. If the current clear-cutting practices continue, the Ungolu rainforest will be unable to support the red-tailed swallow, and it will become extinct. Without this bird, the tree-eating corkscrew beetle will have nothing to stop its spread, and it will disrupt the rainforest’s ecosystem even further. Although the inhabitants of the area request the commercialization of land and wood to encourage the economic development of Ungolu, initiatives with regard to ecotourism and biological agriculture can be pursued to ensure both the growth of the economy and the survival of the red-tailed swallow. Because of the dire environmental consequences of its extinction, it is vital that this species be preserved—and it is possible to do so with a reasonable amount of effort and resources. Indeed, the best way to encourage the inhabitants of the area to let the Ungolu rainforest recover is for northern countries to stop purchasing the products obtained from logging practices and to subsidize the local initiatives discussed in this paper, otherwise the local population will not be motivated to make a significant change. Without quick and decisive action, rainforest tracts will be eliminated, and the inhabitants of the area will be even worse off than before the introduction of logging.

The implications and call to action discussed in this conclusion coherently link back to the introduction and body sections of the essay.

Gathering Quality Evidence for an Essay

In addition to a logical structure, an essay’s effectiveness largely hinges on the quality of its evidentiary support. Evidence that is inaccurate, untrustworthy, irrelevant, insufficient, dated, or flawed in some other way is unlikely to convince a reader to adopt a writer’s perspective and may actually inspire the opposite effect. On the other hand, sound evidence can contribute to the persuasiveness of an essay and demonstrate a writer’s research ability. While the “Writing Topic Proposals” chapter of this textbook supplies tips for evaluating the quality of sources and the evidence they provide, the multipage handout in Figure 5 (adapted from McKeever, n.d.a) offers additional points to consider.

Does anything on the handout surprise you? Why or why not?

Figure 5. A guide to evaluating information sources

You might decide to use the checklist items in Figure 5 to evaluate sources of information for your essay. Figure 6 (Webber, 2018, p. 1) presents an alternative tool: a visual scorecard for source evaluation.

Figure 6. A scorecard tool for evaluating source information

The instruments in figures 5 and 6 can help you apply consistent evaluation criteria to potential sources of evidentiary information for an essay.

Incorporating Quality Evidence into an Essay

After locating quality evidentiary support for an essay, you must incorporate it into your text in a logical and ethical way so that readers understand its presence, its origin, and how it relates to your own ideas. Quotation, paraphrase, and summary offer three means by which to integrate evidence into an essay.

Before attempting to quote, paraphrase, or summarize a source, make sure you fully understand the text’s meaning and feel confident about discussing it. If you are unclear about what the source text says, do not try to integrate its information into your essay; such confusion can damage the persuasiveness of a paper since savvy readers may detect the issue. Instead, read the text several times slowly to grasp its meaning or discuss it with your classmates and instructor before attempting to incorporate its information into an essay. Class discussions about confounding texts can oftentimes provide clarification and fruitful avenues for writing projects.

Using Quotations

When writers quote , they use the exact words from source texts, enclose those words in quotation marks, and cite and reference the sources to document the origin of information. Quotations can provide telling evidence in a paper if they are used sparingly and strategically. Conversely, their overuse can affect the flow of a piece of writing and give readers the impression that the writer cannot formulate his or her own thoughts about a text. Table 1 explains when to use and avoid quotations.

Table 1. Reasons to use and avoid quotations when writing


When the language of a source is the focus of your project or investigation	When the quotation repeats rather than expands on the point you are making
When a text’s language is especially expressive	When you simply want to fill space
When the precise words of an authority give credence to your argument	When the quotation makes rather than supports your point
When exact wording is necessary for technical accuracy	When you cannot weave the quotation into your own text in a cohesive manner

If you decide to use quotations in an essay, take care to integrate them cohesively.

Quotations cannot on their own provide compelling evidentiary support for an essay; a writer must consequently explain their presence and relevance to readers. In other words, a writer must contextualize a quotation so readers understand its use. The quotation sandwich offers a helpful method for working quotations into papers in a cohesive way. Using this technique, a writer introduces a quotation, provides the quotation, and comments on the quotation’s relationship to the paper. Figure 7, adapted from McKeever (n.d.b), demonstrates use of the quotation sandwich approach.

Figure 7. A quotation sandwich can contextualize source information for readers

The sandwiching method in shown in Figure 7 can also be used with paraphrases, summaries, visuals, and lists to interweave those elements into a document so it flows together effectively.

Using a quotation from the first page of Charles Dickens’ 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities —“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”—textbook writers Last and Neveu (2019, pp. 236-237) explain that the seamless integration, signal phrase, and colon methods can also be used to integrate quotations into a text in a cohesive manner. The following list, adapted from Last and Neveu, explains and exemplifies these methods.

Seamless Integration: Embed the quotation or parts of it into your sentence so that if you read the text aloud, listeners cannot distinguish the quotation from the rest of the sentence.

Example: Charles Dickens begins his 1859 novel with the paradoxical observation that the eighteenth century was both “the best of times” and “the worst of times” (p. 1).

Signal Phrase: Use a signal phrase (author + reporting verb) to introduce the quotation, clearly indicating that the quotation originates from a specific source.

Example: Describing the eighteenth century in his 1859 novel, Charles Dickens observes, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” (p. 1). → Notice that a comma follows observes since the verb signals the beginning of a quotation.

Colon: Use a colon to introduce a quotation when your own introductory words constitute an independent clause (i.e., a complete sentence); the colon emphasizes the quotation.

Example: In his 1859 novel, Charles Dickens defines the eighteenth century as a time of paradox: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” (p. 1).

Any of these techniques can be used in conjunction with a quotation sandwich for maximum cohesive effect.

Although a quotation extracts the exact words from a source, a writer might need to adjust the quoted material to interleave it into his or her own text so the language flows together in a concise, grammatical manner that makes sense to readers. For example, the writer might need to alter the verb tense of the quotation so it matches the tense used in the rest of the sentence or insert a clarifying comment into the quotation to help readers understand its meaning. Both of these situations call for the use of brackets (i.e., [ ]). Ellipses, three periods in a row (…), are used to show that irrelevant words have been omitted from the middle of a quotation; four periods are used when a sentence or more is omitted from the middle of a quotation. Instead of quoting full sentences, writers oftentimes integrate short phrases or parts of sentences into their texts, using ellipses in these circumstances. If a writer omits words from the beginning or ending of a quotation, the ellipses are unnecessary.

Last and Neveu (2019, p. 238) call upon the following text from Petroski (2014) to demonstrate the use of brackets and ellipses in action. The text is a long quotation (40+ words), so it begins on a new line and is indented rather than enclosed in quotation marks. When citing a long quotation such as this, place the citation information (in this case, the page number of the quotation) outside the final mark of punctuation at the end of the quotation. These are standard conventions for incorporating long quotations into a piece of writing. The examples that accompany the text are adapted from Last and Neveu (2019, p. 238).

Engineers are always striving for success, but failure is seldom far from their minds. In the case of Canadian engineers, this focus on potentially catastrophic flaws in a design is rooted in a failure that occurred over a century ago. In 1907 a bridge of enormous proportions collapsed while still under construction in Quebec. Planners expected that when completed, the 1,800-foot main span of the cantilever bridge would set a world record for long-span bridges of all types, many of which had come to be realized at a great price. According to one superstition, a bridge would claim one life for every million dollars spent on it. In fact, by the time the Quebec Bridge would finally be completed, in 1917, almost ninety construction workers would have been killed in the course of building the $25 million structure. (p. 175)

Petroski, H. (2014). To forgive design: Understanding failure . Belknap Press.

Brackets can be used to signal a change to the verb tense in a quotation:

Petroski (2014) recounts the story of a large bridge that was constructed at the beginning of the twentieth century in Quebec, saying that “by the time [it was done], in 1917, almost ninety construction workers [were] killed in the course of building the $25 million structure” (p. 175).

An ellipsis can be used to signal the omission of words from a quotation:

“Planners expected that when completed, the…bridge would set a world record for long-span bridges of all types,” according to Petroski (2014, p. 175).

Brackets can be used to signal a clarifying insertion into a quotation:

“Planners expected that when completed, the…cantilever bridge [built using structures that were anchored at one end and projected horizontally at the other] would set a world record for long-span bridges of all types,” explained Petroski (2014, p. 175).

Brackets and ellipses help authors cohesively incorporate quotations into their own writing.

When source material contains a misspelling or other composition blunder, signal the error’s presence to readers in a quotation by enclosing the italicized word sic (Latin for thus ) in brackets and placing it right after the error. Here is an example of the notation used in a sentence.

According to Jones’ (2019) Best Journal review, the book is “an important contribution to gender studies, suceeding [ sic ] where others have fallen short” (p. 2).

The notation informs the readers that the mistake appeared in the original text.

Lastly, when quoting text that already contains quotation marks, change the internal double quotation marks (“ ”) to the single variety (‘ ’) to help readers distinguish the elements. Here is an example that illustrates this use of punctuation.

In their journal article “Fish Tales: Combatting Fake Science in Popular Media,” authors Thaler and Shiffman (2015, p. 88) classify “‘bad science’ as unsound conclusions drawn from invalid premises; ‘pseudoscience’ as sound conclusions drawn from invalid premises; and ‘fake science’ as unsound conclusions drawn from invalid premises.”

Help readers understand how you have integrated quotations into your own sentences by using the standard conventions discussed herein.

Using Paraphrases

Paraphrasing is another technique that can be used to integrate evidence from sources into an essay. When paraphrasing , a writer articulates a text’s ideas using his or her own words and sentence structures and cites and references the original source. This technique has a number of benefits, as the following list explains.

To compose a paraphrase, a writer must have a strong command of a source. Thus, inclusion of a paraphrase in an essay demonstrates that a writer has engaged actively with the source and can discuss it in an informed way using his or her own words.
A writer can oftentimes incorporate a paraphrase into an essay in a more straightforward way than a quotation by maintaining his or her own writing style.
If a source uses complex technical terms, a writer can translate this wording for a general audience of essay readers by articulating the ideas in a paraphrase.

Paraphrase when a text’s ideas are more important than how a source communicates them. Also bear in mind that paraphrasing and summarizing are the norm in much academic and technical writing, while quotations are used sparingly if at all.

To be certain you are using your own words and sentence structures when paraphrasing, follow these steps.

Read the source text carefully to make sure you understand it.
Decide which short section of text (a sentence or two or a brief paragraph) you intend to paraphrase.
Note down key points about the text on a separate piece of paper using your own words.
Put the source text away so you cannot see it.
Write your own version of what the original text said using your notes.
Leave the paraphrase alone for a while, and then revisit it to see if it can be improved.
Check that the paraphrase expresses the overall idea of the source text in a new form.
Enclose any unique terms borrowed from the original source in quotation marks.
Provide an in-text citation and accompanying reference list entry for the original text.

The example below, adapted from Last and Neveu (2019, p. 239), follows the principles conveyed in the list while paraphrasing the final two sentences of the Petroski (2014) text presented earlier.

At the end of its construction, the large cantilever bridge in Quebec cost $25 million, explains Petroski (2014, p. 175), but the cost in lives far exceeded the prediction of one death for each million dollars spent. While the planners hoped that the bridge would set a global record, its enduring reputation was much grimmer.

An unacceptable paraphrase is one that simply replaces source language with synonyms. To avoid this form of plagiarism, use the steps listed here to express the meaning of a source in your own words.

Using Summaries

Summarizing , when a writer communicates a text’s central idea or theme in his or her own words while excluding details, is another technique that can be used to integrate source evidence into an essay. Although the “Reading Actively” chapter of this textbook contains detailed summary-writing guidance, Figure 8, a handout adapted from the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga (n.d.), lists essential reminders for constructing a summary.

In what instances might you use summaries in essays?

Figure 8. Steps for composing a summary

The following example, adapted from Last and Neveu (2019, p. 239), follows the principles discussed herein when summarizing the Petroski (2014) text.

According to Petroski (2014, p. 175), a large bridge built in Quebec during the early part of the twentieth century claimed the lives of dozens of workers during its construction. The collapse of the bridge early in its construction represented a pivotal design failure for Canadian engineers that shaped the profession.

As the sample illustrates, a summary condenses an extended text down to its essential meaning, providing readers with an overview; a summary also supplies readers with a citation and reference for the source text.

Synthesizing Ideas for an Essay

Although this chapter has discussed quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing as means to integrate source information into essays, before you can use these techniques to their fullest potential, you must think carefully about the points your essay sources make, how they concur or disagree with one another, and how they connect to and extend your own ideas about an essay topic. Collectively, these activities facilitate synthesis , or connecting with sources by responding to their ideas and research in a piece of writing in order to contribute your own unique insights to the area of focus. Many composition scholars liken synthesis to engaging in conversation with sources since it involves establishing how sources relate to one another and to your own thoughts about a subject.

Using Summary to Synthesize

To demonstrate synthesis in action, we will explore a scenario adapted from Excelsior Online Writing Lab (2020f). Imagine you are researching a topic. You will likely encounter a variety of sources about the subject that contain different information and points of view, and you will need to compare and evaluate this information to draw your own conclusions—a process that leads to the synthesis of new ideas. It may help, at this point, to compare synthesizing to analyzing. Whereas analysis breaks something into parts to examine how they work together, synthesis combines ideas to form new ones. Regardless, synthesizing is not the same as summarizing; summary involves concisely stating someone else’s ideas, while synthesis is a critical and creative process in which you compare or combine the ideas you have read to form new ones. Although synthesis can involve summarizing ideas from other texts in order to compare them and draw a conclusion, the result is a new idea.

To continue the scenario, we will read two passages that express different points of view about bike lanes: first, we will summarize the authors’ main ideas, and then we will compare them and draw a conclusion. The author of this first passage is in favor of bike lanes.

Bike lanes are an essential feature of modern, urban life. Indeed, many urban residents have traded their cars for bicycles. Bicycling offers many advantages to driving: bicycles do not get stuck in traffic, run out of gas, break down often (and even when they do, repairs are inexpensive), need insurance, produce pollution, or receive parking tickets. They also offer an excellent way to add exercise to a busy schedule. Many cities across the nation have encouraged bicycling to cut down on traffic, accidents, and pollution and have added bike lanes to downtown areas to provide safe and speedy thruways for bicyclists, producing a net positive result for all parties.

We can summarize this argument by pulling out some keywords: bike lanes, advantages, urban, traffic, accidents, pollution, inexpensive, safe, and exercise. Putting this information together, we can summarize the author’s argument as follows.

Placing bike lanes in urban areas is beneficial because bicycling reduces traffic, accidents, and pollution and offers an inexpensive, safe, and healthy way to travel.

The author of the second passage opposes bike lanes, as this text reveals.

Bike lanes remove valuable space from already crowded inner-city streets. Urban areas already suffer from traffic and pedestrian congestion, and such overcrowding is worsened by the introduction of legions of reckless bicyclists. Many bicyclists also ignore street signs, causing additional accidents with cars and people. Furthermore, parked bicycles clutter congested sidewalks, making many areas impassable. These problems far outweigh the benefits of bicycling. People who do not want to drive can hop on a bus or subway and gain most of the benefits of bicycling without taking up precious space on the roads.

We can use several keywords to summarize this argument: bike lanes, urban, space, crowding, accidents, congested sidewalks, problems, buses, and subways. Combining this information leads to the following summary.

Placing bike lanes in urban areas is problematic because bicycles take up valuable space, create additional crowding, cause accidents, and congest sidewalks. Bike lanes can also be replaced with better alternatives, such as buses and subways.

Having summarized the passages, we can practice synthesizing by combining the two summaries and drawing a conclusion.

In the first passage, the author argues that placing bike lanes in urban areas is beneficial because bicycling reduces traffic, accidents, and pollution and offers an inexpensive, safe, and healthy way to travel.
Synthesis: These opposing viewpoints demonstrate that while bike lanes encourage a healthy, safe, and low-cost way to travel in cities, they also cause problems that need to be addressed through better urban planning.

The synthesis statement fuses the two passages by combining and comparing the two summaries and then drawing a conclusion that raises a new idea about the need for better urban planning to support bicycling.

Using a Matrix Tool to Synthesize

When exploring the connections among various sources for an essay, you might also decide to use a matrix tool to create a visual representation of source relationships. When using this type of tool, a writer groups common themes, arguments, or points raised in sources in tabular fashion to facilitate synthesis. Table 2 is an example of a synthesis matrix.

Table 2. A matrix tool to facilitate synthesis

Theme, Argument, or Point 1:

Source 1:

My Thoughts:

Source 2:

Source 3:

Theme, Argument, or Point 2:

Source 1:

My Thoughts:

Source 2:

Source 3:

Theme, Argument, or Point 3:

Source 1:

My Thoughts:

Source 2:

Source 3:

When using a matrix tool, it is vital to consider your own thoughts regarding groupings in order to encourage synthesis, as the right column of the figure indicates.

Signaling Synthesis in an Essay

When synthesizing ideas in an essay, you can help readers understand how they connect by using sentence structures that signal relationships. Bruce and Gagich (2018, p. 93-94) explain that these sentence structures oftentimes point to a writer’s agreement or disagreement with sources, although you can also use them to discuss patterns of thinking, errors in logic, omission of points, or other matters that add to the research conversation. The textbook authors provide examples of sentence structure templates (adapted below) that can be used to establish synthesis.

Source A asserts…Source B agrees when stating…
According to sources A and B…
The combined conclusions of sources A and B seem to indicate that…
The evidence shows that…
Source A is correct that…However, source B’s point that…is also valid.
Source A makes a convincing case when she argues…
I agree with source A’s conclusion that…
Source A asserts that…, while source B offers a different perspective by…
Sources A and B disagree regarding…
Contrary to what source A has argued, my view is that…
I argue that X is the best option even though source B proposes a different solution.
I would like to offer several objections to the opinions expressed by source A…
While source B makes a strong argument, I would disagree with…because…
Instead of focusing on…as source A does, source B emphasizes…
While most of the experts on X see…as the primary cause of…, only source A acknowledges that there may be other…causes.
When I began researching topic X, I expected to find…To my surprise, neither source A, B, nor C address this reason, which leads me to believe that…
Because source A is an expert in the field of X, most others writing about X accede to A’s authority, but a closer examination of A reveals an important omission about X.

These templates demonstrate how you can weave together source information with your own thoughts to create new ideas about a topic.

Although synthesis is critical to developing an effective essay, you will also regularly call upon the skill when producing other types of writing assignments as well.

Formatting an Essay

As with any other type of document you write, design an essay with the principle of consistency in mind so that readers can concentrate on its content rather than on formatting variations. When producing an essay, use double spacing throughout, one-inch margins, and indentation to signal the beginnings of new paragraphs, unless you are told otherwise. This list, adapted from Lambert (2019, paras. 4-8), indicates other ways to stay consistent with design.

Make sure your font and type size is the same throughout the entire paper. If you opt to use different fonts or type sizes for headings and body text, employ this design decision consistently.
Use the same style bullet points throughout lists in the paper. Remember that numbers and letters indicate rank or sequence, whereas bullets do not.
Design lists in a consistent manner. In general, capitalize the first letter of the first word in a list, and use punctuation at the end of full-sentence list items.
Format all same-level headings the same way, using uniform design choices (bold or italic lettering), standardized positioning (center or left alignment), and a consistent pattern of capitalization.
Apply the design principle of repetition when implementing color. If you decide to employ color in visuals, aim to use the same or a similar color in more than one visual.

Keep in mind that certain formatting conventions (e.g., heading design and placement) are associated with documentation styles. The “Reporting Research Outcomes” chapter of this textbook provides specific guidance on formatting documents using APA (American Psychological Association) style.

Developing an Essay Title

An essay’s title offers insight into the accompanying text’s direction, purpose, and content, so devise a precise title that is particular to the paper you are developing and is clearly written with an envisioned audience in mind. Implementing this piece of advice may mean fully drafting the essay before composing its title.

To elaborate on the previous paragraph while adapting advice provided by the Sweetland Center for Writing, University of Michigan (2020b, paras. 5, 11-16), readers typically find titles like “Essay One,” “Society and its Many Problems,” “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words,” and “Technical Writing Assignment Two” unhelpful. These types of titles are simply too general to provide any needed context. To avoid such titles, think carefully about the essay’s thesis, research, and implications, and identify keywords that succinctly encapsulate these. Imagine, for instance, that you are writing an essay about animal behavior. You have a particular species to study, conduct relevant research, and have conclusions to offer. Here is your first attempt at an essay title: “Monkey Behavior.” This title says nothing about the kind of monkey or its distinctive behavior and does little to attract or inform the reader. Your second attempt is a little better: “The Effects of Sugar on Monkey Behavior.” This title is clearer and somewhat amusing. Regardless, it still does not offer many specifics or include key terms from the paper. Readers can already conjecture that sugar would have some effect on monkey behavior, so the title needs to be markedly more precise. Here is a revised version: “Sugar Stimulates Intensity of Tail-Twitch Social Behavior in Panamanian Monkeys.” This title contains specific terms, includes a clear location, and provides an explicit claim—information the reader can use to immediately identify the paper’s focus.

Developing Essay Headings

Create specific and informative headings for essay sections since headings signal a paper’s organization and scope and help readers follow the text’s development. So, rather than using the vague Body as a heading, divide the body section of the paper into segments organized by the main points covered in paragraphs, which should all relate back to the paper’s thesis statement, and give the sections explanatory headings. By reading an essay’s explanatory headings, the reader should be able to discern the general progression of the piece and what the essay sections cover.

Revising an Essay

Like any quality piece of extended writing, an essay requires time and effort to prepare, and revision is a key step in the composition process. Revision is most effectively completed in stages: a writer begins the process by looking for big-picture issues that might affect an essay’s coherent construction, then considers mid-level issues that can impact paragraph development, and finishes by checking for sentence-level errors that can influence reader understanding. The following list provides guiding questions that can be used during each stage of revision.

Do you have a clear thesis? Do you know what idea or perspective you want the audience to understand upon reading your essay?
Is your essay well organized?
Is each paragraph a building block in your essay: does it explain or support your thesis?
Does the essay need a different shape? Do parts need to be moved?
Do you fully explain and illustrate the main ideas of your paper?
Does your introduction grab the reader’s interest?
Does your conclusion leave the reader with an understanding of your point of view?
What is your paper’s strength? What is its weakness?
Does each paragraph contain solid and specific information, vivid description, or examples that illustrate the point you are making?
Can you add other facts, quotations, paraphrases, examples, or descriptions to more clearly illustrate or provide evidence for the points you are making?
Can you delete any sentences, words, descriptions, or information because they may confuse or tire the reader?
Are your paragraphs in the right order?
Does each paragraph explore one main idea?
Do you use clear transitions so the reader can follow your thinking?
Do any of your paragraphs contain redundancies that can be deleted?
Have you been consistent in your use of tense?
Do your pronouns agree with their antecedents (referents)?
Have you accurately and effectively used punctuation?
Do you rely on strong verbs and nouns to enhance descriptions and build clear sentences?
Are your words as accurate as possible?
Do you define any technical or unusual terms that readers may not know?
Can you delete any extra words from your sentences?
Have you avoided clichés and slang?
Do you vary your sentence structures?
Have you accurately presented facts?
If you are writing an academic essay, have you tried to be objective in your evidence and tone?
If you are writing a personal essay, have you used a lively narrative voice?
Have you spellchecked your paper?
Have you ethically incorporated source material by effectively quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing it?
Have you consistently cited and referenced source information using a standard documentation style?

Although a draft paper represents an important milestone in a writing project, a draft typically needs considerable revision and refinement before it is ready for submission. Figure 9, an essay extract reproduced courtesy of Excelsior Online Writing Lab (2020d, “Rough Draft Example”), illustrates this point.

Figure 9. The revising process at work in an essay extract

Think of revising as a recursive activity, meaning that you may proceed through the previously listed revision stages multiple times during an essay’s development.

In addition to revising a paper in stages using the prompt questions listed, you may also have the opportunity to revise an essay based on peer feedback. Peer review sessions offer valuable chances to find out what others think of your writing and what suggestions they can contribute to help you during revision; the sessions also give you the chance to supply constructive feedback on your classmates’ writing—a vital skill you will need in the workplace. When supplying constructive criticism, identify what needs to be changed in a paper, why it needs to be changed, and how it can be changed. Alternatively, highlight what works well in a paper, why this is the case, and how the positive aspect affects you, the reader. Figure 10, a multipage handout produced by the Writing and Communication Centre, University of Waterloo (n.d.b), offers further peer review advice and a feedback template that can be used during peer review sessions to help ensure they are maximally productive.

Have you ever participated in a peer revision session before? What did you think of it? What do you think of the peer review advice presented in the handout?

Peer Review Theory and Practice

Peer review is one of a number of revision and proofreading strategies available to you. While there are many ways to structure peer review sessions, at its core, this technique involves soliciting feedback on one or more aspects of your writing from classmates or colleagues.

Peer Review: Purpose and Scope

interact, models, concrete advice, and think and learn

While peer review has the obvious benefit of getting feedback on your writing, it also has benefits for the person doing the reviewing:

We become better writers by being diligent peer reviewers
We learn good writing habits by writing often and by reading the writing of others
Giving feedback requires us to think carefully – not only about what we think about someone’s writing, but also about how writing is constructed and why we are making specific suggestions.

It is up to individual peer review groups to determine what aspects of writing a given session (or series of sessions) will look at. Broadly speaking, the following aspects of writing are the ones that you could potentially focus on:

Content : arguments, analysis, logic, evidence
Structure : organization, transitions, connections
Style : tone, word choice, formality
Mechanics : punctuation, sentence structure, spelling

General Tip :Avoid the urge to focus initially or primarily on mechanics. The revision and proofreading process will be more effective when you focus on higher-order concerns (content and structure) first and lower-order concerns (style and mechanics) second. See our handouts on revision and proofreading for more strategies that you can use.

Done correctly, the peer review process is a social, productive, and engaging way of participating in your discipline’s community of practice. However, though some instructors or supervisors will encourage their students to work together in a peer review process, others may require that projects be completed independently. In order to avoid any issues around academic integrity , make sure to consult with your instructor or supervisor before engaging in peer review.

Peer Review: Spaces

There are lots of spaces available for conducting peer review, including the following:

Face-to-Face

Coffee shop
Someone’s home
Google Hangouts
Google Docs

Peer Review: Practice

Steps in peer review.

explain what to look for, exchange, feedback for improvement, and discuss and plan

Write notes for your reviewer on the peer review sheet and exchange papers. If you are not using a peer review sheet, discuss the specific questions or concerns that you’d like your reviewer to pay attention to.
Read actively and critically . Make notes in the margins of the paper or in the track changes feature if using Word. If using a review sheet, make general notes there, too.
Return the paper (and the review sheet, if you used one) to the original writer; discuss the feedback and create an action plan for revision and proofreading.

Sample Peer Review Worksheet

Feel free to adapt the templates of these peer review worksheets to suit your needs Printable version of Peer Review Worksheet (PDF) Fillable Peer Review Marking form (PDF)

Peer Review Marking Sheet

Name of Writer:

Name of Reviewer:

Notes from the writer to the reviewer:

Aspect of Writing Being Reviewed: Content / Structure / Style / Mechanics


( )
( )
(e.g., Use of transition words or phrases)

Additional comments on writing :

Post-Review Discussion

Action Plan: How will you (the writer) incorporate the suggestions of your reviewer into your edits? What steps will you take during the editing process? Be specific:

Figure 10. Peer review guidance and a feedback template

Notice that the final procedure on the handout asks you to specify how you will use peer comments to revise your paper, a crucial step when working with feedback.

Drawing the Chapter to a Close

Take the advice in this chapter into account when preparing an essay to persuasively communicate with readers.

Activity A: Producing a Reverse Outline and Answering Questions about an Essay

This chapter discusses revising in stages and peer reviewing as means to facilitate the revision process. A reverse outline offers another technique that can be used to revise an essay, as the following handout, adapted from Student Academic Success Services, Queen’s University (2018c), describes.

Reverse Outline

Practice using the reverse outline technique with the sample proposal essay provided on upcoming pages (Hanna, 2020, as cited in Excelsior Online Writing Lab, 2020e, “Sample Essay”). The essay argues for streamlining the recycling infrastructure on a college campus to encourage recycling.

Sample Essay

After reading the proposal essay, also answer the following questions about it. Be prepared to share your answers in class.

In what way does the author create a narrowly defined focus for the essay?
Does the author provide sufficient coverage of her topic in the paper? How?
Identify the introduction, body, and conclusion sections of the essay. Are they logically structured and easy to follow? What makes them so?
A proposal aims to persuade readers. What does the author do to try to persuade you in her essay?
What do you think about the evidence the writer uses? For instance, is it accurate, trustworthy, relevant, sufficient, and timely?
How does the writer incorporate source evidence into the essay? Could her technique be improved in any way? If so, how?
Where do you detect synthesis in the essay?
What do you think of the essay’s formatting? Could it be improved in some way?
Do you think the writer has put sufficient effort into revision? What makes you think so?
Imagine you are giving constructive criticism to the author during a peer review session. Identify one thing that needs to be changed in the paper, why it needs to be changed, and how it can be changed. In addition, name one thing that works well in the paper, why this is the case, and how the positive aspect affects you, the reader.

Activity B: Reading and Answering Questions about an Essay Focused on Source Credibility

Read Warrington et al.’s (2020) essay entitled “Assessing Source Credibility for Crafting a Well-Informed Argument” located at https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/books/writingspaces3/warrington.pdf . To reflect on the essay and its relevance to your own academic work, answer the five questions starting on page 202 of the text. Be prepared to talk about your answers in class.

Activity C: Applying the Ideas Discussed in the Essay to a Text

Working with a group of classmates, apply the credibility questions Warrington et al. discuss in their essay to the journal article “Fish Tales: Combatting Fake Science in Popular Media” (Thaler & Shiffman, 2015), which is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569115000903 . Afterwards, share your group’s determination about the article’s credibility with the whole class during a brief informal presentation. This activity is adapted from Warrington et al. (2020, p. 203).

Academic Writing Help Centre, Student Academic Success Service, University of Ottawa. (2016a). Body . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://sass.uottawa.ca/sites/sass.uottawa.ca/files/awhc-body.pdf

Academic Writing Help Centre, Student Academic Success Service, University of Ottawa. (2016b). Conclusion . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://sass.uottawa.ca/sites/sass.uottawa.ca/files/awhc-conclusion.pdf

Academic Writing Help Centre, Student Academic Success Service, University of Ottawa. (2016c). Introduction . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://sass.uottawa.ca/sites/sass.uottawa.ca/files/awhc-introduction.pdf

Bruce, Y., & Gagich, M. (2018). Synthesizing in your writing . In M. Gagich, E. Zickel, A. Lloyd, C. Morgan, J. Lanning, R. Mustafa, S.M. Lacy, W. Breeze, & Y. Bruce , In practice: A guide to rhetoric, genre, and success in first-year writing (pp. 93-94). MSL Academic Endeavors. License: CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0. https://pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu/csu-fyw-rhetoric/

Excelsior Online Writing Lab. (2020a). Revising stage 1: Seeing the big picture . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/revising-and-editing/revising-and-editing-revising-stage-1/

Excelsior Online Writing Lab. (2020b). Revising stage 2: Mid-view . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/revising-and-editing/revising-and-editing-revising-stage-2/

Excelsior Online Writing Lab. (2020c). Revising stage 3: Editing up close . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/revising-and-editing/revising-and-editing-revising-stage-3/

Excelsior Online Writing Lab. (2020d). Rough drafts . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/essay-writing/essay-writing-rough-drafts/

Excelsior Online Writing Lab. (2020e). Sample proposal assignment . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/argumentative-purposes/argumentative-purposes-sample-proposal-argument/

Excelsior Online Writing Lab. (2020f). Synthesizing what you read [Video transcript]. License: CC-BY 4.0. https://owl.excelsior.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/02/SynthesizingTranscript2019.pdf

George Mason University Writing Center. (2017). Reducing informality in academic writing . https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/reducing-informality-in-academic-writing

Lambert, R. (2019). Writing with consistency . Colorado School of Mines Writing Center. License: CC-BY-NC 4.0 . https://www.mines.edu/otcc/wp-content/uploads/sites/303/2019/12/OTCCConsistencyLesson.pdf

Last, S., & Neveu, C. (2019). Appendix C: Integrating source evidence into your writing. In S. Last, Technical writing essentials: Introduction to professional communications in the technical fields (pp. 235-242). University of Victoria. License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/technicalwriting/

McKeever, R. (n.d.a). Post-truth: Evaluating sources . Yuba College Writing and Language Development Center. License: CC-BY-NC 4.0. https://yc.yccd.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/EvalSourcesPostTruthAccessibleMarch2019.pdf

McKeever, R. (n.d.b). The quote “sandwich.” Yuba College Writing and Language Development Center. License: CC-BY-NC 4.0. https://yc.yccd.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/QuoteSandwich.pdf

McKeever, R. (n.d.c). Thesis statements . Yuba College Writing and Language Development Center. License: CC-BY-NC 4.0. https://yc.yccd.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ThesisStatementAccessibleFebruary2020.pdf

Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga. (n.d.). Six effective tips to write a summary . License: CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 . https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/asc/sites/files/asc/public/shared/pdf/tip_sheets_writing/Summary_6Tips_web_v1.pdf

Schall, J. (2014). Essays and term papers: Effective technical writing in the information age . Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. License: CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0 . https://www.e-education.psu.edu/styleforstudents/c6_p13.html

Student Academic Success Services, Queen’s University. (2018a). Developing the “what”: Effective topic sentences . License: CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5 . https://sass.queensu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Developing-a-Topic-Sentence.pdf

Student Academic Success Services, Queen’s University. (2018b). Organizing the body of an essay . License: CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5 . https://sass.queensu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Process-Essay-Body-Organization.pdf

Student Academic Success Services, Queen’s University. (2018c). The reverse outline . License: CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5 . https://sass.queensu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/The-Reverse-Outline.pdf

Sweetland Center for Writing, University of Michigan. (2020a). How can I create a strong thesis . License: CC-BY-NC-SA. https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-can-i-create-a-stronger-thesis.html

Sweetland Center for Writing, University of Michigan. (2020b). How do I write a great title for my academic essay? License: CC-BY-NC-SA. https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-do-i-write-a-great-title-.html

Thaler, A.D., & Shiffman, D. (2015). Fish tales: Combating fake science in popular media. Ocean & Coastal Management, 115 , 88-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2015.04.005

Warrington, K., Kovalyova, N., & King, C. (2020). Assessing source credibility for crafting a well-informed argument. In D. Driscoll, M. Stewart, & M. Vetter (Eds.), Writing spaces: Readings on writing (Vol. 3, pp. 189-203). Parlor Press. License: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 . https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/books/writingspaces3/warrington.pdf

Webber, N.R. (2018). Activity: Source evaluation scorecard. Information Literacy, 19 . License: CC-BY 4.0 . https://digscholarship.unco.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=infolit

Writing and Communication Centre, University of Waterloo. (n.d.a). Develop and narrow a topic . License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 . https://uwaterloo.ca/writing-and-communication-centre/sites/ca.writing-and-communication-centre/files/uploads/files/narrow_your_topic.pdf

Writing and Communication Centre, University of Waterloo. (n.d.b). Peer review: Theory and practice . License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 . https://uwaterloo.ca/writing-and-communication-centre/sites/ca.writing-and-communication-centre/files/uploads/files/peer_review.pdf

Writing and Communication Centre, University of Waterloo. (n.d.c). Thesis statements . License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 . https://uwaterloo.ca/writing-and-communication-centre/sites/ca.writing-and-communication-centre/files/uploads/files/thesis_statements.pdf

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Technical Documentation

11 Technical Writing Examples & Samples in 2024

Published: October 21, 2021
Updated: January 23, 2024

For any organization, there is a need for technical writers to provide easy-to-understand technical documentation to help explain complex processes for its products end-users, customers, and internal workforce.

Many organizations are a renewed focus on developing the technical writing skills of their writers and product managers. According to the U.S. Department of Labour Statistics, employment for technical content writing is expected to grow at a 12% faster rate between 2020-2030 in comparison to the overall average of other writing occupations.

With different industries having various technical writing needs (ie. in format types, tone, complexity, etc.), analyzing industry-leading technical writing examples from other companies can provide a roadmap and inspiration for new technical writers.

What Are Common Examples of Technical Writing?

User Manuals
Software Installation Guides
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
API Documentation
Service Level Agreements (SLA)
Press Release
Case Studies & White Papers
Company Documents
Requests for Proposals
Annual Reports
Business Plans

What Is Technical Writing?

Technical writing is a niche, user-centric form of writing used to disseminate information on technical or specialized topics, such as software applications, environmental regulations, or medical procedures. This writing style simplifies complex information and processes, allowing readers to use that information for an intended purpose – such as using technology, executing a project, onboarding a user, exemplifying a complex process, or informing a large audience.

Types of Technical Writing

Technical writing majorly falls into fourr categories:

1. End-User Technical Writing

End-user documentation aims to empower the user of a product by helping them understand the core functionality of a product and how to solve common troubleshooting issues. This form of writing is observed in types of technical documentation such as user manuals, legal disclaimers, employee handbooks, and website help centers.

2. Expert-to-Expert Technical Writing

A niche style of technical writing, this documentation includes types such as research summaries, legal documents, and white papers. These technical writing examples are written by experts, for experts, to help them dive deeper into a complex, industry-specific topic.

3. Process Documentation Writing

Process documentation is a form of technical writing that is designed for internal use by organizations to share knowledge on how to complete a task, with an emphasis on creating consistent, company-wide procedures. Examples of this type of technical writing include step-by-step process guides, internal wikis, KPI and goal reporting, OKRs, and HR policies.

4. Technical Marketing Communications

Most technical marketing communications fall under the B2B (business to business) writing umbrella. A technical writer needs to communicate their expertise in user-friendly language to help drive brand awareness and help prospective customers understand the product’s core benefits. Examples of companies using technical marketing writing include competitive analysis documents, in-depth case studies, marketing landing pages , informative articles, and business emails to promote or sell their services and products.

technical-writing-examples-process-chart

What’s the Difference Between Business Writing & Technical Writing?

Technical writing is often confused with business writing. Although both writing styles share similarities, writers can’t use them interchangeably. Both writing styles adhere to formal, specific, and concise language to convey the intent. There is an additional use of bulleted and numbered lists for an easier-to-read content structure.

Technical writing maintains a neutral, competent tone throughout its documentation, as the sole purpose of technical writing is to clearly explain complex topics to a non-technical reader. However, in business writing, the tone varies depending on the target reader. For example, a proposal requires persuasive language to highlight the factual aspects of a bid, while an external email to a new client requires a professional, yet warm tone.

PRO TIP : To decide the writing style, answer a simple question. Is my writing intended to communicate the desired purpose or an instruction?

11 Examples of Technical Writing in 2024

Here are 11 examples of common technical writing documents – with real-world samples for you to use as inspiration for your business’s technical writing needs.

1. User Manuals

User guides are instruction training manuals written for novice end-users to help them with products ranging from consumer products such as electronics or appliances to B2B SaaS tools and solutions. These manuals are user-friendly and well-illustrated to highlight common issues and features.

Additionally, technical writers must collaborate with engineers, programmers, and product designers to cover all the bases.

2. Software Installation Guides

Computer software must be equipped with software documentation , such as installation guides, to assist users through the software implementation and installation process.

A well-written installation guide must include detailed workflows, video tutorials, FAQs, and a troubleshooting guide. Often the programmers automate the process, and the technical writer authors alert boxes and the ReadMe file.

Software installation guides can be easily created, published, and maintained with software documentation tools .

3. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are holistic processes to help employees work in unison and accomplish various tasks in an organization. SOPs are a form of process documentation that ensures smoother internal operations and workflows by making business processes more efficient and economical. Examples of an SOP document include anything from payroll processing to manufacturing guidelines.

4. API Documentation

API documentation helps your customers’ developers interact easily with a product’s code to implement an API effectively. It contains instructions and tutorials to simplify integration with other APIs such as web-API, software API, and SCPIs.

5. Service Level Agreements (SLA)

An SLA is a legally binding contract between a provider and a customer that outlines services, guarantees, warranties, and other mutually negotiated items between the two parties.

Source: BMC

6. Press Releases

Press releases are formal and factual documents issued by an organization to make business-related announcements.

They are short and factual documents that highlight how the announcement impacts users and external stakeholders of the organization. This technical document has a specific format and includes a headline, overview of the information, company’s contact information, and direct quotes from internal stakeholders like the CEO.

Source: Apple

7. Case Studies & Whitepapers

Case studies & whitepapers are industry-specific documents that provide real-world examples testifying to an organization’s expertise and value, and are used for lead generation purposes.

Case studies are instance-specific documents written in passive voice and offer key takeaways, often using data to highlight its benefits. In comparison, whitepapers address a specific challenge and are written in an active voice. Technical writers authoring such documents should possess in-depth knowledge about the industry for effective writing.

Source: Whatfix

8. Company Documents

Company HR documents such as employee handbooks and orientation manuals require a perfect combination of technical writing skills and organizational knowledge. These documents are of immense help during the initial phases of employee onboarding and provide continuous support for ongoing employee development and general assistance.

blissbook-tool-for-creating-company-handbooks

9. Request for Proposal (RFP)

An RFP is a business document that announces a project and solicits bids from multiple qualifying contractors. The writing style of this document is persuasive, and a poorly-written RFP document can ensure whether or not the deal will be successful. A well-written RFP must clearly highlight the project goals, challenges, scope of work, and evaluation metrics.

Source: Venngage

10. Annual Reports

Annual reports are exhaustive documents that indicate a company’s financial health and yearly performance. These reports are of prime importance to the organizations seeking investors’ trust and include stock performance, financial information, new product information, and strategic developments.

Source: Tesla

11. Business Plans

Every organization starts with a detailed business plan to secure funding and requires an update during expansion phases. A business plan must include the following sections:

Executive Summary: This section provides an overview of the business plan, target market, and purpose.
Product Description: The product or service description includes a brief about the offering, its USP, and the development stage.
SWOT Analysis: A complete analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the business.
Market Research: This section includes a detailed analysis of all the competitors and product potential in the target market.
Organizational System: Before the initial start-up, it is crucial to clarify the organizational hierarchy and team members to support the business.
Schedule: This section highlights the implementation schedule and includes start date, hiring, and investment milestones.
Financial Planning: This is the most critical section and highlights the viability of the business plan. It includes income statements, projected revenues, balance sheets, and liquidity measures.
Appendix: The appendix consists of any other additional and relevant information such as patents.

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Whatfix is a no-code digital adoption platform that enables product managers to create contextual in-app guidance, product-led user onboarding, and self-help user support – all without engineering dependencies. With Whatfix, create branded product tours, user onboarding checklists, interactive walkthroughs, pop-ups, smart tips, and more – all enabling customers and users with contextual guidance at the moment need. With Whatfix, analyze, build, and deliver better user experiences.

Technical writing is an analytical form of writing where attention to detail is paramount. Unlike creative writing, technical writing doesn’t need to invoke the reader’s emotions – but instead, its goal is to convey complex information in an easy-to-read, digestible form.

Technical writing doesn’t negate creativity. It’s a subtle form of writing which needs to be highly user-centric and understandable.

Technical writing tools such as Whatfix help you author impactful technical documents in a way that encourages interaction and retention. With Whatfix, technical writers create on-screen guides, pop-up prompts, tooltips, chatbots, in-app knowledge bases, and more to inform users how to use your product. A technical writer’s goal should be to create documents that promote your product effectively and to make those documents easy and fun to read.

Learn how Whatfix can help create the interactive product and process walkthroughs you need now!

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The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type.

Essay type	Skills tested	Example prompt
		Has the rise of the internet had a positive or negative impact on education?
		Explain how the invention of the printing press changed European society in the 15th century.
		Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself.
		Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
The body presents your evidence and arguments
The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing

1. Technical Writing : Technical writing is a piece of writing which focuses on factual and straight forward content and technical papers are published to inform and instruct and educate the user about some specific topic. There exists specific readers who prefers technical papers. It gives readers information about some technical topics or it gives directions on how to do something.

2. Creative Writing : Creative writing is a piece of writing which focuses on imaginative and symbolic content and creative papers are published to entertain, provoke, inspire the user. There is no such specific readers who prefers creative papers. Anyone if wants can read creative paper and it gives readers a theme, message, moral or lesson which is helpful in their real lives or gives a temporary entertainment to the reader.

Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing :

S.No.	TECHNICAL WRITING	CREATIVE WRITING
01.	Technical writing is based on facts and concepts.	General writing is based on imaginations and creativity.
02.	Technical writing focuses on factual and straight forward content.	Creative writing focuses on imaginative and symbolic content.
03.	Technical writing has its specific reader/audience.	Creative writing has general reader/audience.
04.	The purpose of technical writing is to inform and instruct and educate the user.	The purpose of creative writing is to entertain, provoke, inspire.
05.	It follows formal and standard style of writing.	It follows informal and artistic style of writing.
06.	It gives readers information about some technical topics or it gives directions on how to do something.	It gives readers a theme, message, moral or lesson which is helpful in their real lives or gives a temporary entertainment to the reader.
07.	It uses text features like the table of contents, index, labels, charts, photos and graphs.	It uses narrative elements such conflict, character, theme, setting and resolution.
08.	The tone of technical writing is objective.	The tone of creative writing is subjective.
09.	It is based on specialized vocabulary.	It is based on general, evocative vocabulary.
10.	It is organized in a sequential and systematic manner.	It is organized in an arbitrary and artistic manner and may not be systematic.
11.	In technical writing graphics are included to give more information to the topic.	In creative writing graphics are included to give more attraction to the topic.
12.	Technical writing depends on any result, research, information etc.	Creative writing depends on schedule and mindset of the writer.

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What Are The Differences Between Technical Writing And Creative Writing

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: June 7, 2023 - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Writing

You’ve always had a passion for writing, but now you’re faced with choosing between two distinct paths: technical writing or creative writing. As an aspiring writer, it’s essential to understand the differences between these two forms of written communication, as each has its nuances and unique requirements that can make all the difference in which path leads to your career success.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between technical and creative writing – from their purpose and goals to target audience and essential skill sets – so you can confidently decide which path is right for you.

By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be better equipped to unleash your creativity while maintaining clarity and precision in your work. It’s time to break free from confusion and let your talent shine within the realm that truly resonates with you.

Key Takeaways

Technical writing focuses on explaining complex concepts accurately, while creative writing aims for audience engagement through storytelling.
Technical writing creates documentation such as user manuals, tutorials, FAQs, and white papers, while creative writing allows more freedom in style and content.
Technical writing adopts a neutral, objective voice, uses precise terminology, avoids colloquial language, and follows a specific structure for clear communication of complex information. In contrast, creative writing often employs a unique voice that reflects the author’s or characters’ personality within the story and has more latitude regarding word choice, including slang or poetic expressions.
Technical writing requires thorough research and fact-checking, ensures document consistency, and prioritizes clarity and accuracy. In contrast, creative writing adds depth to characters and stories through research, lends credibility to the fictional world through fact-checking, and incorporates emotional appeal to keep readers hooked.

Defining Technical Writing

You’ll find that technical writing focuses on clearly explaining complex concepts, processes, or procedures precisely and accurately. This type of writing often involves breaking down technical jargon into simpler terms to make the information accessible to a broader audience.

Technical writers create documentation types such as user manuals, tutorials, FAQs, and white papers to ensure that users can understand how products or systems work. Their main goal is to inform and engage readers who might feel overwhelmed by intricate details.

To satisfy your subconscious desire for freedom while still being concise and clear, technical writing aims at telling engaging stories in an easy-to-grasp language. Using active voice and contractions like ‘it’s’ instead of ‘it is,’ the text becomes more approachable without sacrificing accuracy.

The key here is finding the right balance between providing correct information and keeping the reader captivated throughout the piece. Remember that it’s essential to cater your writing style according to your audience’s needs so they can efficiently grasp new concepts or learn about new tools without feeling bogged down by overly complicated wording or explanations.

Defining Creative Writing

Creative writing is just a breeze compared to technical writing – you let your imagination run wild and create worlds filled with fascinating characters and stories!

With creative inspiration at your fingertips, you can explore the depths of your imagination and express emotions that resonate with readers. The freedom in creative writing allows you to break away from the confines of structured formats and rigid guidelines, allowing you to paint vibrant pictures using words as your brush.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that creative writing doesn’t require discipline or skill. Developing a unique voice and style that captivates an audience’s subconscious desire for freedom takes practice and dedication.

Imagination exploration may come naturally to some, but honing it into a well-crafted piece of literature is an art form. Whether you’re penning poetry or spinning tales of intrigue, remember that clarity and engagement are crucial in making your work truly memorable.

Purpose and Goals

Understanding the purpose and goals of creative writing is essential, as this helps you craft captivating stories that truly resonate with readers.

The primary aim of creative writing is audience engagement through storytelling, which allows readers to lose themselves in the world of your creation. This type of writing encourages imaginatively expressing ideas, emotions, and experiences while emphasizing content focus.

By honing your skills as a creative writer, you’ll be able to effectively transport your audience into new worlds and evoke powerful emotions within them.

To achieve this level of engagement, it’s crucial for you as a writer to tap into your subconscious desire for freedom and exploration. Creative writing provides an outlet for both the author and reader to break free from the confines of everyday life and experience something entirely different.

By carefully choosing your words, building vivid imagery, and creating dynamic characters, you will captivate and inspire those who read your work.

Ultimately, the purpose and goals of creative writing are rooted in connecting with readers on a deep emotional level while providing an escape from reality that fosters creativity within everyone who engages with it.

Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial in crafting a story that resonates with them and evokes an emotional connection. In technical writing, your primary focus is to inform and educate the reader about a specific subject or topic.

This means you’ll need to present accurate information clearly and concisely, making it easy for the reader to understand complex concepts. Audience engagement is essential here, ensuring they can grasp the material without feeling overwhelmed or confused.

On the other hand, creative writing aims to entertain and captivate its audience by creating vivid mental images and thought-provoking narratives. Content personalization plays a significant role in this process, as tailoring your style and tone to your target audience’s preferences will help foster their subconscious desire for freedom through immersive storytelling experiences.

By understanding who you’re writing for and what they want from your work, you’ll be better equipped to create engaging content that speaks directly to their hearts, minds, and imaginations.

Writing Style and Tone

Mastering the appropriate writing style and tone is key to effectively connecting with your audience, whether you’re aiming to inform or entertain them. In technical writing, the focus is on accuracy and clarity, while creative writing allows more freedom in style and content.

Understanding the differences between these two types of writing will help you tailor your approach to best suit your audience’s needs.

Writing Voice: Technical writing typically adopts a neutral, objective voice conveying information without personal bias or opinion. On the other hand, creative writing often employs a unique voice that reflects the author’s or characters’ personality within the story.
Tone Variations: The tone in technical writing remains consistent throughout – informative and straightforward – whereas creative writing may employ various tones such as humorous, suspenseful, or emotional to engage readers and evoke different feelings.
Structure and Organization: Technical documents follow a specific structure for clear communication of complex information; creative pieces can have more flexible organization depending on artistic intent.
Language Choice: Technical writers use precise terminology and avoid colloquial language; creative writers have more latitude regarding word choice, including slang or poetic expressions.

By being aware of these distinctions in style and tone between technical and creative writing, you’ll be better equipped to craft engaging content that appeals to your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom while ensuring accurate information presentation.

Remember that mastering this balance is an ongoing process and worth pursuing as it improves your skills as a writer and enhances your ability to connect with readers from various backgrounds.

Structure and Format

Navigating the world of structure and format can be intriguing and challenging, as it’ll help you craft pieces that captivate your audience while maintaining a clear message. In technical writing, structure and format are crucial for presenting information in an organized, easy-to-understand manner.

This often involves using headings, subheadings, bullet points, numbered lists, tables, and charts to break down complex concepts into digestible chunks.

On the other hand, creative writing allows for more structural adaptability and format variations to suit the story or idea being conveyed.

Technical Writing	Creative Writing	Key Differences
Follows strict guidelines	Allows flexibility in structure	Technical writing relies on visuals for clarity; creative writing focuses on text-based storytelling.
Uses headings & subheadings	May use unconventional formatting	Technical writing organizes content with a clear hierarchy; creative writing may play with the layout for effect
Often includes tables & charts	Rarely uses visual aids like tables & charts	Technical writing aims to inform efficiently; creative writing seeks to entertain or provoke thought.
Prioritizes clarity & conciseness	Emphasizes engaging storytelling	Technical writing aims to inform efficiently; creative writing seeks to entertain or provoke thought

As you explore different writing projects, remember that your choice of structure and format should always serve your intended purpose.

Whether creating a detailed user manual or penning a captivating short story, remember that your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom can be met through engaging storytelling combined with accurate information presentation.

By striking the right balance between these elements, you’ll create works that resonate with readers while effectively conveying your message.

Use of Language

As you delve into written expression, you’ll quickly find that how you wield your words can either enchant or inform your audience, depending on your goal.

In creative writing, language evolution and cultural influences significantly shape a story’s tone, style, and atmosphere. Writers often use rich vocabulary and diverse sentence structures to create vivid images and evoke emotions in their readers.

They may experiment with literary devices like similes, metaphors, and symbolism to convey deeper meanings beneath the surface of their narrative.

On the other hand, technical writing prioritizes clarity and accuracy above all else. The focus is on concisely presenting information while still maintaining an engaging storytelling approach. This means using straightforward language with minimal jargon or ambiguity – something that can be easily understood by a wide range of audiences regardless of their background knowledge or expertise.

While there might not be as much room for artistic flair as in creative writing, effective technical writers still need to consider factors such as audience needs and cultural influences when crafting content that speaks to their subconscious desire for freedom – freedom from confusion or misunderstanding when trying to grasp complex concepts or procedures.

Research and Fact-Checking

In your pursuit of crafting compelling content, thorough research and meticulous fact-checking become indispensable tools to ensure credibility and accuracy in both creative and technical writing. While these two forms of writing might differ in their objectives, structure, and style, the importance of research techniques and fact-checking methods cannot be overstated.

Creative Writing	Technical Writing
Research adds depth to characters & story	Fact-based content requires accurate information
Fact-checking lends credibility to fictional world	Ensuring consistency across documents is essential

In creative writing, research helps you create well-developed characters, vivid settings, and engaging stories that resonate with readers. Employing proper fact-checking methods allows you to maintain a certain level of authenticity in the world you have created.

For instance, if your novel is set during a specific period or revolves around a particular topic or profession, it’s crucial for you as an author to have a good grasp of the historical context or relevant details.

On the other hand, technical writing demands precision and consistency; thus, using sound research techniques provides accurate information that your target audience can rely on.

Whether creating user manuals for software or composing scientific articles for publications, ensuring that each piece of information is correct builds trust with your readership while fostering professionalism within your work.

Imagery and Descriptive Language

You’ll find that mastering the art of imagery and descriptive language can truly elevate your writing, immersing readers in vivid scenes and stirring emotions with just a few carefully chosen words.

Visual storytelling is essential for both technical and creative writers, but it plays a more prominent role in the latter.

In creative writing, you can explore sensory appeal, using rich descriptions to evoke feelings, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations that transport your audience into the world you’ve created.

In technical writing, imagery might be used sparingly to clarify complex concepts or make information more relatable; however, it’s important not to get carried away with descriptive language.

Instead of focusing on sensory appeal to engage your reader emotionally or transport them somewhere else mentally (which is often desirable in creative writing), concentrate on presenting information clearly and concisely.

This way, you’ll focus on helping your audience understand the material at hand while providing enough detail to keep them engaged and interested in what they’re learning.

Emotional Appeal

Emotional appeal plays a significant role in keeping your readers hooked, whether it’s through creative or technical writing. By tapping into the emotional impact of your content, you can create a powerful reader connection that keeps them engaged and invested in your work.

In creative writing, this often means creating relatable characters and evoking emotions through vivid imagery and storytelling. Meanwhile, an emotional appeal can be achieved in technical writing by presenting information that resonates with the reader’s experiences and needs.

When you focus on appealing to your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom, you ignite their curiosity and encourage them to explore new ideas.

This could involve crafting stories that inspire readers to question societal norms or break free from restrictive patterns in creative writing.

For technical writers, this might mean making complex concepts more accessible so that readers feel empowered to apply newfound knowledge in their personal or professional lives.

By incorporating emotional appeal into both forms of writing, you can foster deeper connections with your readers and leave a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.

Real-life Applications

By harnessing the power of emotional appeal, you’ll find that both your creative and technical writing endeavors can soar to new heights, opening doors in your readers’ minds like a master key unlocking hidden chambers.

Real-life applications of these two distinct writing styles are abundant, with practical implementation serving as an essential component for success in various fields.

Creative Writing:

Can foster interdisciplinary collaboration by uniting professionals from different backgrounds to solve complex problems
Helps convey abstract concepts through engaging storytelling, sparking curiosity, and inspiring innovation

Technical Writing:

Facilitates clear communication between team members in diverse industries, ensuring accurate information presentation
Streamlines processes and procedures by providing concise instructions, contributing to overall efficiency

Incorporating emotional appeal into your work will captivate your audience and grant them a subconscious desire for freedom – freedom to explore ideas beyond their current understanding or perspective.

Whether you’re weaving intricate tales filled with vivid imagery or breaking down complex technical jargon into digestible pieces, the ability to resonate emotionally with your reader is a vital tool that can greatly impact the effectiveness of your message.

As a writer who understands this power, you’ll be poised to influence change across many domains through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking.

Employment Opportunities

Mastering the art of emotional appeal in creative and technical writing can unlock many employment opportunities. It allows you to shape worlds with your words and guide readers on an unforgettable journey through innovative ideas.

As job market trends evolve, there is an increasing demand for skilled writers. Employers seek those who can engage audiences with compelling storytelling while presenting accurate and concise information.

From drafting engaging blog posts, creating captivating stories, or developing comprehensive technical documents, your expertise in these two distinct writing styles will make you highly sought by employers.

In addition to traditional full-time positions, numerous freelancing options offer the freedom and flexibility many crave. With platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com readily available, offering your writing services globally has never been easier and connecting with potential clients from diverse industries.

By honing your creative and technical writing skills, you’ll be able to tap into this ever-expanding market. You can embark on a fulfilling career path that allows you financial stability and the opportunity to quench your subconscious desire for freedom.

Educational Requirements

Regarding educational requirements, you’ll find a wide range of options for pursuing a career in creative and technical writing.

Industry demands are constantly evolving, so staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in your chosen field is essential.

Some common educational paths for these careers include:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in English, journalism, communications, or related fields .
Specialized certification programs focused on specific areas, such as technical communication or copywriting.
Workshops, conferences, and online courses to enhance your skills and knowledge .

Although formal education can help you establish a strong foundation in writing principles and techniques, hands-on experience is just as valuable. You can build an impressive portfolio by participating in internships or freelance projects, demonstrating your ability to adapt to various styles and formats.

In addition, networking with other professionals can open doors for job opportunities while providing insights into their experiences navigating the world of creative and technical writing.

Essential Skill Sets

It’s crucial to hone various skills to excel as a creative or technical writer, as both fields require unique abilities and aptitudes. Skill development is an ongoing process that involves practicing techniques, learning new methods, and staying updated with industry trends.

For a creative writer, essential skills include developing compelling storylines, crafting engaging characters, maintaining consistency in style and tone, and effectively using literary devices.

In contrast, a technical writer must be adept at breaking down complex information into easy-to-understand language, designing user-friendly documentation formats, incorporating visuals when necessary, and ensuring accuracy in every detail.

Collaboration importance cannot be stressed enough for both types of writers. Creative writers often work closely with editors who provide feedback on their work while coordinating with other professionals like designers and marketers during the publishing process.

This requires strong communication skills and the ability to adapt one’s vision based on input from others.

Similarly, technical writers collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that their content accurately reflects the intended message while remaining accessible to the target audience.

Embrace your subconscious desire for freedom by honing these diverse skill sets; doing so will allow you to flourish in either realm of writing while maintaining versatility within your career options.

Tips for Success in Each Domain

To thrive in either domain, you’ll need to employ specific strategies tailored to the unique demands of each field while leveraging your core writing skills. Whether you’re pursuing technical or creative writing, professional development is crucial for staying ahead and overcoming writing challenges. Here are some tips for success in each domain:

For technical writing:

Stay updated with industry trends and technology advancements
Regularly attend workshops or conferences related to your niche
Focus on clarity and precision in language
Develop strong research skills to establish credibility
Learn various documentation styles and formats

For creative writing:

Experiment with different genres and styles to find your voice .
Join a writers’ group or take creative writing classes for feedback and support .
Read widely to expose yourself to diverse perspectives and ideas .
Balance self-expression with audience engagement by considering their desires, emotions, and needs .
Embrace vulnerability through an honest exploration of themes that resonate with readers.

In both fields, seeking continuous growth is essential. When engaging in technical writing, I strive for accuracy without losing sight of the importance of engaging storytelling.

Don’t be afraid to push boundaries in creative endeavors – remember that your audience has a subconscious desire for freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a writer successfully transition from technical writing to creative writing, or vice versa.

Unleash your creative adaptations, finding writing balance in the transition. Embrace both worlds, blending concise language with engaging storytelling. Master accurate information presentation while satisfying your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom.

Are any specific software or tools recommended for technical writers and creative writers to enhance their work?

Explore software comparisons and tool adaptations to enhance your writing. Technical writers often use programs like Adobe FrameMaker, while creative writers benefit from tools like Scrivener.

Can someone excel in technical and creative writing, or is it better to focus on one area to build expertise?

You’re at a crossroads: balancing expertise or embracing skill versatility. Excelling in both technical and creative writing is possible, but focusing on one area might deepen your mastery.

How do the revision and editing processes differ between technical writing and creative writing? Are there any specific strategies or techniques that should be employed for each?

In revising creative writing, focus on storytelling and emotional impact. For technical writing, prioritize clarity and accuracy. Employ editing strategies to ensure consistency in style, tone, and formatting for each genre.

Are there any notable examples of individuals who have succeeded in both technical and creative writing, and what lessons can be learned from their careers?

You can achieve notable dual success in technical and creative writing, like Kurt Vonnegut and Samuel R. Delany. Career lessons to learn: adapt your style, embrace versatility, and keep an open mind for growth.

So, you see how different technical and creative writing can be? Coincidentally, mastering one might even improve your skills in the other.

Keep exploring both worlds to sharpen your writing prowess.

Remember, the key lies in understanding their unique purposes and styles. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up excelling at both!

COMMENTS

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Technical writing involves a lot of facts and figures, while essay writing tends to be more opinion based. Technical writing is more structured and organized, while essay writing is more open-ended and free-flowing. Technical writing tends to be less personal than essay writing. Technical writing tends to be more factual and objective, while ...
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Examples of this type of technical writing include step-by-step process guides, internal wikis, KPI and goal reporting, OKRs, and HR policies. 4. Technical Marketing Communications. Most technical marketing communications fall under the B2B (business to business) writing umbrella.
PDF ACADEMIC WRITING
Academic writing is built upon three truths that aren't self-evident: - Writing is Thinking: While "writing" is traditionally understood as the expression of thought, we'll redefine "writing" as the thought process itself. Writing is not what you do with thought. Writing is thinking.
Technical writing
Technical writing is most commonly performed by a trained technical writer and the content they produce is the result of a well-defined process. Technical writers follow strict guidelines so the technical information they share appears in a single, popularly used and standardized format and style (e.g., DITA, markdown format, AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style).
The Four Main Types of Essay
The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept. Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can ...
What is the difference between general writing and technical writing
Another way of explaining technical writing as compared to general writing however, could simply be writing at a level that is more "professional" in tone and style. While general writing and ...
Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing
01. Technical writing is based on facts and concepts. General writing is based on imaginations and creativity. 02. Technical writing focuses on factual and straight forward content. Creative writing focuses on imaginative and symbolic content. 03. Technical writing has its specific reader/audience.
What Are The Differences Between Technical Writing And ...
Technical writing relies on visuals for clarity; creative writing focuses on text-based storytelling. Uses headings & subheadings. May use unconventional formatting. Technical writing organizes content with a clear hierarchy; creative writing may play with the layout for effect. Often includes tables & charts.

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Technical Writing vs. Essay Writing

Formality and Tone

Use of Jargon

Structural Framework

Audience Considerations

Intent of Communication

Emotional Engagement

Flexibility in Structure

Language Complexity

Objective & Subjective Evaluation

Resource Limitations

Adapting to Change

Market Competition

Regulatory Compliance

Talent Acquisition and Retention

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What is Technical Writing? A Comprehensive Overview

Carla Wardin

Table of contents

Writing and Communication

Accuracy and attention to detail

Organizational skills

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User manuals

Standard operating procedures (SOPs)

White papers

Case studies

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Additional Resources

A Guide to Technical Writing (With Examples)

What Is Technical Writing?

Instructions for Carrying Out a Task

Operating Manuals for Machinery, Appliances, or Systems

Specialized Topics

So How Do I Produce a Great Piece of Technical Writing?

Who Is It For?

What Do They Need?

How Should Technical Writing Be Composed?

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Examples of Technical Writing

Is technical writing difficult?

Are there professional bodies for technical writers?

What can I do if I’m not sure that my technical writing style is appropriate to my subject?

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Technical Writing vs Essay Writing: 5 Insights to Consider for Content Creation

How Goals Differ Between Technical Writing and Essay Writing

Key Differences in Research, Structure, and Style

5 Insights to Apply When Creating Content

2) Structure Matters

3) Clarity and Accuracy Are Key

4) Use an Active Voice

5) Review and Edit

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