English 421: Technical Writing

This very interesting article highlights the importance and tips for science writing. The article draws a critical comparison between two different styles for scientific writing. It compares two articles about human genome projects; one for a general audience, and one for a scientific audience. Clearly, there is a very large difference in the writing styles and content between the two types of audiences. The basis for the differences is the presumption of knowledge that each particular audience has. 

 

The layperson is presumed to not posses the technical jargon and knowledge that the field of genetics contains, and thus terms must be easily defined and the general content must be “aimed at arousing the layperson’s general interest.” Statistics such as 1500 people dying per day from cancer related illnesses brings a lot of attention, and many people are affected directly or indirectly. The first article breaks down the scientific barriers and simplifies terminology and procedures, tapping into ethos and economics. 

 

In the realm of the scientific audience, writing a jargon-laden, data analysis imbedded, technical document is just fine. Besides the obvious content difference, the format is different. The second article has a fancier title (although it’s essentially the same as the first article), as well as “an abstract, and introduction, a materials and methods section along with a results and discussion section.” Phew, that sure is a lot more complicated, but necessary for that particular audience. 

 

In the end, what it really comes down to is knowing your audience and tailoring your work to them so that they can understand the essential information that you are trying to convey. 

 

As most of the class is either technology or engineering majors, the relevancy is pretty apparent. Without a doubt, we will be writing many technical papers and documents throughout our careers, and most certainly they will be targeted to all different types of audiences. Whether that be the consumer of the newest TV, or the ­­people putting together the Ares Rocket that takes us to the moon and beyond, we need to know how to write to satisfy anyone.