Technical Writing

Assignment Module Eight

Introduction Main Page Samples Site Map
 

Special Note about Modules 8 through 13:
Modules 8 through 13 will lead you through the report writing process. Each module will add information or sections culminating in a final report consisting of approximately 10 total pages. Modules 1 through 7 were designed to prepare you for this project: you have learned technical writing format and style, techniques of writing correspondence, effective use of visuals, and the ways to define terms, describe mechanisms, and write instructions. Any or all of these may come into play in your formal report.

You will find in Modules 8 through 13 that some assignments will take more or less time than others. Keep that in mind when you work through these modules. Be aware that you may need to work ahead to make deadlines.

Chapters 13 and 14 and the "Guide to Research" discuss the variety of types of technical reports. Your final report will most likely take the form of the observation report (Chapter 13), feasibility report (Chapter 13),  proposal (Chapter 14) or research report (see "Guide to Research"). Your job for the last modules is to select a topic, decide on the purpose and form of your report, gather information, and write your report.

Choosing a topic is crucial in creating a good report. Use your hobbies, your job, your household projects, or coursework as sources for potential topics. Think of the report as an opportunity--to learn something new, to start a project, or to explore possibilities. To help you, I have compiled a list of topics. Look through the list to help you narrow your choices.

Observation
  • Survey potential employers (locally or state-wide) about job openings, qualifications, salary and benefits
Feasibility
  • Advantages and disadvantages of MACs vs. PCs
  • Cable television vs. satelite dish service
  • How to retire by age 50
  • Training for RAGBRAI
  • Planning a construction project, such as:
    • adding a room
    • refinishing a basement
    • building a garage or fence
    • designing a deck or landscaping
    • remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom
Research
  • The history and/or uses of fiberoptics, the Internet, lasers, CAD
  • The forecast on jobs in your field
Proposal
  • Create a proposal to market yourself as a webpage designer or a free-lance computer technician
  • Make a proposal to your employer, such as
    • purchasing cellular phones for all technicians
    • incorporating flex time to cut down on absenteeism

Read chapter 13 "Reports: Conveying Needed Information"
Review PowerPoint Slides, "Types of Reports"
Complete assignments (See "Assignment Specifics" below)
E-Mail Assignments 
Assignment Specifics

NOTE: ALL assignments must include your name and title of assignment. For e-mail, the SUBJECT line should reference the title of assignment.


Chapter 13 provides information on the types of reports. Read through the suggestions and the chapter for topic ideas. If you're on the MCC campus, you may also stop by my office to see sample reports in addition to the ones linked below.

SAMPLE REPORTS:  See also the sample reports written by students: 

Assignment Description Details
Assignment I
 Choose 5 possible topics
  1. Thoroughly read through Chapter 13 to get a sense of the purposes of different types of reports.
  2. Think about your job, hobbies, projects, and future plans for sources of potential topics.
  3. Write down as many possible topics as you can.
  4. WAIT a day or two.
  5. Review the list.
  6. Pick the top five.
  7. Provide some detail in your list to give me a sense of the focus of your report.
  8. E-mail your list.

©  P. J. Colbert, 2001