Scientific Writing
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Course Introduction
Scientific Writing is a course designed to equip students with the essential skills for effectively communicating scientific information through written formats. Emphasizing clarity, precision, and conciseness, the course guides students through the structure and components of scientific papers, including abstracts, introductions, methods, results, discussions, and conclusions. Students learn how to critically analyze scientific literature, present data using appropriate tables and figures, and adhere to ethical standards in reporting research. Practical exercises involve drafting, revising, and peer-reviewing scientific manuscripts, as well as developing proposals and reports, preparing them for successful dissemination of scientific knowledge in academic and professional settings.
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Technical Communication 11th Edition by Mike Markel
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Technical Communication
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Q1) most technical communication has six characteristics. One characteristic is that technical communication helps readers solve problems. Which of the following is another characteristic of technical communication?
A) Technical communication reflects an organization's goals and culture.
B) Technical communication uses technical vocabulary as often as possible.
C) Technical communication strives to both entertain and educate readers.
D) Technical communication is most often aimed at a general audience rather than at a particular audience.
Answer: A
Q2) Chapter 1 identifies correctness as a characteristic of good technical communication. In this context, correctness refers to the proper use of grammar and punctuation to accurately convey the intended meaning.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) As used in Chapter 1, what does accessibility mean?
Answer: Accessibility refers to the ease with which readers can find the information they seek.
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Chapter 2: Understanding Ethical and Legal Considerations
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Q1) You are writing the second edition of a user manual to be included with software sold to the general public. You want to reuse a portion of the introductory materials from the first edition but cannot determine who wrote that section or what the contractual conditions were. You know that your company has customarily required that freelance writers sign work-made-for-hire agreements. What should you do?
A) Rewrite the introductory materials yourself.
B) State in a footnote that the excerpt was written under a work-made-for-hire agreement.
C) Register the work with the appropriate government agency.
D) Include a disclaimer when you insert the materials from the first edition.
Answer: A
Q2) Which of these resources is likely to be available to employees of a company with a strong ethical culture?
A) a code of conduct or a code of ethics
B) a way to submit ethics concerns anonymously
C) an ethics office or an ombudsperson
D) All responses are correct.
Answer: D
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Chapter 3: Writing Technical Documents
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Q1) Chapter 3 lists four techniques for learning from others while revising documents. One technique is surveying, interviewing, or observing readers as they use the existing document. What is one other technique?
Answer: The other three techniques are interviewing subject-matter experts about a draft of the document, conducting focus groups to learn users' or prospective users' opinions about an existing or proposed document, and uploading the document to an online writing space and authorizing people to revise it.
Q2) Identify one of the strategies listed in Chapter 3 for acknowledging reviewers who contributed significant feedback on your document.
Answer: Strategies for acknowledging reviewers include writing a one- or two-sentence statement of appreciation in the introduction of the document or in the transmittal letter and writing a letter or memo of appreciation to the reviewer that he or she can use in the future.
Q3) Proofreading should precede the editing process.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
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Chapter 4: Writing Collaboratively
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Q1) which three of the following features of word-processing software are particularly useful in collaboration?
A) thesaurus feature
B) spell-checker feature
C) revision feature
D) comment feature
E) highlighting feature
Q2) Communicating diplomatically involves a critical tone.
A)True
B)False
Q3) According to the research cited in Chapter 4, students from other cultures may be unwilling to respond with a definite "no" in a collaborative setting. What is one other behavior that students from other cultures might exhibit in a collaborative setting?
Q4) Which of these guidelines will help you listen effectively?
A) Write down everything the speaker says.
B) Ask questions to clarify what the speaker said.
C) Keep your eyes down and avoid distracting the speaker.
D) Allow your mind to wander and trust that you will be able to refocus.
Q5) Is email a synchronous or an asynchronous medium of communication?
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Chapter 5: Analyzing Your Audience and Purpose
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Q1) Which of these is NOT a variable "beneath the surface" of daily life in a culture?
A) distance between ranks
B) need to spell out details
C) prevalence of technology
D) distance between business and private life
Q2) Chapter 5 suggests that, in addition to education, you should consider five other individual characteristics of readers. What is one other individual characteristic listed in the chapter?
Q3) Which of the following mistakes did McDonald's make when it printed takeout bags decorated with flags from around the world?
A) The bags showed a pair of hands holding a flag in a way that customers in some cultures would interpret as an obscene gesture.
B) The bags showed a Saudi flag, which depicts holy scripture from the Koran. The Saudis were offended because these bags would be thrown out.
C) The writing on the bags was in English, which offended numerous nonnative speakers.
D) All responses are correct.
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Chapter 6: Researching Your Subject
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Q1) Which source reflects the highest degree of authority on the subject of shale-oil deposits in North America?
A) an article in an encyclopedia
B) an article in a national newspaper
C) an article in a journal for geological research
D) an article in a journal on public policy
Q2) Print is a typical medium for publishing information. However, Chapter 6 identifies three other media. List them.
Q3) Secondary research is the process of creating technical information yourself, as opposed to collecting information that other people have discovered or created.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Which source is least likely to be valuable when you have a question about new trends in the semiconductor industry?
A) an encyclopedia
B) a journal article published this year
C) the blog of an analyst who covers the semiconductor industry
D) the website for a semiconductor magazine
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Chapter 7: Organizing Your Information
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Q1) what is classification?
Q2) Chapter 7 states that one disadvantage of the problem-methods-solution organizational pattern is that you cannot alter the sequence of those three elements.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Your supervisor has asked you to write a brief description of an abandoned silver mine that is slated for hazardous-waste cleanup. Of the organizational patterns discussed in Chapter 7, which would be most logical and effective for describing the mine?
A) classification or partition
B) general to specific
C) problem-methods-solution
D) spatial
Q4) Classification is an organizational pattern in which a unit is divided into its components.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Why are cause-and-effect relationships difficult to describe?
Q6) A proposal routinely makes use of which organizational pattern?
Page 9
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Chapter 8: Communicating Persuasively
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Q1) What type of argument draws conclusions based on an insufficient number of cases?
Q2) What does it mean to say that a report you are writing contains several logical fallacies?
A) The reasoning used in your report is supported by several effective examples.
B) The reasoning used in your report is logical and trustworthy.
C) The reasoning used in your report is illogical and untrustworthy.
D) The reasoning used in your report follows an effective pattern used in other good arguments.
Q3) in most cases the best place to state your claim is at the end of the argument because you may alienate your audience if you state it at the beginning.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Which three of the following are elements of an argument?
A) claim
B) persona
C) conclusion
D) evidence
E) reasoning
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Chapter 9: Emphasizing Important Information
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Q1) A heading eliminates the need for a transitional sentence such as "Let us now turn to the advantages of the mandatory enrollment process."
A)True
B)False
Q2) Which of these examples shows the most effective transition from the first sentence to the second?
A) New screening techniques are being developed to combat computer viruses. They are the subject of a new research effort at Big State University.
B) New screening techniques are being developed to combat computer viruses. These techniques are the subject of a new research effort at Big State University.
C) New screening techniques are being developed to combat computer viruses. A new research effort at Big State University is focused on fighting computer viruses.
D) New screening techniques are being developed to combat computer viruses. Nevertheless, they are the subject of a new research effort at Big State University.
Q3) Therefore, furthermore, consequently, and next are all examples of what category of words?
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Chapter 10: Writing Correct and Effective Sentences
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Q1) In which of the following sentences is qualifying information emphasized?
A) The schedule could fall apart if anyone is absent for several days.
B) Shellie will get promoted if she improves her performance rating.
C) If the new administrator gets her way, all of the adjunct instructors will get raises.
D) I will finish my homework if I can stop watching television.
Q2) Chapter 10 suggests that the passive voice is generally more appropriate than the active voice in four circumstances. One is when the agent is clear from the context, as in "Students are required to take both writing courses," in which it is clear that the college sets the requirements. Under what other circumstances is the passive voice generally more appropriate?
A) when the agent is less important than the action
B) when the agent is unknown
C) when a reference to the agent is embarrassing, dangerous, or in some other way inappropriate
D) All responses are correct.
E) None of the responses are correct.
Q3) Chapter 10 describes six techniques for avoiding sexist language. What are two of them?
Q4) Which type of modifier lacks an antecedent?
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Chapter 11: Designing Print and Online Documents
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Q1) What is the difference between a serif typeface and a sans-serif typeface?
Q2) Which aspects of typography affect the white space of a document?
A) line length, sentence length, and word length
B) leading, color, and sentence length
C) line spacing, line length, and justification
D) line spacing, headings, and footers
Q3) You receive a progress report in which all of the first-level headings are in the same typeface and type size and have the same spacing and color. Which design principle do these characteristics reflect?
Q4) What is the design term for a straight line on a page or screen?
Q5) An idiom is a phrase identified by linguists as universally understandable. A)True B)False
Q6) Chapter 11 lists three kinds of physical impairments that may prevent someone from fully using your site. One is hearing impairment. What is another?
Q7) margins serve four main purposes within a document. Identify two.
Q8) Chapter 11 identifies five goals of document design. One goal is to make a good impression on readers. What are two other goals mentioned in the chapter?
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Chapter 12: Creating Graphics
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Q1) one way to create graphics is to modify existing graphics.
A)True
B)False
Q2) What does copyright law have to do with graphics?
A) Copyright determines who may modify a graphic.
B) Copyright determines who has the ability to read a graphic.
C) Copyright determines who has the right to publish or republish a graphic.
D) Copyright determines the medium of a graphic.
Q3) Chapter 12 provides seven guidelines for creating effective infographics. One is "Don't go on forever." Name two other guidelines mentioned in the chapter.
Q4) why do you need to cite the source of a graphic?
A) It is part of your ethical responsibilities.
B) It is necessary for papers submitted to industry conventions and conferences.
C) It increases the prestige of your bibliography.
D) None of the responses are correct.
Q5) Where is the stub located in a table?
Q6) what is the most important characteristic of an infographic?
Q7) Chapter 12 suggests that you consider four factors when planning a graphic. One is audience. Name two other factors you should consider.
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Chapter 13: Reviewing, Evaluating, and Testing Documents and Web Sites
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Q1) Usability testing is the process of performing experiments to determine that a product functions at a minimally acceptable level before the manufacturer devotes time, money, and other resources to creating documentation for the product.
A)True
B)False
Q2) What is an SME?
Q3) In describing usability, Jakob Nielsen refers to five factors related to a person's use of an item. Of the options below, which is NOT a factor he discusses?
A) error frequency, severity, and recovery
B) efficiency of use
C) marketability
D) subjective satisfaction
Q4) One factor affecting your decision about whether to review, evaluate, or test a document is that document's relative importance. What are two other factors?
A) subjective satisfaction
B) time
C) money
D) whether the document or website is written in English
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Chapter 14: Writing Correspondence
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Q1) One disadvantage of correspondence clichés is that they can be hard to understand.
A)True
B)False
Q2) What is flaming?
Q3) Which of the following statements is true?
A) Memos are commonly written to people outside your own organization.
B) Memos are commonly written to people within your own organization.
C) Memos are a highly formal type of workplace correspondence.
D) Memos should not contain content with section headings.
Q4) Which of the following best defines writing that projects the "you attitude"?
A) writing that clearly sets the responsibility for a problem on the reader
B) writing with the kind of tone and style that you would prefer in a letter you receive
C) writing that conveys defensiveness and self-protection
D) writing that addresses the reader as "you"
Q5) Twitter tweets and Facebook posts are forms of business correspondence.
A)True
B)False
Q6) What does the notation "cc" stand for in a letter, memo, or email?
Page 16
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Chapter 15: Writing Job-Application Materials
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Q1) what does it mean to be a "passive applicant" for jobs?
A) Your résumé uses more passive verbs than active verbs.
B) You do not submit application letters, but you do send out plain-text copies of your résumé.
C) You maintain contacts with professionals in your field and keep an open mind about future job opportunities.
D) You pay a placement firm to submit your job-application materials for you.
Q2) Chapter 15 lists six guidelines for building the foundation of your professional brand. One is to research what others have done. Name two other guidelines.
Q3) What is most important to convey in the employment section of your résumé?
A) information about your successful accomplishments on the job
B) information about how to contact your previous managers
C) information about relevant courses you took during your academic career
D) information about the size of each company you have worked for
Q4) what should you do after interviewing for a job?
Q5) In terms of how they are organized, what are the two major types of résumés discussed in the chapter?
Q6) what are the four main steps in planning a job search?
Q7) What are the four parts of the body of a job-application letter?
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Chapter 16: Writing Proposals
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Q1) Which type of graphic commonly used to portray task schedules communicates interdependence between various activities?
Q2) What are indirect costs?
Q3) Proposals have two kinds of deliverables. What are they?
Q4) What do the initials RFP stand for?
Q5) What is the difference between formative evaluations and summative evaluations?
Q6) What are the main categories of resources required for completing a proposed project?
A) personnel, potential, and qualifications
B) personnel, facilities, and equipment
C) qualifications and experience
D) personnel, budget, and tangential resources
Q7) what must you demonstrate to show that your organization can complete the work described in a proposal?
A) efficiency
B) qualifications and experience
C) program information
D) certification and authorization
Q8) What do the initials IFB stand for?
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Chapter 17: Writing Informational Reports
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Q1) what are the two organizational patterns frequently used in progress reports?
Q2) what is the primary purpose of a directive?
Q3) What is the difference between a progress report and a status report?
A) There is no difference.
B) A progress report communicates the current status of an ongoing project, whereas a status report is an update on the entire range of operations of a department or division of an organization.
C) A status report communicates the current status of an ongoing project, whereas a progress report is an update on the entire range of operations of a department or division of an organization.
D) A progress report is written for readers outside of the originating organization, whereas a status report is written for readers within the organization.
Q4) Chapter 17 notes that in writing meeting minutes, you should be comprehensive and clear. According to the chapter, what else should you do?
A) Be objective.
B) Record emotional exchanges between participants.
C) Be diplomatic.
D) Create a planning document for use in preparing for the group's next meeting.
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Chapter 18: Writing Recommendation Reports
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Q1) Which of the following questions would be answered in a feasibility report?
A) Which university has the most prestigious business school?
B) Which truck has more of the options we want, the Ford or the Chevrolet?
C) Is it ethical to pursue this course of action?
D) Is it practical to pursue this course of action?
Q2) You are writing a recommendation report on which vendor of audio-visual services to hire for your company's annual conference. The three vendors you considered are Adams, MicMasters, and Zenith. You concluded that Zenith was by far the best option, followed by Adams and then MicMasters, both of which were barely satisfactory. However, you have just learned that the top two managers at Zenith, with whom you met, have left the company. The personal service provided by these managers was a big factor in your positive assessment of the company. What recommendation should you make now?
A) Recommend Zenith anyway.
B) Recommend the next best company, Adams.
C) Recommend postponing a decision until you know more about the new management at Zenith.
D) Recommend starting over on the report.
Q3) What fundamental question does the results section of a recommendation report answer?
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Chapter 19: Writing Lab Reports
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Q1) Which part of a lab report or a scientific report might be distributed more widely than the report itself?
A) the introduction
B) the discussion
C) the abstract
D) the acknowledgments
Q2) Although a lab report is organized as a single cohesive argument, most readers probably will not read it in a linear fashion, from start to finish.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Why do scientists have a strong tradition of using the passive voice in lab reports?
Q4) Which section should include a concise review of previous research relevant to your study?
A) introduction
B) methods and materials
C) discussion
D) appendix
Q5) Ideally, what will the title and abstract of a report help readers do?
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Chapter 20: Writing Definitions, Descriptions, and Instructions
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Q1) Which two types of organizational patterns are most common for mechanism descriptions?
A) comparison and contrast
B) functional
C) spatial
D) radial
Q2) What are two common ways of concluding a set of instructions?
A) with a summary of the steps in the process
B) with a list of resources for additional information about the task
C) with maintenance tips
D) with a troubleshooting guide
Q3) Step-by-step instructions should be written in the imperative mood.
A)True
B)False
Q4) an effective process description fully describes which of the following?
A) a glossary
B) substeps
C) subplots
D) frames of reference
Q5) What is the function of a conventions section?
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Chapter 21: Making Oral Presentations
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Q1) A presenter is preparing to deliver a presentation at an annual conference. Over 200 people are expected to attend this presentation. Which of the following is the least effective technique for making a lasting impression on the audience?
A) Open with a joke.
B) Focus on the audience's interests.
C) Describe the topic in human terms.
D) Use specific numbers, dollars, or percentages.
Q2) Chapter 21 lists a number of points to keep in mind if you become nervous before giving an oral presentation. One is to realize that you are prepared. What is one other mentioned in the chapter?
Q3) Which statement accurately describes PowerPoint and Prezi, the presentation-slide programs mentioned in Chapter 21?
A) Prezi is organized as a network or web, while PowerPoint is linear.
B) PowerPoint is organized as a network or web, while Prezi is linear.
C) Both PowerPoint and Prezi allow you to arrange your images in a web with seamless transitions.
D) Both Prezi and PowerPoint require you to arrange graphics linearly.
Q4) In an oral presentation, what is an advance organizer?
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