While formats and conventions of scientific and technical writing vary from field to field, the transcendent requirement is precision, so that the work can be understood and, if necessary, reproduced. Science teachers undoubtedly tell students about the importance of precision in collecting data and analyzing results; what is less commonly…

Discusses a method that reinforces and monitors "correct" writing and editing, reviews the rhetoric for "effective" writing, and demonstrates how specific technical writing tasks fit into an engineer's everyday writing. An example of a technical writing task used in sophomore engineering classes is included. (JN)

A study investigated the types of writing assignments commonly found in undergraduate natural sciences and engineering courses. The study was used as a basis for the development of composition courses for limited-English-speaking students in these fields, the most popular fields of study among foreign students. Eighty take-home assignments given…

Students' verbatim comments reflect the enthusiasm toward writing which is generated by the course. The author discusses the course design, citing the texts used, including readings from master, technical report writers. Description of the curriculum leads progressively from textual analysis through the final phase in which students are urged to…

A discussion of the teaching of languages for special purposes (LSP) argues for giving greater attention to the learner's actual language needs. It suggests that conventional English for special purposes (ESP) is inadequate for the unique linguistic context of Papua New Guinea, and that further research be undertaken into implications of such an…