The analysis of 2,369 finite clauses in 11 English-language academic articles on oceanography attempts to establish the semantic characteristics of "by" phrases as a step toward understanding the circumstances in which authors were likely to use the prepositional phrase following a passive verb form. (CB)

Discusses the impact of possible sex-based differences in communication styles on the technical writer's job. Argues that technical writers can choose to use both male and female communication styles to acknowledge multiple audiences and to improve the quality of their documents. (KEH)

Reports the 1987 survey results of 70 Canadian colleges and universities regarding technical writing programs. Finds that half of the 35 responding institutions offer professional writing courses and that faculty attitudes range from enthusiastic to disapproving. Reveals that faculties at nonoffering institutions do not view technical writing as a…

Outlines two rhetorical principles for producing iconic-mosaic texts--the principle of complementarity and the principle of compensation. Shows how these principles can be applied to practical problems in coordinating the writing and design processes in student projects. (RS)

Focuses on diagrams giving overviews of complex technical information as facilitators for adult subjects using computers to learn about the business activities of a fictitious family. Finds that features of the author's control over the reader's encounter with the diagram influences whether readers will interrupt their reading to study the…

Studies the significance of memorandum subject lines (the thematic titles or topic statements of memorandums) through an analysis of 483 memorandums. Describes a taxonomy which classifies a subject line as either neutral (introducing a topic without revealing the writer's intention) or directed (revealing intention). Argues that the taxonomy…

Disputes assertions by some academics that Chaucer was the first technical writer in English. Suggests that numerous examples of technical prose predated Chaucer's works. Argues that technical writing historians will find it more profitable to investigate the tradition of English practical prose than to find further firsts for their field. (SG)

Discusses the capabilities and limitations of 10 computer programs that analyze writing style. Describes the mechanisms by which these programs read a text, analyze the writing style, and offer suggestions for improving writing style. (KEH)

Describes an assignment in which students write employee handbooks, outlining employee rights and responsibilities. Notes that this assignment integrates many concepts taught in a technical writing course, including informative writing, graphics, and readability. (MM)

Examines the collegiate version of "Writer's Workbench" (a computer program that analyzes the surface elements of students' writing and provides feedback to assist in revision) on the writing of sophomore technical writing students. Concludes that "Writer's Workbench" can be an effective but limited tool for technical writing…

Discusses the need for composition courses for non-native English speaking students who are majoring in science and technology to prepare them to write on scientific/technical topics. Unique differences between conventional and technical writing tasks are discussed, and teaching implications are assessed. (GLR)

Emphasizes the need for business or technical writing teachers to consider the machines used in the workplace when planning materials and procedures for courses. Recommends gaining familiarity with machines, choosing which technology to teach, and implementing the use of computers and other business machines in the classroom. (KEH)

Summarizes the subject matter presented by an American teacher visiting the University of Paris in a two-week seminar on technical writing. Identifies the following topics: style of technical writing, oral presentation of technical information, nonverbal communication during interviews, preparation of resumes, and writing for publication. (KEH)

Views professional writing forms in the context of literary genre theory to reveal important similarities and differences between literary and professional writing. (MG)

Surveys members of Professional Secretaries International (PSI) in Cleveland, Ohio, who rated their own and their bosses' business writing skills. Concludes that this survey indicates that technical writing students should be taught how to write criticisms and refusals. Outlines how these skills can be taught in a technical writing course. (MM)