Argues that technical writing is a problem-solving activity that includes analyzing the primary aim of the communication, pinning down the constraints that will shape the writing, and doing the actual writing. (TJ)

Presents a teaching assignment for business communication students involving library research and a process description assignment for technical writing students. (FL)

Outlines the evolution of automatic translation research during the last 25 years and describes the systems developed by the University of Montreal group. Defines the applicability of these systems as limited to technical texts with restricted terminology and simple grammar, their product still requiring a translator's correction and revision.…

Shows how to use Rudolf Arnheim's theory of visual thinking in technical writing classes. (RL)

Indicates that ambiguity, one of the major faults of technical prose, occurs in at least six ways: ambiguity by implication, ambiguous word order, ambiguous words, dangling participles, improper or missing punctuation, and faulty pronoun reference. Suggests cures for each and provides examples for students to discuss and correct. (TJ)

Describes a technical writing class assignment in which students describe scholarly journals in their own major fields. Tells how the assignment defines the audience for the reports, Poses descriptive questions, provides a set of general directions, and defines the form for the reports; explains the objectives of the assignment. (TJ)

To help technically skilled deaf science students overcome their language limitations, an instructional module is described which uses cards displaying a laboratory report format along with grammar and style requirements. (CL)

Discusses the dichotomy between legal terminology and legal discourse, and its implications for translation. (AM)

Discusses some problems involved in translating Quebec legal texts, and proposes a method to overcome these difficulties. (AM)

Describes the problems involved in translating federal law in Canada from English to French, and proposes a short-term solution for faster and better translation and a future solution involving the drafting of laws simultaneously in the two languages. (AM)

Comments on current texts ignoring the invention process in technical writing or burying it in an awkward mixture of invention and disposition commonly called "structure." (HOD)

Discusses rhetorical theory and how it can be applied to technical writing. (HOD)

States that strategic planning has become ubiquitous at Livermore Lab, where the technical information department has been a resource for help with publications for over 30 years. Finds that a strategic plan focuses management attention and allows an organization to examine and improve its operations; each year's plan serves as the foundation for…

Takes a systematic approach to defining and operationalizing the notion of discourse community, drawing on data from an ethnography of writing in a workplace setting. States that a single genre varied in form and function depending on the specific discourse communities in which it was used--writing events took on layered meanings in relation to…

Contends that a well-prepared "capture plan" can mean the difference between winning or losing a procurement opportunity. States that the plan can become a tool for use while assembling a proposal team. Provides information regarding the content of a typical plan--from details needed for a basic program summary to steps required to conduct…