Argues that R. A. Harris, in applying linguistic theory to technical writing, undermines his purpose by introducing irrelevant distinctions between competing syntactic theories and by failing to exploit the full potential of applications he mentions. Uses the passive construction to illustrate how linguistics can be used to advantage by technical…

Proposes a unified theory of discourse form to explain (1) why writing textbooks consistently recognize just two polar types of abstract; (2) why students often produce adequate descriptive abstracts but not adequate summary abstracts; and (3) how a short paraphrase differs formally and conceptually from a summary abstract. (KEH)

Maintains that educational background, work experience, and demonstrated proficiency as a writer are important, but the overriding qualification is first-hand familiarity with on-the-job writing. (RS)

Annotates articles from all issues of "The Journal of Technical Writing and Communication" (1971-89). Includes the following categories: education and pedagogy; preparation and presentation of technical information; research and theory in technical communication; and application of technology to technical communication. (MM)

Argues that the rhetoric of text design is shaped by contextual variables, such as the purpose of the communication, the proximity of visual cues within the document, and the reader's familiarity with visual conventions. Concludes that technical communicators need to consider these factors as they begin using the wide range of visual elements…

Assesses the spelling skills of 439 college business students using a 50-word conventional spelling test. Finds they scored higher than previously established high school norms, although a substantial number demonstrated skills below ninth grade level. Offers recommendations to business educators regarding spelling skills. (SR)

Suggests that the product liability issues of inadequate warnings and inadequate instructions are particularly important to technical communicators. Examines the relationship between warranties and product liability. Discusses American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines and other resources that provide information on product liability…

Shows how grammar may be used conceptually to help students cultivate an understanding of the conventions of authorial presence in technical writing. (MM)

Offers guidelines for evaluating library system vendor documentation using the following criteria: physical appearance, audience, orientation, structure, consistency, accuracy, completeness, readability, and usability. Several examples illustrate alternative ways to present information. (two references) (MES)

Describes a writing exercise to help technical writing students determine the appropriate methods of extension for technical definitions, decide which terms need to be defined for a particular audience, and place definitions effectively in the document. (MM)

Describes the Clinic Case, a writing case designed to teach students how to revise an analytical report based on survey data. Notes that this case is a useful tool to help technical and business writing students learn the necessity of using their experiences to give meaning to numerical data. (MM)

Analyzes the literary strategy used by a biologist in order to make a new knowledge claim in a different discipline. Argues that review papers afford the best opportunity for constructing new knowledge claims, because they do not have to conform to a routinely standardized structure, and they allow a wider semantic repertoire than do experimental…

Analyzes the ideological assumptions that have driven the conception and development of hypertext, demonstrating how it has developed from an apractical romantic viewpoint that remains a strong driving force. Argues that technical communicators must critique and design hypertexts that are rhetorically sound, refiguring hypertext as user-centered,…

Investigates technical communicators' attitudes about six proposed ways to measure value added. Finds that technical communicators thought the measures are generally appropriate, feasible, and persuasive, but many have doubts about their cost acceptability. (RS)

Suggests that technical communicators look on continual change as continual opportunity for making communication more interesting, efficient, and effective. Discusses online documentation, interactive multimedia, the information highway, the challenge for communicators, and strategies for the future. (RS)