Educational Resources

Technical Communication - Definition of Technical Terms Writing Definitions A formal definition is based upon a concise, logical pattern that includes as much information as  it can within a minimum amount of space. The primary reason to include definitions in your  writing is to avoid misunderstanding with your audience. A formal definition consists of three  parts:  1. The term (word or phrase) to be defined   2. The class of object or concept to which the term belongs   3. The differentiating characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class For example:   • Water ( term ) is a liquid ( class ) made up of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio   of 2 to 1 ( differentiating characteristics ). • Comic books ( term ) are sequential and narrative publications ( class ) consisting   of illustrations, captions, dialogue balloons, and often focus on super-powered   heroes ( differentiating characteristics ).   • Astronomy ( term ) is a branch of scientific study ( cl

 Process Description What is a Process? Process Description What Does Describing a Process Mean? •     Describing a Process means writing about how something is made or how something happens. •     Examples: •     i) Rainwater Cycle •     ii) how coffee is grow •     iii) how glass is made Process Description-How to make Tea Process Description –Example How to make Chocolate Chocolate is a known favorite among people of all age group. The process of preparing chocolate is an age-old method. The main ingredients required for the preparation of chocolate is cocoa. Initially the cocoa beans are first roasted in a temperature of 300 degrees for 30 minutes. Then these cocoa beans are felt for cooling. Then the husk from these beans is removed. The cocoa beans are made into small pieces which are crushed using pepper grinder. Next these crushed particles are turned into brown mush. After which the cocoa bean paste is made ready. Then this coca bean paste is heated in large pan which is t

Minutes of a Meeting - An Official Document of Meetings A Minutes (of a Meeting) is an official document that is prepared during (rough draft) and after (final draft) a meeting. It is an official record of the discussions held and decisions taken during a meeting. Minutes is written in past tense, possibly in reported speech. (eg: It was decided that the venue was to be fixed by the next meeting/ Mr. Rahul was chosen as the team lead of the decoration committee) _______ Why maintain a Minutes of a Meeting? A minutes is an important document because - Human memory is inaccurate (we might forget) - A written record of decisions taken/ roles & responsibilities assigned/ recommendations made will help the members/ group/ team to be informed. - This written record will serve as a base for actions to be taken. - It will help the absentees to know what had happened in that particular meeting. - It will also be useful to refer later as it is documented. _______________ Contents of a Minute

  Agenda - An Official Document for Meetings An agenda is an official document that is prepared ahead of/ before a meeting. It contains an outline of what has to be discussed in an official meeting. It is prepared ahead and sent at least two to three days before the  meeting to all the  members so that everyone who is supposed to attend the meeting is aware of the meeting. For a meeting where participants have to give presentations, the agenda has to be sent at least a week away, so that the presenters have enough time to prepare. It gives the members an opportunity and enough time to prepare and come for the meeting. ___________ Why do we need an Agenda for a meeting? So that the meeting is held with a purpose and there will be productivity, and time management, unlike a meeting without an agenda. Advantages of having an Agenda for a meeting: - It gives precise information about a meeting's place, date and time.  - It directs the course of the meeting with a checklist to discuss.