THEORY EXAMINATION (SEM–IV) 2016-17 TECHNICAL WRITING

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Course: B.Tech (All Branches)
Subject Code: AS401
Subject Title: Technical Writing
Exam Type: Theory
Duration: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

SECTION – A (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

Short-answer section testing key definitions and concepts of professional communication

No.	Question	Explanation
(a)	What is an Advertisement?	A public notice or message designed to promote a product, service, or idea, aiming to inform or persuade the audience.
(b)	Define Business Writing.	The process of writing in a clear, concise, and professional manner for workplace communication — includes emails, memos, reports, and proposals.
(c)	Formal vs Informal Communication.	Formal: structured, official (e.g., reports, circulars); Informal: casual or personal (e.g., chatting, personal messages).
(d)	Is a Cover Letter Required?	Yes — it personalizes your résumé, introduces you to the employer, and explains why you are a good fit for the position.
(e)	Define a Report.	A structured document that presents information or analysis on a specific topic for decision-making.
(f)	What are Minutes of Meeting?	Written records summarizing discussions, decisions, and actions taken during a meeting.
(g)	What is a Scientific Article?	A research-based paper presenting experiments, data, and results in a formal, peer-reviewed format.
(h)	Define Résumé.	A formal summary of education, skills, and experience submitted when applying for a job.
(i)	What are Listening Skills?	The ability to actively understand and interpret spoken information — crucial for effective teamwork and comprehension.
(j)	Difference Between Scanning and Skimming.	Scanning = looking for specific information; Skimming = getting the general idea quickly.

SECTION – B (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

Descriptive questions emphasizing writing techniques and communication structure

(a) Flows of Technical Communication

Downward Flow: From top management to subordinates (instructions, policies).

Upward Flow: From employees to management (feedback, reports).

Horizontal Flow: Between departments or peers.

Diagonal Flow: Cross-departmental (e.g., engineer communicating directly with HR).

(b) Effective Technical Presentation

Preparation: Define purpose, gather facts, structure logically.

Visuals: Use slides, graphs, and diagrams.

Delivery: Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, use formal tone.

Time Management: Keep concise, avoid overloading slides.

(c) Technical Description of an Engineering Object

Includes:

Name and Function: What it is used for.

Physical Features: Size, shape, material.

Working Principle: How it operates.

Applications: Where and why it is used.
Example: Centrifugal pump – converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

(d) Sentence Construction in Technical Writing

Use active voice and concise structure.

Avoid ambiguity and jargon.

Maintain logical sequence of ideas.

Example: Instead of “The test was conducted by engineers,” write “Engineers conducted the test.”

(e) Methods of Paragraph Development

Chronological: Time sequence.

Cause–Effect: Explains reasons and outcomes.

Comparison: Highlights similarities and differences.

Example-based: Supports topic with data or facts.

(f) Tips for Effective Résumé Writing

Keep it one page (for freshers).

Use strong action verbs.

Highlight achievements and skills.

Avoid spelling or formatting errors.

Customize for each job.

(g) Effective Report Writing

Purpose & Audience defined.

Formal structure: Title → Abstract → Introduction → Body → Conclusion → Recommendations.

Clarity & Objectivity: Use factual and simple language.

Data Presentation: Use charts/tables.

(h) Technical Proposal

Definition: A formal written offer to undertake a project or solve a problem.

Structure:

Title Page Executive Summary

Objectives Methods & Resources

Cost & Time Estimate Conclusion

Types: Internal, External, Solicited, Unsolicited.

SECTION – C (2 × 15 = 30 Marks)

Analytical and practical writing section

Q3. Thesis Writing

Definition: A formal document presenting original research findings for an academic degree.

Structure:

Title Page Abstract

Introduction Literature Review

Methodology Results and Discussion

Conclusion and Future Work References

Good Thesis Qualities: Clarity, logical flow, proper citations, and originality.

Q4. Résumé Writing (Example for Jacob Williams)

Position Applied: Marketing Executive in a reputed MNC

Sample Format:

Jacob Williams Email: jacob.williams@email.com | Phone: +91-XXXXXXXXXX Objective: To obtain a marketing executive position where I can use my analytical and communication skills to drive business growth. Education: B.Tech in Information Technology, XYZ University, 2016–2020 (CGPA: 8.2/10) Skills: • Market analysis and digital marketing • Excellent written and verbal communication • CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) • Team leadership and presentation skills Experience: Marketing Intern – ABC Pvt. Ltd. (June–Aug 2019) • Assisted in planning promotional events and campaigns • Conducted customer feedback surveys and reports Projects: • “Consumer Buying Behavior Analysis using Data Visualization” Achievements: • Top 10 in National Marketing Quiz 2018 References: Available upon request.

Q5. Barriers to Communication

Type	Description	Overcoming Techniques
Physical	Noise, distance, poor devices	Use better technology, clear signals
Semantic	Misinterpretation due to jargon	Use simple, unambiguous words
Psychological	Stress, emotions, bias	Develop empathy, active listening
Organizational	Complex hierarchy	Encourage open communication channels
Cultural	Language or value differences	Use culturally sensitive communication

Summary

Unit	Key Focus Area
I	Communication process, channels, and barriers
II	Technical writing principles, style, and paragraph development
III	Résumé, reports, proposals, and technical descriptions
IV	Presentation skills, business communication
V	Thesis writing, research documentation