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

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

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: [email protected] | 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

Summary