Course: ENG 120 Technical Composition I

Introduction

Writing Descriptions

Writing Descriptions

A mechanism description tells your reader what a device or product looks like. For example, a proposal for a new building would include a description of the HVAC system. A process description explains the steps of an event. For example, a standard operating procedure would include the steps taken to complete the process.

When you discuss a mechanism, you need to describe the item as a whole as well as each part. You would discuss color, size, shape, weight, height, width, thickness, texture, density, and so on. Be sure to read the descriptions in Lannon.

Technical descriptions are used for many reasons. Descriptions can be used to increase sales, to provide operating procedures, explain an assembly, or to analyze equipment’s strengths and weaknesses.

A description should allow the reader to see the mechanism and understand the function of all of the parts. The audience will dictate the amount and nature of details to be included in the description. The less the audience knows about the mechanism, the more detailed the description must be.

For additional web resources click on the following url:

www.eng.uwi.tt/depts/faculty/ugrad/courses/engr0300