mechanism description description of a tool, machine, or other mechanical device—usually with...
TRANSCRIPT
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Mechanism Description
Description of a tool, machine, or other mechanical device—usually with moving parts—designed to perform a specific kind of work
Examples: ballpoint pen, flush toilet, copy machine, press, radio, camera, etc.
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Process/Procedure Description
Description of an unvarying series of events producing a predictable outcome
Process—a natural phenomenon governed by physical lawsProcedure—events that occur under human control
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Examples:
Process—photosynthesis, erosion, water cycle
Procedure—balancing a checkbook, operating a machine, purifying water, taking a temperature, filing a grievance
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Instructions
Explanation of how to perform a particular procedure, enabling a reader to duplicate a process
Example: computer manuals, assembly instructions, policy manual
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Discussion
Why are technical descriptions and instructions particularly important in our time? New Technologies Changing Technologies More Red Tape
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Mechanism Descriptions
General Description—description accurate with respect to all such mechanisms, regardless of variablesSpecific Description—description accurate for one particular mechanism
Examples: camera, Nikon One Touch Zoom ballpoint pen, Ajax Super Ballpoint
Sony Z-16 Color TV, television
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Components
Brief introduction defining mechanism and its purposePrecise description of appearanceList of major partsExplanation of how mechanism worksOne or more visuals (esp. exploded, cutaway)Conclusion (history, availability, manufacturer, cost, etc.)List of outside sources
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Order of Description
Top to bottom, or bottom to topLeft to right, or right to leftInside to outside, or outside to insideMost important to least important, or least important to most important
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Other Guidelines
Use specific, concrete wording Piece of paper vs. 8.5 by 11-inch
piece of paper Colorful vs. red, hard lead vs. 2h lead
Use present tense, active verbs The machine stamps. . . vs. The
machine stamped OR The parts are stamped by the machine
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Add evaluative comments The quick release reduces change time
by 33%. The most useful feature is the cancel
option.
Use analogy (comparison) A-frame, C-clamp, T-square, claw
hammer . . . a disk about the size of a typical CD
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Instructions
General Instructions—instructions that explain how to perform a generic procedure
Specific Instructions—instructions that explain how to perform a procedure under conditions involving particular equipment, surroundings, or other variables
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Examples:
Trimming a hedge, using a Black & Decker Auto Shop electric hedge trimmerBraking a vehicle, braking in wet conditionsInstalling an electrical outlet, installing a GFCI outlet
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ComponentsBrief introduction explaining the purpose and importance of the procedureList of materials, equipment, tools, and skills requiredActual instructions: numbered, step-by-step, detailed explanation of how to performOne or more visuals for clarificationBrief conclusionList of outside sources, if any
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Guidelines
Use short, simple commands; start with a verb Separate steps unless closely related or simultaneousIf important, provide reason for stepInclude WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE Warning—alerts to possible injury or death Caution—alerts to possible equipment damage Note—alerts to information that will make the
procedure easier or more efficient
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If necessary, use separate series of steps.
Include no more than 9 steps in a series.
Provide introduction/transition to each series.