Original writing process of the technical definition
In the first unit of the ENGL 301 course, we are supposed to explain a professional or technical complicated term to non-technical readers by using three types of definitions: a parenthetical definition, a sentence definition, and an expanded definition. I realized how hard this assignment was while I was writing the first draft. I had never explained a technical term to non-technical audience, so it was difficult to select a word or phrase I was able to use. In addition, the words I unintentionally use every day are actually technical terms, but since I use them every day, I had never realized which terms are technical. This process, choosing an appropriate term, helped me improve my thinking ability for the term and my writing ability of expressing the ideas. Personally, this was one of the hardest things in this assignment.
In addition, I have learned how to write the three types of definitions. In a parenthetical definition, the short definition is explained, which can be linked to the main term or phrase by using a bracket. A sentence definition is a sentence which explains the term and its distinguished features. An expanded definition provides more details with various methods. I found which methods are effective depending on the situation. For example, I used visual images which became aids to my explanation and brought the readers better understandings. Some methods are not useful to explain the word so that we have to choose the right method carefully to write the solid expanded definition. Moreover, what type of definition to be used hinges upon when and where to give the information.
Overall, through the writing process, I have learned various ways of writing definitions, and improved thinking, writing, and planning abilities.
Peer Review Process
I had a chance to review one of my team members’, Avani Dhunna’s, draft of three definitions, which helped me improve my writing. I realized how, what and where I needed to work for my own writing from her writing. For example, in comparison with her writing, I found that the organization of my post was poor, so it should be changed into tidier and clearer one. In addition, her writing notified me what kind of methods were effective and could be nicely related to the contents. I learned how to connect the visuals and the contents. In addition, new perspectives of expressing her ideas inspired me. On the other hand, I provided critical feedbacks on how she would be able to improve her own work. Seeking what she lacked in her post, I also found what to improve in my own work. In addition, by demonstrating the revised version of her work by using examples, my creativity and writing ability to express ideas for non-technical readers increased, which was beneficial for me. I also got the constructive feedback from my team member, which was helpful to develop my own writing. Overall, this peer review process helped my technical writing skills by not only receiving critical feedback but also comparing my team member’s and my own works and giving the critical feedback to her.
Editing Process
I have received both positive and critical feedback on my work from my team member, Avani Dhunna. She gave me very helpful and beneficial feedback. I was able to obtain her perspectives and see how the readers can view my writing. From her feedback, I was able to find what to be improved and reflected her opinions. For example, I created a section for “etymology” in order the readers to follow easily and labelled the three definitions separately. In addition, my grammatical flows needed some work; I revised the repetitive use of language and a run-on sentence. She also left positive comments of how I could successfully write the three definitions for non-technical readers, which motivated me to write more and better. I believe I could not only gain or improve writing skills but also expand creative thinking and recognize different views of perspectives by this exercise.
Followings are the links of the assignments:
301 Ayaka Matsuno Definition Assignment
301 Ayaka Matsuno Peer Review of Definition Assignment