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Lesson 1:3

 

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Lesson 1:3 WEEK THREE:  Definitions and Peer Review

Objectives:

  • Study and practice writing techniques for Definitions & Peer Review

Readings:

1: 3 Assignments: 

PLEASE SEE Due dates on our Course Schedule

  •  Write three definitions: a parenthetical definition, a sentence definition, and an expanded definition on your writing team forum board before midnight [late assignments will loose 0.5 points per day]
  •  Peer review of definitions on your writing team forum.[upload handout Unit One Lesson Three]
  •  Unit One Reflection Blog: Edit your definition assignment according to your peer review feedback and then write a Reflection Blog on both the original writing, the peer review process and the editing process: what did you learn?  Before midnight [late assignments will loose 0.5 points per day]

Step by Step Instructions for Assignments:

Write Three Definitions

Please begin by re- reading pages 202 – 234  and 394 – 412  in on online textbook: Technical Communications

Objectives:

    • Appreciate the importance and role of definitions in technical writing
    • Understand how audience and purpose indicate the need for definition
    • Differentiate between the levels of details in definition
    • Select the right level of detail according to the situation

STEPS to follow for this assignment:

  1. Choose a relatively complex term used within your particular discipline or profession
  2. Choose a situation and an audience of “non-technical readers” – this is a major component of this exercise, to be able to write for a specific audience that does not have technical knowledge of the term you are defining. Describe the ‘reading situation.’ For example, a dentist is explaining a term to a patient. This is the purpose of “your’ definition.
  3. Begin by composing a parenthetical definition of the term[see page 397]
  4. Compose a sentence definition of the term [see page 398]
  5. Compose an expanded definition of the term following the example on pages 399 – 409
    • Use at least four expansion strategies
    • include at least one visual
    • consult no fewer then three outside references and provide a works cited list MLA style or APA style
  6. Double check the Guideline for Definitions on page 410 and Check list on page 411
  7. Be sure to include an introduction to your assignment that indicates the criteria for the assignment and the objective of the assignment
  8. Be sure to address your peer with a friendly and professional tone
  9. Post your assignment on your writing team forum

Please post any questions you might have about this assignment on our CHAT page – thank you.

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 Peer Review of Definitions:

Please begin by reviewing Chapter 11 in our textbook: Technical Communications

Objectives:

  • to carefully examine the overall document and consider your partner’s writing techniques and strategies
  • analyze the material and note specific highlights and weakness.’ For example:
    • good expanding techniques or relevant visuals – explain why, with reference to the definition.
    • missing titles or incorrect citations
  • to indicate where you think editing is necessary and why
  • to offer your partner positive feedback as well as critical and constructive advice for editing.

STEPS to follow:

  1. As a writing group, decide who is going to partner with whom
  2.  Use the Peer Review Handout (301-Peer-Review) as a guide line for questions to ask; but do not use it as a template. 
  3. Carefully read the entire document taking note of places where you are confused or have a question
  4. Read the document a second time with a focus on technical errors or omissions: grammar, missing titles or incorrect citations, omissions in terms of the definition assignment requirements
  5. Organize and outline your peer review following the guidelines for writing informal reports (pages 486 – 87)
  6. Be sure to address your peer with a friendly and professional tone
  7. Include a link to the Definition under review and
  8. Post your Peer Review report on your writing team forum.

Please post any questions you might have about this assignment on our CHAT page, thank you.

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Unit One Reflection Blog

At the end of each Unit you will write a Reflection Blog that focuses on your writing practices and strategies for the unit.

You will post this work on your blog:

  •  Edit your definition assignment according to your peer review feedback and then write a Reflection Blog on both the original writing, the peer review process and the editing process: what did you learn?
  • Be sure to include a hyperlink to your revised definition and a hyperlink to your peer’s review of the assignment, at the bottom of your Reflection Blog
  • At least three paragraphs reflecting on the process and the choices you made while writing, peer reviewing and self-editing; in short, what have you learned about your writing and your peer’s writing from this particular writing exercise and process?

Please be sure to check the Instructor’s Blog for writing & editing tips and examples. Thanks and enjoy.