Writing three definitions
In the first unit, the first task was to introduce a technical vocabulary in a defined context, using three different definitions, to someone without technical background and knowledge. Introducing some specialized terms to a non-technician client is a situation I often faced in previous workdays. But before, I didn’t learn about the various definition methods and the scenarios in which they were applicable. So I am excited to learn the above concepts while practicing technical writing. I took a course related to climate change, so I chose “Direct Air Capture”, an environmental technology-related vocabulary. And my task was to introduce this term to potential investors. I learned about parenthetical definitions, sentence definitions, and expanded definitions through the textbook. Parenthetical definitions use a more familiar synonym to clarify phrases without much detail. Sentence definitions offer some details by first stating the term, then indicating its broader class following its distinct features. If the audience needs a comprehensive understanding of phrases, an extended definition is the best method, like its history, parts, etc. For example, visual is very helpful when explaining the operating principle of “Direct Air Capture”.
Peer Review Process
The second task was to examine Carol’s (my partner) definition assignment. I read Carol’s assignment several times, and I found myself learning something new each time. The first time, I understood “Photovoltaic technology” by various definitions. The second time, I paid more attention to her writing strategy and noticed that visual position is vital for article coherence. Then I reread it several times to guarantee I found all the confusion and suggestions. Reading the same article several times was a unique experience; I noticed many details while being better able to see things from the reader’s perspective. Carol is very detailed and gave me multiple great pieces of advice, some of which I inspired while reviewing her task, and the others were beneficial as I never saw them.
Revision Process
After reading Carol’s assignment and feedback, the revision process was quite enjoyable. Carol well noted my highlights and weakness. She pointed out my minor grammar errors, and I will pay more attention to the plural and singular part in future writing. Besides, some of my expressions had repeatable meanings. For example, I wrote, “DAC handles CO2 in clean ways without releasing CO2”. It is more concise, omitting “without releasing CO2”. Moreover, I did more research on “Why DAC?” this time due to the reading situation for this assignment.
In conclusion, after studying Unit 1, I grasp various definitions under different situations. And I believe that constant peer review and revision process repetition will improve my writing skills.
https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99c-2021wc/2022/02/08/revised-definition-assignment/
https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99c-2021wc/2022/02/05/peer-review-of-definition-direct-air-capture/