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Trades & Technology

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Basic Communication Skills for Technology, 2/E
Andrea J. Rutherfoord

ISBN-10: 0130878227
ISBN-13: 9780130878229

Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2001
Format: Paper; 416 pp
Published: 07/11/2000

Suggested retail price: $62.60
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For courses in Technical Writing and Applied Writing.

Rutherfoord presents clear simplified explanations of the practical applications of writing in vocational/technical fields. The motivational reading passages are designed to stimulate students' interest in vocabulary and introduce traditional and applied writing assignments.

  • NEW - Public speaking section.

    • Shows students how to prepare and deliver presentations, speeches and conduct interviews. Ex.___

  • NEW - Internet use.

    • Provides students with assignments that incorporate Internet research and communication. Ex.___

  • NEW - Process, proposal and lab report writing.

    • Introduces students to elements of three common types of reports. Ex.___

  • NEW - Updated writing topics.

    • Provides students with protocols and procedures that reflect current trends in electronic communication. Ex.___

  • NEW - Updated technical reading passages.

    • Reflects current communication needs and practices. Ex.___

  • NEW - Job search chapter.

    • Provides students with traditional and electronic resume techniques. Ex.___

  • NEW - Updated audience analysis information.

    • Prepares students to adjust language and tone for their audience. Ex.___

  • NEW - Reorganized material.

    • Provides a more accessible flow of material. Ex.___

  • NEW - Coverage of computer graphics.

    • Addresses this new technology and its effective use as a major communication tool. Ex.___

  • NEW - E-mail and electronic communication.

    • Provides students with basics of “netiquette” and guidelines for conducting all types of transactions using the Internet. Ex.___

  • Major forms of technical communication covered.

    • Prepares students for writing required in technical fields, including: reports, memos, forms, e-mail, letters, presentations and job search. Ex.___

  • Technical definitions and descriptions, summaries and graphics.

    • Provides students with coverage of all major writing topics. Ex.___

  • Integrated reading, writing and vocabulary development, word usage, and spelling practice.

    • Provides students with a solid foundation for the writing topic. Ex.___

  • “Word Watch” sections.

    • Provides useful cautions for students by reviewing groups of easily confused and misused words. Ex.___

  • Comprehensive models and exercises.

    • Provides students with opportunities for review of common technical vocabulary and concepts. Ex.___

  • Pre- and post-diagnostic tests and grammar and mechanics units.

    • Provides students with opportunities to assess their comprehension of material and allows instructors to plan individualized study options. Ex.___

  • 14 technical reading passages.

    • Introduces students to writing topics. Ex.___

  • Public speaking section.

    • Shows students how to prepare and deliver presentations, speeches and conduct interviews. Ex.___

  • Internet use.

    • Provides students with assignments that incorporate Internet research and communication. Ex.___

  • Process, proposal and lab report writing.

    • Introduces students to elements of three common types of reports. Ex.___

  • Updated writing topics.

    • Provides students with protocols and procedures that reflect current trends in electronic communication. Ex.___

  • Updated technical reading passages.

    • Reflects current communication needs and practices. Ex.___

  • Job search chapter.

    • Provides students with traditional and electronic resume techniques. Ex.___

  • Updated audience analysis information.

    • Prepares students to adjust language and tone for their audience. Ex.___

  • Reorganized material.

    • Provides a more accessible flow of material. Ex.___

  • Coverage of computer graphics.

    • Addresses this new technology and its effective use as a major communication tool. Ex.___

  • E-mail and electronic communication.

    • Provides students with basics of “netiquette” and guidelines for conducting all types of transactions using the Internet. Ex.___

I. FOUNDATIONS.

 1. Audience.

 2. Language and Style.

 3. Organization.

II. WRITING ELEMENTS.

 4. Technical Definitions.

 5. Technical Descriptions.

 6. Summaries.

 7. Graphics.

 8. Instructions.

 9. Comparison and Contrast.

III. FORMS OF TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS.

10. Reports.

11. In-House Communication.

12. Business Letters.

13. Presentations.

14. The Job Search.

IV. GRAMMAR UNITS.

V. MECHANICS UNITS.

Appendix 1: Common Symbols and Abbreviations.

Appendix 2: Tips for Word Processing.

Appendix 3: Sample Reports.

Appendix 4: Spelling and Misused Words.

Appendix 5: Irregular Words.

Appendix 6: Job Application.

Index

This provides practical applications of writing in vocational/technical fields. Presenting clear, simplified explanations of key concepts and skills in written communication, Rutherfoord's guide covers the writing process in a systems approach that integrates reading, planning, writing, and revising.

This books highlights:

  • Fourteen technical reading passages that introduce or demonstrate each writing topic
  • Integration of reading, writing, spelling, word usage, and vocabulary exercises and assignments in each chapter.
  • Complete and independent grammar and mechanics units for flexible planning and individualized study.
  • Exercises and models using common technical vocabulary and concepts.
  • Explanations of concepts in language that is easy to understand and apply.

This book is designed to help readers gain a working knowledge of all the major skills for career-related communication, including e-mail, graphics, reports, business correspondence, presentations, job interviews, and resumes.

New in this edition:

  • Updated reading passages to reflect current communication needs and practices
  • Updated writing topics to reflect current trends in writing, including the use of e-mail; desktop publishing, and the Internet.
  • Updated chapter on report-writing (with sample reports) that introduces three common business/technical documents: the descriptive report, lab report, and proposal.
  • New assignments that require use of the Internet for research and communication.

View a Sample Chapter PDF:

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