DEFINITION CLASSIFICATION PARTITION DESCRIPTION

OF MECHANISMS DESCRIPTION OF PROCESSES

 It

occurs when the report uses technical terms which are not familiar to the reader or when common terms are used in a special way

INFORMAL DEFINITION Consists of one or more synonymous expressions substituted for the unfamiliar term used FORMAL DEFINITION Is preferred in scientific and technical work because of the need for more precision in its wording

TERM The word to be defined GENUS The group or class to which the terms belong DIFFERENTIA States the distinctive characteristics of the term, distinguishing it from other members of the same class

Term


Genus

Differentia

A triangle is

a plane figure

bounded by three straight lines having three angles. which can be molded and hardened for commercial use.

Plastics are

synthetic organic compounds

1. Try to use simple words.



Dont define an unfamiliar term by using more difficult terminology which would further confuse the reader.

Not this: A network is anything reticulated or decussated, at equal distances, with interstices between the intersections.


Good: A network is a complex system of electrical wires or channels that interlace or cross like the fabric of a net.

2. Dont begin your definition with when, what or where

Not this: Soldering is when metal surfaces are joined by using melted metal or metallic alloy.


Good: Soldering is the process of joining metal surfaces using melted metal or metallic alloy.

3. In defining a term, avoid using the term itself or any of its derivatives.
Not this: A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with parallel sides.


Good: A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with opposite sides equal.

4. Dont put the term you are defining in too broad or too narrow a class.
Too broad: A crystal is something that glitters in the sun. Too narrow: A crystal is a formation of quartz geometrically patterned.  Good: A crystal is a solid piece of matter in which the atoms, molecules or ions composing it are arranged in a definite geometrical pattern.

DETAILS
A term can be clarified by the addition of related or supporting particulars.

EXAMPLES OR INSTANCES
General statements particularly abstract definitions are made more concrete when illustrations are cited

  

COMPARISON, CONTRAST AND ANALOGY Analogy cites similarities Using contrast, the differences of both objects are cited in order to make the idea clear Comparison combines the two methods of analogy and contrast WORD DERIVATIVE Extended definitions may be revealing and interesting because they explain the origin of term or the idea

In the text itself In the footnote In a special section in the introduction In the glossary at the end of the report

Is a systematic process of dividing material into kinds of classes  It involves not only dividing the subject into its constituent classes but also grouping similar units in a subclass which in turn falls under a large class.


The effectiveness of classification depends upon the following principles: 1. Classify consistently on a single basis which points to a fundamental distinction among the members of a class. 2. The basis of classification should further the purpose controlling it. 3. Classifications should not overlap. 4. Name all the pieces according to a given basis.

Is an analysis that divides a singular item into parts, steps, or aspects.  A partition system must have certain characteristics if it is to be adequate


The divisions must be coordinate.  The divisions must be mutually exclusive.  The divisions must not overlap.  The divisions must be complete.


 

A mechanism is an assembly of movable parts having one part fixed with respect to a frame of reference and designed to produce an effect. A mechanism may be designed primarily To transmit power greatly in excess of that required to overcome the frictional and dynamic requirements of the mechanism itself To produce a desired relative movement of its parts.

1. Introduction 1.1 Definition of the mechanism 1.2 Use of function of the mechanism 1.3 General statement of the principle governing its operation 1.4 Physical description of the mechanism 1.5 Principal parts which make up the mechanism 2. Description of the mechanism (in detail) 2.1 Principal part no. 1 2.11 name of part no. 1 2.12 function of part no. 1 2.13 description of part (shape, size, material, etc.) 2.14 division of subparts (if any) 2.141 subpart no. 1 2.1411 name of subpart no. 1 2.1412 function of subpart no. 1 2.1413 description of subpart no. 1 2.142 2.143 same as 2.141 2.144 2.2 2.3 Same as 2.1 2.4 3. Brief description of how the mechanism works or how it is used.

  

A process is a series of steps to get something done. Exposition of the process necessarily includes a discussion of equipment and materials which are used The writer may include this discussion as a separate section at the beginning or at those particular points in the process where they are needed.

A suggested procedure for organizing the subject matter of a process description is as follows: 1. Introduction 1.1 Definition of the process 1.2 Purpose 1.3 Principal steps 2. Raw materials 3. Equipment 4. Description of the process 4.1 step no.1 4.2 step no. 2 4.3 etc 5. Conclusion (if necessary)

A type of technical document which requires at least two basic techniques, description of a mechanism and description of a process.

1.

2.

3. 4.

A summary statement which briefly describes the product and its main purpose. The parts or components of the product, illustrated and labeled. The procedure for using the product. The procedure for troubleshooting.