FEG 300 Lesson 2 Critiques

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FEG 300Lesson 2 Critiques

• The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

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GENERAL OVERVIEW

• Organization
• Grammar
• Passive voice vs Active voice

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ORGANIZATION

• Introduction
• Tell the reader what is coming, set the stage
• Body
• Each new idea has its own paragraph
• The paragraph sequence should be both logical and
  follow the order in which the topics were
  introduced
• Conclusion
• Tell the reader what you told them
• Wrap it up

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GRAMMAR

• Common problems
• Comma usage
• Run on sentences (too much for one sentence)
• Fragments (not enough to make a complete
  sentence)
• Less common problems
• Use of conjunction (and, but, etc.)
• Use of abbreviations
• Switching the voice of the paper

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GRAMMAR EXAMPLES( comma usage )

• Original
• However I am also able to enroll in all the
  classes of a traditional engineer such as.
• Revised
• However, I am also able to enroll in all the
  classes of a traditional engineer such as..

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GRAMMAR EXAMPLES( run on sentences )

• Original
• Now this can mean different things, but I want to
  point out that we deal with engineering aspects
  sometimes, and we have to look out for it , but
  most of the time Construction Managers, deal with
  safety of their workers, managing of their
  workers, making sure things are running smoothly
  and getting things done on time.

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GRAMMAR EXAMPLES( run on sentences )

• Revised
• Now, this can mean many different things. I want
  to point out that a construction manager spends
  most of his time managing, and not delving into
  the engineering aspects of a project site. A good
  project manager will see to the safety of his
  workers first and foremost, while also completing
  the project on time and on budget.

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GRAMMAR EXAMPLES( fragments )

• Original
• Many of the same classes.
• Plus all the little things you learn on you own
  through your education.
• Revised
• The CM/WPE program shares many of the same
  classes with the accredited EREFEG program.
• My education includes many out-of-classroom
  learning experiences.

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GRAMMAR EXAMPLES( less common )

• Conjunction words
• And, but, for, or, nor, and yet
• Use to join thoughts and complete phrases, NOT
  to begin sentences
• Abbreviations
• Abbreviations must be introduced before put into
  use
• Narrators voice
• Pick a voice and stick with it, i.e. first
  person, second person or third person

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PASSIVE VOICE VS ACTIVE VOICE

• Passive vice is used by politicians and others
  wishing to speak without committing to anything.
• Active voice is used by those who need to be
  authoritative and confident. (George Schmitt,
  2003).

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PASSIVE VOICE VS ACTIVE VOICE

• Original
• This could possibly save the employer much time
  and resources.
• The engineer will be involved with administration
  and management of the project.
• Revised
• Hiring a graduate of the forest engineering
  program will save the employer much time and
  resources.
• The engineer will administer and manage the
  project.

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CONCLUSION

• Pay close attention to your writing style!
• Follow established rules of technical writing. Do
  not invent your own!

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WHERE TO GET HELP

• The Writing Center located in Moon Library
• Your instructor (by appointment)
• Your G.A, (Tuesday 9-11am)
• www.io.com/hcexres/tcm1603/acchtml/acctoc.html
• Take a Technical Writing class if you can fit it
  in your schedule.
• Strunk White, Manual of Style
• EREFG Communication Handbook