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Writing about your engineering work is challenging because it requires so much from you: understanding the subject matter; understanding the readers (what they know and why they're reading); developing a style (structure, language, and illustration) to communicate the message; and having a command of format and mechanics (grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling).
Table 1 shows how the laboratory assignments will be evaluated this semester. You can earn a maximum of 7 points, which translates to 100 points on a 100-point scale. Note that errors in form (grammar, punctuation, usage, spelling, and format) can serve to lower the grade by as much as 3 points. Table 2 presents a checklist for the laboratory reports. Included in this checklist are page numbers for readings in The Craft of Scientific Writing (CSW), several copies of which are on reserve in Newman Library. Note that the textbook that you have used for your technical writing course should also cover these aspects. Also included in this checklist are links to the "Writing Guidelines for Engineering and Science Students" (WG).
Table 1. Evaluation scale for laboratory assignments
Style
(7 points max) |
Structure |
Organization of details (Chapter 2 in The Craft of Scientific Writing)
Transitions between sections and subsections (pages 53-59)
Depth of details (pages 59-63)
Emphasis of details (pages 63-69)
Crediting of sources |
| |
Language |
Targeting of audience (Chapters 4, 7)
Clarity of details (Chapters 5, 6, 8)
Continuity between details (Chapter 9) |
| |
Illustration |
Key images and tables (Chapter 10)
Introduction, explanation, placement, and captioning (Chapter 11) |
Form
(-3 points max) |
Grammar
Punctuation
Usage
Spelling |
Major errors (run-ons, fragments)
Errors (subject-verb disagreement, commas, usage, and so forth)
Minor errors (numerals, minor usage, and so forth) |
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Format |
Typography (pages 222-226)
Hierarchy of headings (226-227)
Page numbers |
Table 2. Writing criteria for laboratory reports.
| Structure |
Organization clear? (16-52)
Depth appropriate? (59-63)
Transitions clear into sections and subsections? (53-59)
Sources cited? |
| Language |
Are details specified to an appropriate and consistent depth? (78-82)
Is needless complexity avoided? (83-90)
Are ambiguities avoided? (90-96)
Is tone controlled? (97-101)
Are discontinuities between sentences avoided? (137-145)
Do sentence rhythms vary? (128-137)
Are concrete nouns and strong verbs used? (102-109) |
|---|
| Illustration |
Are key images and tables presented? (146, 153)
Is each illustration clearly named and captioned? (162-163)
Is each illustration introduced and explained in the text? (162-163)
Is each illustration properly placed? (166) |
|---|
| Mechanics |
In the text, are sentences used? (Appendix A, Grammar #1)
Are unclear pronoun references and faulty parallelism avoided? (Appendix A, Grammar #2)
Are the major rules for commas followed? (Appendix A, Punctuation #1)
Are common usage errors avoided? (Appendix B, Usage #1)
Are the verbs correct? (Appendix B, Usage #2)
Has a spell-check been performed? |
| Format |
Are proper typefaces used? (222-226)
Is the layout appropriate? (226-227)
Are headings and subheadings formatted properly?
Are figure captions and table headings properly done?
Are appendices properly formatted?
Are page numbers properly placed?
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