Technical Writing

The conventions of good technical writing are summarized in "Characteristics of Technical Writing." Abide by all rules of grammar and mechanics. A few tips are listed below.

• Language. Use language that is formal, precise, and clear. Remember that you are writing like an engineer for an audience of engineers.
• Personal Pronouns Do not use personal pronouns: "I used the simulator," or "I wrote the program." Do not refer to "the experimenter" or to "the student" using third person: "The student wrote a program." Instead, simply say, "The program was simulated," or "The program was written."
• Anthropomorphism. Do not attribute human characteristics or feelings to inanimate objects: "The oscilloscope started acting crazy."
• Verb tense. Avoid unnecessary or confusing tense shifts.
• Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty. "The Rochester Institute of Technology does not condone any form of academic dishonesty. Any act of improperly representing another person's work as one's own is construed as an act of academic dishonesty. These acts include plagiarism in any form . . ." (RIT Student Rights and Responsibilities, Section 14, RIT Policy on Academic Dishonesty.)
  Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's words, ideas, or organizational patterns without giving credit to the source. It constitutes a serious offense and is a violation of RIT's Policy on Academic Dishonesty. Do not copy or cut-and-paste from any websites, textbooks, lab manuals, etc. Should you find it necessary to consult these types of resources, you must cite your source(s).
  Additionally, be aware that inappropriate collaboration is considered Academic Dishonesty. Students may, of course, discuss assignments in general terms with one another, but all work should be generated individually. Likewise, students may receive assistance on lab reports from their course instructor, lab instructor, or teaching assistants; however, students are expected to write their own reports and to do their own work. Copying or allowing peers to copy or paraphrase all or portions of lab reports is considered plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty.
• Grammar, Mechanics, and Punctuation. If you need to review the rules of grammar, mechanics, and punctuation, here are links to some concise, student-friendly references.

  Grammar

  • Comma Splices, Fragments, and Run-Ons

  Mechanics

  • Transition Words

  Punctuation

  • Colons: How to use
  • Commas: Formula sheet
  • Commas: Main uses
  • Commas: Unnecessary uses
  • Semicolons: How to use