Common Errors in Technical Writing
This common error occurs when sentences contain more words than necessary, weakening clarity and impact.
What is wordiness?
This term refers to a step-by-step set of actions that allows someone to complete a task safely and accurately.
What are instructions?
This red-haired fast-food mascot is known for square hamburgers and Frostys.
What is Wendy's?
This mistake results from using technical words the audience cannot understand, often due to writer-centered thinking.
What is excessive jargon?
This type of statement explains why a document exists and what it seeks to accomplish.
What is a purpose statement?
This holiday movie features a boy left behind who defends his house from burglars with borderline sadistic traps?
What is Home Alone?
This error happens when ideas are presented in a confusing order, forcing the reader to reorganize the information themselves.
What is poor organization?
This is a short document that summarizes a longer one, focusing only on essential points and conclusions.
What is an executive summary?
In Harry Potter, this owl delivers Harry’s Hogwarts letters.
Who is Hedwig?
This type of error occurs when a technical document includes details that do not support the audience’s needs or the document’s purpose.
What is irrelevant information?
This is a short document that summarizes a longer one, focusing only on essential points and conclusions.
What is audience awareness?
This U.S. sports championship is famous for its halftime show and commercials that cost millions.
What is the SuperBowl?
This advanced error occurs when a writer unintentionally shifts between perspectives, styles, or terminology, causing readers to mistrust the document’s consistency.
What is inconsistency (in tone, terminology, or point of view)?
This definition refers to an explanation that identifies, classifies, and describes the key features of an object, device, or process.
What is a technical description?
This supernatural 80s-themed Netflix series features demons from the “Upside Down” and a girl with telekinetic powers.
What is Stranger Things?