University of Texas at Arlington Unit 2 Technical Object Description Discussion
Unit 2 Final Draft, Technical Object Description Submit AssignmentDue Wednesday by 11:59pm Points 100 Submitting a file upload File Types pdfTechnical Object DescriptionThis assignment asks that you select a technical object and write a description of its looks, features, and functions. In completing this assignment, you will learn how to define and describe a technical object to someone who has little knowledge of it. You must examine an actual object in your possession. When selecting a technical object there are some objects that are not allowed for this assignment. These include: smartphones, pocket calculators, video game console or controllers, and fitness trackers due to the internet having easily available technical specifications of these items. You are not to copy/paste and cite someone else's technical specifications of an object. That is not the point of this assignment. Rather, you are to conduct the measurements yourself and conduct light research. The light research includes technical information of the object you may not have, for example, the exact type of metal used in the object, the wattage or frequency information. Nor may you use any of the 4 objects (lamp, toothbrush, scissors, can opener) used in the Technical Object discussion board. You can not earn higher than a 60 on the assignment if you use any of the precluded items (smart phones, pocket calculators, video game consoles or controllers, fitness trackers, lamp, scissors, toothbrush or can opener). Also, remember that you are writing an objective, professional description of the object, not a commercial ad for it. Keep your language objective and precise.Assignment GuidelinesYou will choose your own topic (with exception of the precluded technical objects listed in the previous section) for this assignment. The subject of your description must be a technical object (e.g., clock radio, stapler, tongs, blender, food processor, etc.). Because you must accurately describe an object in at least 500 words, do not pick something too simple such as a paper clip. Choose a topic that is complex but manageable. Once you have identified a technical object, research it. Take time to learn about what the parts are called, and how the parts work. This might require you to read background information or otherwise inform yourself about the topic. Audience and Content RequirementsYour primary audience would be someone who has little experience with the object that you are describing (e.g., if you select a stapler, then you need to imagine an audience of people who have little experience with the object, perhaps children). Regardless of the object, your final paper should be at least 500 words; you must include ALL of the following contents in your description (given in order of how the content should appear in your paper): Introduction (DO NOT label the introduction "introduction" per APA guidelines) Orient your audience by providing a one-sentence definition of the object (first sentence)Preview its various parts (2-3 sentences)Discuss its uses and functions (1-2 sentences) Preview the content of your description (1 sentence) Detailed Description of the Object Describe each part of the object in detail, including its dimensions, materials, principles(s) of operation, function, and relation to other parts (2-3 paragraphs)Use the present tense When introducing a new concept or term, you do need to provide a brief definition for a non-technical audience, e.g.:"The bezel, or outer ring connecting to the lugs, allows the wearer to set a different time zone"You will notice in this sentence the definition for the term "bezel" is a subordinate clause and is not its own separate sentence. You can also use parenthesis for definitions in the same sentence. ConclusionRe-state the major use(s) and function(s) of the object to solicit the audience's support or awareness of the object Note: Do not use the second person Point of View or personal pronoun in an object description. Document Design and IllustrationsGive careful thought to illustrations and design elements: Do not decorate the document; rather use design elements and features to improve navigation and provide consistency and cohesion.Use headings and sub-headings throughout the document (see page 133 for the correct way to size headings and sub-headings). Mark the body and conclusion of your document with headings (again, do not mark the introduction per APA guidelines). Use sub-headings to indicate the beginning of each part/component of the object you are describing. Do not write large chunks of text without headings and sub-headings. Make sure headings and sub-headings are appropriately sized and structured.Single-space the textYou must include at least two illustrations. You may create your own, use illustrations from other sources or adapt illustrations from other sources. Make sure you provide source information for all illustrations immediately below each illustration using APA guidelines (see lesson 2.4 for more information). Apply as many of the four basic design principles as possible (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity) to enhance the reader's orientation and understanding of the document. Use serif and sans-serif typefaces for the header and body; Use up to two complementary colors; Place like content in proximity to each other; and, Make sure all of the elements have alignment. Design your document for consistency (grid patterns, margins, justification, white space, indentation, font style and size). Review pages 128-131 in the course textbookRequirementsKeep in mind that your purpose is to describe the object yourself, not rely upon external sources to do the work for you. (Inclusion of cited manufacture specifications will result in a 20-point deduction).Minimum word requirement: 500 wordsMake sure to include URLs for citations, as needed (Failure to include working URLs will result in-point deductions)Submission InstructionsSubmit via Unicheck in Canvas. No assignments will be accepted over email. Assignments incorrectly posted or submitted to the wrong location in Canvas will receive a 10-point deductionRequired title for final version: your last name-audience object description. (Failure to properly title your file name will result in a 5-point deduction)Submit the document as a PDF. You will only be able to submit a PDF. Deadlines:First draft due by 11:59pm CT Friday of week 2Peer review due by 11:59pm CT Sunday of week 2Final draft due by 11:59pm CT Wednesday of week 3Note: On Academic Integrity You must write the object description yourself. DO NOT copy descriptions you found elsewhere and cite the source. This is not the intellectual purpose of this project. This assignment is to help you learn how to write a technical object description on your own. You are allowed to consult source material, if necessary--but consult only. If you copy descriptions you found elsewhere, you cannot get a 60 or above on the assignment, even if you cite the sources in APA. If more than 30% of your paper (percentage given by Unicheck) is copied from other sources, your assignment will receive a 0, even if the sources are in APA. If portions (or the entirety) of your paper are copied from other sources without APA attribution, the assignment will be reported to UTA Office of Student Conduct for academic dishonesty. RubricAssignment 2: Object DescriptionAssignment 2: Object DescriptionCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTerminology (5 pts): The description uses correct terminology and effectively explain the terminology to a non-technical audience.5 ptsExcellentMost, if not all, of the terms are defined for the audience.4 ptsGoodMost of the terms are defined, but not all of them.3 ptsAverageAbout half of the terms are defined for the target audience but not all of them.2 ptsPoorLess than half of the terms are defined for the target audience.1 ptsDourHardly any of the terms are defined for the target audience.0 ptsGraveNone of the terms are defined for the target audience.5 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction (5 pts): The introduction orients the audience by providing a one-sentence definition of the object. It previews the object’s various parts, discusses the object’s uses and functions. It also previews the content of the description. Conclusion (5 pts): The conclusion re-states the major use(s) and function(s) of the object to solicit the audience’s support or awareness.5 ptsExcellentOf the required elements, there are either none missing or one missing.4 ptsGoodOf the required elements, there are two missing.3 ptsAverageOf the required elements, there are three missing.2 ptsPoorOf the required elements, there are at least three missing and/or the writing does not align with the target audience.1 ptsDourOf the required elements, there are at least three missing, or a missing introduction or conclusion, and/or the writing does not align with the target audience.0 ptsGraveOf the required elements, there are at least four missing, or a missing introduction or conclusion, and/or the writing does not align with the target audience.5 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDetailed Description of the Object (20 pts): The body of the document describes each part of the object in detail, including its dimensions, materials, principle(s) of operation, function, and relation to other parts. It uses the present tense. It explains new concepts or terminology for a non-technical audience.20 to >18.0 ptsExcellentThe description does give above adequate text about the parts and concepts (20 pts). The description may be missing one of the core details or functions of object (19 pts). The description may be missing two of the core details or functions of the object (18 pts).18 to >14.0 ptsGood to AverageThe description does give adequate text about the parts and concepts and may be missing three of the core details or functions of object (17 pts). There may be missing present tense or present tense usage may be inconsistently applied (16 pts). There may be a mixture of two to three missing core details or functions and missing present tense usage (15 pts). The document does not explain terminology for a non-technical audience consistently and is missing two to three core details and/or missing present tense usage (14 pts).14 to >12.0 ptsAverageThe description does gives an average overview of the parts and concepts and may be missing three or more of the core details or functions of object (13 pts). The description may also rely upon summary or not give enough detail for the audience, and present tense may be inconsistently applied (12 pts).12 to >11.0 ptsPoorThe description does gives a below-average overview of the parts and concepts and may be missing three or more of the core details or functions of object (11 pts). The description may also rely upon summary or not give enough detail for the audience, and present tense may be inconsistently applied (10 pts).11 to >0 ptsDour to GraveThe description does not provide an overview or describe most of the parts (range between 0-10 pts applied).20 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDesign (30 pts): Effective use of the design principles (contrast, alignment, proximity, and repetition). Design features, such as fonts, font sizes, and forms of emphasis are applied consistently. The overall design is clear and consistent.30 to >27.0 ptsExcellentCRAP principles are clear (30 pts). There may be one major (29 pts) or two minor (28 pts) inconsistencies in the document. There may be one major and one minor inconsistency (27 pts).27 to >24.0 ptsGoodCRAP principles are somewhat applied throughout with consistency. (26 pts) There may be two major errors (25 pts) and two minor errors or one major error (24 pts) that detract from the overall balance and structure of the design.24 to >21.0 ptsAverageCRAP principles are average (23 pts). There may be two major errors and three minor errors (22 pts) or one major error and multiple minor errors (21 pts) that detract from the overall balance and structure of the design.21 to >18.0 ptsPoorCRAP principles are below average (20 pts). There may be three major errors (19 pts) or two major and three minor errors (18 pts) or some combination that deter a reader from the document.18 to >0 ptsDour to GraveCRAP principles are inadequate (17 pts). There are multiple errors that impact the overall readability and design (range of 0-16 pts).30 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIllustrations (15 pts): There are at least two illustrations. The illustrations are effective, each serving a functional purpose (meaning, it helps the reader better comprehend the task at hand). It is not merely used for decorative purpose. The illustrations are appropriately documented, displayed, and labeled.15 to >14.0 ptsExcellentIllustrations are correct (15 pts), and there may be one minor error (14 pts).14 to >12.0 ptsGood to AverageIllustrations are mostly correct with one major error (13 pts) or two minor errors (12 pts).12 to >10.0 ptsAverageIllustrations are average with two major errors (11 pts) or three minor errors (10 pts).10 to >0 ptsDour to GraveIllustrations are inadequate (9 pts). Illustrations are below average with multiple errors (range of 0 to 8 pts).15 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle (15 pts): Present tense is used throughout. Headings are in parallel form. Numbered/bulleted items, if used, are in parallel form. Paragraphs are unified— each paragraph has a single focus, begins with a topic sentence, and develops around a single idea.15 to >14.0 ptsExcellentThere is a consistent style throughout (15 pts) with the possibility of one minor error (14 pts).14 to >12.0 ptsGood to AverageThere is a above-average style throughout (13 pts) with one major error or two minor errors (12 pts).12 to >10.0 ptsAverageThere is an average style throughout (11 pts) or with two major errors or three minor errors (10 pts).10 to >0 ptsDour to GraveThe style is inadequate (9 pts). There is a below average style throughout with multiple errors that impact the overall style of the document (range of 0 - 8 pts).15 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics (10 pts): Spelling, APA documentation, grammar, and punctuation are correct. Minimum word requirement is met. Contains all of the required sections.10 to >9.0 ptsExcellentError free (10 pts) or there may be one minor error (9 pts).9 to >7.0 ptsGood to AverageThere may be two major (8 pts) or two minor errors (7 pts).7 to >5.0 ptsAverageThere may be two major errors and one minor (6 pts) or three minor errors (5 pts).5 to >0 ptsDour to GraveAny rating between 0-4 exhibit there are too many errors that impact readability of the document.10 ptsTotal Points: 1
