Cover
Jacob Jarvis
RD1
March 6, 2018
letter
ii
Table of Contents
Stages of Intersection transformation ............................................................................................. 2
Local Government monitors high traffic areas ........................................................................... 2
City hires consultant ................................................................................................................... 2
Funding ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Schematics- Box of design.......................................................................................................... 2
Construction phase ...................................................................................................................... 2
Improvements for intersection success ........................................................................................... 2
Eliminate unprotected left turn signal ......................................................................................... 2
Lower speed limit before intersection of FM2818 and Holleman Dr ......................................... 2
Implement turning lane mirrors .................................................................................................. 2
Reconstruction of intersection .................................................................................................... 2
Benefits ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Reduce traffic .............................................................................................................................. 3
Difficulties ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Project Timeframe ...................................................................................................................... 3
Cost ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Appendix-A: Bibliography of Sources ........................................................................................... 4
List of Works Cited ..................................................................................................................... 4
List of Works Consulted ............................................................................................................. 4
Appendix B: Proposal ..................................................................................................................... 5
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list of visuals and preface
iv
Stages of Intersection transformation
Local Government monitors high traffic areas
1.1.1. Feasibility report by city or citizen
1.1.2. Board identifies needs
City hires consultant
1.1.3. Look at options of what can be done to fix issue
1.1.4. Show at a public meeting with city
1.1.5. Gains public support to move forward
Funding
1.1.6. Get estimate of exact estimate of the size of project
1.1.7. Present to city management
1.1.8. Funding
Schematics- Box of design
1.1.9. Whole design of project is presented
1.1.10. This is what is what we are doing going forward
1.1.11. Public hearing
1.1.12. Picture of schematics
Construction phase
1.1.13. How much of all materials is needed
1.1.14. Personnel
1.1.15. Start Building
Improvements for intersection success
Eliminate unprotected left turn signal
1.1.16. Reduces accidents
1.1.17. Increase commute time
1.1.18. Increased traffic
Lower speed limit before intersection of FM2818 and Holleman Dr
1.1.19. Vehicles can now stop sooner due to the lower speed
1.1.20. Doesn’t help the overall problem of traffic, only safety
1.1.21. ill-tempered drivers
Implement turning lane mirrors
1.1.22. This will decrease blind spots for drivers allowing them to see more
1.1.23. Reduces accidents but not traffic time
Reconstruction of intersection
1.1.24. Incorporate some of these solutions into one
1.1.25. Make over pass for turning lane on Holleman Dr.
1.1.26. Expand from 4 lane road to 8 lanes
1.1.27. Push back the stop lights making the intersection bigger
1.1.28. Visual of intersection
2
Benefits
Safety
1.1.29. First priority is always safety
1.1.30. Decrease accidents
Reduce traffic
1.1.31. Decrease fuel used
1.1.32. improve commute time
1.1.33. increase efficiency
1.1.34. promote economic development
Difficulties
Project Timeframe
1.1.35. Timely process
1.1.36. Could take years
1.1.37. Increases traffic until complete
Cost
1.1.38. Very expensive
1.1.39. New roads and congestion improvements tend to be costly
1.1.40. Between 2-10 Million per lane
3
Appendix-A: Bibliography of Sources
List of Works Cited
List of Works Consulted
I have done the beginning research for my project and there are adequate sources for the
assignment. I have access to these sources by the internet and calling local experts to answer
questions I might have.
1. Mark Poage, City Engineer. Telephone. February 9th 2018. 979-778-2165. (1.1-1.5)
2. https://www.change.org/p/dear-city-council-proposed-changes-to-fm-2818-hollemanintersection. Changes Being Planned for 2818/Holleman. February 9th 2018. (2.1-2.4)
3. http://www.kagstv.com/article/news/local/traffic-a-growing-concern-in-collegestation/483850787. KAGS. February 9th 2018. (3.1)
4. https://mobility.tamu.edu/mip/strategies-pdfs/added-capacity/technical-summary/addingnew-lanes-or-roads-4-pg.pdf. Adding New Lanes or Roads. February 9th 2018. (3.2-4.1)
5. http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/bryan/fm2818.html. Texas
Department of Transportation. February 9th 2018. (4.2)
6. http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/college-station-residents-offer-traffic-solutions-foreast-side/article_5297e84b-3080-5a36-a916-33afeacebe6d.html. The Eagle. February 9th
2018.
4
Appendix B: Proposal
5
College Station Traffic Proposal
Jacob Jarvis
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Subject Area and Problem ................................................................................ 2
Description of the Report ................................................................................................................ 2
Audience and Purpose................................................................................................................. 2
Tentative Outline and Contents .................................................................................................. 2
Preliminary Bibliography............................................................................................................ 4
Project Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Tasks and Methods ..................................................................................................................... 5
Schedule ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Roles/Personal Qualifications ..................................................................................................... 6
Conclusions ................................................................................................................................. 6
Introduction to the Subject Area and Problem
The renowned issue of traffic in College Station is becoming more of a problem every
year. While College Station is a fast-growing city, Texas A&M University enrollment is
booming with more than 62,000 students, and Blinn College enrollment surpassing 13,000
students. Commute time, safety, and fuel consumption would all benefit from decongesting a
few areas in College Station. The intersection of Holleman Dr and Harvey Mitchell (FM2818) is
a disaster and could benefit from a large intersection. The intersection saw 24 crashes in 2016
followed by 21 crashes in 2017 including one that took the life of a Texas A&M student. There
has been talk to eliminate the unprotected left turn signal however that would increase commute
time further.
Description of the Report
In this report I plan on directing city management on a better alternative to the
intersection of FM 2818 and Holleman Drive. I have a good vision for the way I will present this
report with knowledge of the process, factual evidence of previous scenarios and what I think I
could do to improve the intersection. This report will have visuals and will have adequate
information regarding the process. The outline will have information regarding the stages the
process, improvements that can be made to the intersection, benefits of the implementation, and
the difficulties that come with a project of this caliber. The sources I have uncovered are helpful
and informative. I also have access to local city officials for help and questions I might have.
Audience and Purpose
The primary audience of this report on the intersection of FM 2818 and Holleman Dr is
city management. City roads are the cities responsibility. The city has to keep safety and
congestion in mind when considering such a project as implementing a bigger intersection. I will
be persuading the City management board to implement a bigger intersection or overpass
configuration. The secondary audience of this report will be the people of college station who
will benefit from the project in the long run as well as the consultants working on the
development of the intersection.
Tentative Outline and Contents
1. Stages of Intersection transformation
1.1. Local Government monitors high traffic areas
1.1.1. Feasibility report by city or citizen
1.1.2. Board identifies needs
1.2. City hires consultant
1.2.1. Look at options of what can be done to fix issue
1.2.2. Show at a public meeting with city
2
1.2.3. Gains public support to move forward
1.3. Funding
1.3.1. Get estimate of exact estimate of the size of project
1.3.2. Present to city management
1.3.3. Funding
1.4. Schematics- Box of design
1.4.1. Whole design of project is presented
1.4.2. This is what is what we are doing going forward
1.4.3. Public hearing
1.4.4. Picture of schematics
1.5. Construction phase
1.5.1. How much of all materials is needed
1.5.2. Personnel
1.5.3. Start Building
2.
Improvements for intersection success
2.1. Eliminate unprotected left turn signal
2.1.1. Reduces accidents
2.1.2. Increase commute time
2.1.3. Increased traffic
2.2. Lower speed limit before intersection of FM2818 and Holleman Dr
2.2.1. Vehicles can now stop sooner due to the lower speed
2.2.2. Doesn’t help the overall problem of traffic, only safety
2.2.3. ill-tempered drivers
2.3. Implement turning lane mirrors
2.3.1. This will decrease blind spots for drivers allowing them to see more
2.3.2. Reduces accidents but not traffic time
2.4. Reconstruction of intersection
2.4.1. Incorporate some of these solutions into one
2.4.2. Make over pass for turning lane on Holleman Dr.
2.4.3. Expand from 4 lane road to 8 lanes
2.4.4. Push back the stop lights making the intersection bigger
2.4.5. Visual of intersection
3. Benefits
3.1. Safety
3.1.1. First priority is always safety
3.1.2. Decrease accidents
3.2. Reduce traffic
3.2.1. Decrease fuel used
3.2.2. improve commute time
3.2.3. increase efficiency
3.2.4. promote economic development
4. Difficulties
4.1. Project Timeframe
4.1.1. Timely process
4.1.2. Could take years
3
4.1.3.
4.2. Cost
4.2.1.
4.2.2.
4.2.3.
Increases traffic until complete
Very expensive
New roads and congestion improvements tend to be costly
Between 2-10 Million per lane
Preliminary Bibliography
I have done the beginning research for my project and there are adequate sources for the
assignment. I have access to these sources by the internet and calling local experts to answer
questions I might have.
1. Mark Poage, City Engineer. Telephone. February 9th 2018. 979-778-2165. (1.1-1.5)
My first source is an interview with a local expert on the process of how city
management recognizes high traffic areas and how the process of widening an
intersection begins.
2. https://www.change.org/p/dear-city-council-proposed-changes-to-fm-2818-hollemanintersection. Changes Being Planned for 2818/Holleman. February 9th 2018. (2.1-2.4)
The second source I have was an article on ideas and solutions to make the
intersection safer and more efficient. This source is important to my project because it
helps me think about the alternatives to making the intersection practical.
3. http://www.kagstv.com/article/news/local/traffic-a-growing-concern-in-collegestation/483850787. KAGS. February 9th 2018. (3.1)
The third source I chose is an article about the existing safety concerns with the
intersection and in what way the intersection would be safer if the new intersection was
implemented.
4. https://mobility.tamu.edu/mip/strategies-pdfs/added-capacity/technical-summary/addingnew-lanes-or-roads-4-pg.pdf. Adding New Lanes or Roads. February 9th 2018. (3.2-4.1)
The fourth source I used is a document with content on recent road construction
in College station. It has information on roughly how much the projects costed,
timeframe and also the benefit of the construction afterwards.
5. http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/bryan/fm2818.html. Texas
Department of Transportation. February 9th 2018. (4.2)
The fifth source I used is an article I found online about what implements would
be made and what it would cost to widen a road on FM2818. This source is relevant to
my project by providing another incite on the issue of traffic in the area.
6. http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/college-station-residents-offer-traffic-solutions-foreast-side/article_5297e84b-3080-5a36-a916-33afeacebe6d.html. The Eagle. February 9th
2018.
4
This source is important to my project because it gives helpful information on the
traffic area and relevant facts with ways to improve the intersection.
Project Plan
There is more that needs to be done for this project to be wrapped up. To finish this
project correctly it requires more research on the stages of the process and also more background
on the implementation of an intersection. I have a busy schedule this semester but should have
adequate time to work on my report and put together the most informative report I can. I am
capable of being a transportation consultant for this project because I deal with the repercussions
of this intersection not being efficient. This topic inspires me to reflect and also do something
about the issue of traffic on FM 2818 and Holleman Drive.
Tasks and Methods
To finish the project, first I plan on doing more research. Calling another local official or
expert could help me tie the project together. I will need to compose my rough drafts, have my
piers read and give helpful insight, then edit and further my project. I plan on providing the
information on how the process of widening an intersection works and what I could do to
improve them.
•
•
•
•
•
I will need to research more about what might be the best solution for the problems
regarding the intersection
Visuals need to be found for the project and how/where they will tie in
I will need to learn to read a schematics maps
I will need to learn how to bind a document
To create the physical document, I will need to print and bind the pages together.
5
Schedule
This semester I have class Monday through Thursday. Monday/Wednesday I have
Business Legal Environment at 5:40 P.M. Tuesday/Thursday I have Chemistry from 12:00 P.M.
to 2:40 P.M. then Technical Writing from 4:15 P.M.to 5:30P.M. I do most of my homework the
night after my classes and finish up left over work on Fridays. I will work on my project Monday
and Wednesday mornings and should have plenty of time to put towards my project.
Monday
Morning
Project
Afternoon
Calc II
Night
B Law
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Project
Chemistry
Technical
Writing
Calc II
Friday
Homework
Chemistry
Technical
Writing
Homework
B Law
Roles/Personal Qualifications
I will be a transportation consultant for my report. I am capable of playing this role and
am interested in the process. I avoid the intersection of FM2818 and Holleman Drive when I can,
but a lot of the time I have to face the congestion of traffic and it is always frustrating, time
consuming and dangerous. Something needs to be one to this intersection for safety and traffic
concerns.
Conclusions
Traffic in College Station is becoming an issue in a few places. The intersection of FM
2818 and Holleman can see close to 20,000 vehicles a day. The intersection is adding way too
much time to residents’ commute. I would put together a proposal of what needs to be done to
the intersection to reduce congestion and how to get city management involved. This project is
feasible and logical. Mr. Richard McGuire, I request that you approve this project.
6
Note: Please do not print this.
ENGLISH 2311
Course Packet
Version 2.2
English 2311 Course Packet
Humanities Division
P.O. Box 3712
Bryan, TX 77805
January 27, 2018
Blinn College
Technical Writing Students
Bryan, TX 77802
Dear Students:
Welcome to English 2311! I hope you are ready for a challenging semester.
This packet contains some lecture notes and all of the handouts you will need to complete your
assignments for this course. Please refer to them throughout the semester.
In addition, along with the sample reports I will show in class, this document may serve as a
model for your Formal Report assignment.
Understand that this packet is a work in progress—especially the Appendices.
Sincerely,
Richard McGuire
Richard McGuire,
Instructor
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English 2311 Course Packet
Table of Content
PREFACE ..................................................................................................................................................................... IV
LECTURE NOTES ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING ............................................................................................................................1
Definition ..............................................................................................................................................................1
History ..................................................................................................................................................................1
Future ...................................................................................................................................................................1
Characteristics of Technical Writers .....................................................................................................................1
Document Types ...................................................................................................................................................2
Characteristics of a Technical Communication Document ...................................................................................2
Characteristics of the Text ....................................................................................................................................2
CHOOSING REPORT TOPICS ..............................................................................................................................................3
RESUMES AND LETTERS OF APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................3
Resumes ...............................................................................................................................................................3
Correspondence....................................................................................................................................................4
AUDIENCE ....................................................................................................................................................................5
What are some categories of readers? ................................................................................................................5
What are some characteristics of readers? ..........................................................................................................6
DEFINITION TECHNIQUES .................................................................................................................................................6
INSTRUCTIONS ...............................................................................................................................................................6
Standard Elements ...............................................................................................................................................6
Optional Elements ................................................................................................................................................7
Equipment......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Visuals ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Liability and Safety Information ........................................................................................................................................ 7
FORMATTING STANDARDS FOR ALL DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................. 8
General Instructions .............................................................................................................................................8
Font Sizes, etc. ......................................................................................................................................................8
Assignment Submission ........................................................................................................................................8
ASSIGNMENT PROMPTS ........................................................................................................................................ 9
TOPIC DISCUSSION (TD)..................................................................................................................................................9
ROUGH DRAFTS .............................................................................................................................................................9
Proposal Draft (PD) ..............................................................................................................................................9
Report Draft 1 (RD1).............................................................................................................................................9
Report Draft 2 and 3 (RD2 and RD3) ..................................................................................................................10
PROPOSAL ..................................................................................................................................................................10
Introduction to the Subject Area and Problem (or Opportunity) ........................................................................10
Description of the Report ...................................................................................................................................10
Audience and Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Tentative Outline and Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Preliminary Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Project Plan ........................................................................................................................................................11
Tasks and Methods ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Schedule .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Roles/Personal Qualifications ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Conclusions/Recommendation(s) .......................................................................................................................12
RESUME/LETTER OF APPLICATION ...................................................................................................................................12
AUDIENCE/DEFINITION .................................................................................................................................................13
INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................................................................................13
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English 2311 Course Packet
Humanities Division
FORMAL REPORT .........................................................................................................................................................14
Front Matter.......................................................................................................................................................14
Cover ............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Letter of Transmittal ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Table of Content(s) (TOC) and List of Visuals .................................................................................................................. 15
Preface ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Body of the Report .............................................................................................................................................15
Back Matter........................................................................................................................................................16
Appendix A: Bibliographies of Sources ........................................................................................................................... 16
Appendix “?”: Formal Report Proposal .......................................................................................................................... 16
PRESENTATION OF FORMAL REPORT/ORAL PRESENTATION (OP) ..........................................................................................16
APPENDIX A: MS-WORD TIPS ............................................................................................................................... 18
General ...............................................................................................................................................................19
Notes on Styles ...................................................................................................................................................19
Navigation ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Layout ............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Visuals ............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
TOC.................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Pagination ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20
APPENDIX B: INDEX ............................................................................................................................................. 21
APPENDIX C: GRADING SYMBOLS ........................................................................................................................ 23
Preface
This packet has two objectives. First, I want to save paper, so I am delivering the packet
electronically. Second, I want you to see the basic structure of a formal report for this class.
This packet is so structured.
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English 2311 Course Packet
Lecture Notes
Introduction to Technical Writing
You should always include text here to at least summarize the following subsections.
Definition
It’s not easy to give. Is it:
writing about technical things? (design, use, repair)
writing technically (i.e., adhering to rules of grammar, punctuation, etc.)?, using
imperative mood at the right time
both?
more?
I use a broad definition, based on the following characteristics of technical writing.
History
WWII weapons and the post-war boom: high-tech. equipment, use and repair
the computer industry: hardware and software manuals, specifications
Can you make a case for these pre-WWII phenomena?
shipping records, maps—visuals too!, accounting records—other fields!, medical
information, cave walls
Now we are ready to see that this class is not just about writing: speaking, listening, reading,
thinking, too. TW is a bad term. TC is better. And, TC depends on other fields for content?
Future
What else can technical writers get themselves into?
software interface design
product testing (Do products communicate with their users? What’s a dialog box?)
“soft editing:” in word processors, mind non-printing characters (¶ · → )
Soft editing is especially important when publishing documents in multiple media. Why? The
little things do matter.
Characteristics of Technical Writers
have good editorial skills
are degreed (often advanced) and/or specialized in some technical field (e.g., computer
science, an engineering discipline, hard sciences)
are objective, methodical, painstaking
Many jobs have technical communication in them. Not just technical writers do technical
writing. You will, too, even if all you do is report your status on a project to your supervisor by
email.
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English 2311 Course Packet
Humanities Division
Document Types
Correspondence (4 functions)
textbooks, lab manuals
proposals
reports
instructions, manuals, etc.
contracts
forms
sales/promotional materials
press releases
OPs?
A broad definition would include any document produced by a company, an agency, an
institution, or an organization.
Characteristics of a Technical Communication Document
is not fiction
is not academic (think of Service Learning projects, or stuff at work)
meets deadlines because others need info. upon which to act
has specific audience (primary and secondary?)
never the general public
purpose (primary and secondary?)
syllabus
context
has a life cycle
uses specialized vocabulary
defines terms using standard techniques
uses standard formats (letter should look like a letter, etc.)
has visual appeal
use visuals (graphs, pictures, charts, etc.)
use elements of page design
anticipates reader questions as they arise
is logically organized to accommodate selective reading and navigation (cross references)
o front matter to disclose scope and purpose (table of content with page numbers,
forewords, abstracts)
o cumulative body, with headings and pagination
o back matter (appendixes, indexes, glossaries, bibliographies)
Not all of these elements would appear in every document; that depends on audience and
purpose.
Characteristics of the Text
avoid sexist language
use active voice
use standard formats for numerals, symbols, abbreviations (TX)
Finally the text as a whole should be:
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English 2311 Course Packet
clear (one meaning)
correct (rules of the language and context)
concise (to the point)
Choosing Report Topics
Subject Area
Audience
o Who are you speaking to?
Purpose
o instruct, direct, inform, or persuade
Context
o Professional
o Civic
o Scholastic
Document Type
Role
o What is your role on this document?
Sources
o Books
o Articles
o Interviews
o Surveys
o Etc.
Resumes and Letters of Application
Resumes
Contact information
o Name
o Phone numbers
o Addresses
o E-mail
Education Information
o List of schools you have attended (colleges)
Name of school and town
o Major- Degree
o Dates attended
o Study abroad
o Minor
o Expenses you paid yourself for school
Ex. Paid 50% of college myself
o Military or professional training
Blinn College
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English 2311 Course Packet
Humanities Division
Certificates
Employment information
o Name of company and town
o Dates
o Title
o Duties and skills
Use action words and key words
o Put best jobs
Ex. Like best three jobs (don’t worry about gaps in time between jobs)
Optional
o Goal or objective statement
Objective statement if used should be specific.
o Honors, awards, patents, publications, and trademarks
o Military
Security clearance, status, ranks, etc.
o Involved in offices, professional organizations, or community (volunteer work)
Be careful of religious or political things (touchy)
o Travels and languages you can speak
o References
Available upon request.
Correspondence
Memo
o Internal use, within company
Letter
o External use, company to company
o Make sure you include in this order
Your address
Date
Name and address of recipient
Salutation
Ex. Dear John Doe:
Body paragraphs
Closing salutation
Sincerely
Your signature
Your name
o When writing make sure you apply the functions of correspondence:
State the news
Detail the news
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Humanities Division
English 2311 Course Packet
Call the audience to action
Maintain a good will
Audience
Keep in mind that audience affects every aspect of a document: detail, language, organization,
font size, font face, font style, paragraphing, vocabulary, sentence structure, and syntax,
vocabulary, background information, font style and size, paragraphing, layout.
Audience is one of the most important considerations of technical writers. Why do people read
technical documents?
to gather information
to make a decision
to complete a task
to be persuaded
So, determine your readers’ purpose and ask yourselves what you reader would need to do this.
To inform
What do the readers already know about the subject?
What do they expect to learn?
To direct
What information do they need to make the decision?
To persuade
What facts and logical arguments can persuade them?
To instruct
How much detail do they need in order to complete the task safely and efficiently?
Keep in mind that documents often have different readers of different levels of sophistication
(primary, secondary, and external readers), so a document may have more than one purpose.
One approach is to write different parts for different readers. Develop items that readers can
quickly scan (TOC, abstract, executive summary, conclusions, recommendations) and other
sections they can read with more attention. Some suggest providing short follow-up features
(sidebars, visuals, and chapter summaries).
What are some categories of readers?
It’s not so important to memorize these categories, rather to understand that there is a scale of
sophistication among readers. You can say that most readers are going to fall into one of these
categories—exactly which depends on the subject matter. So readers can fall into different
categories when they read different materials.
Experts
Blinn College
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English 2311 Course Packet
Humanities Division
Technicians and Equipment Operators
Professional non-experts
Students
General Readers
Children
What are some characteristics of readers?
Education
Experience
Reading Level (just because someone’s reading level is high, does not mean that writers
should complicate a subject)
Attitude/Motivation (Recommendations—good news vs. bad news) (KBSI phone
training)
Attention Span?
Time
Environment/Context
Role/Rank
Language—Imagine what “Hit the road” means to an ESL student.
Should you consider these characteristics as well?
Values
Socio-economic level
Age (or phase of life)
Culture
Race
Religion
Gender
Definition Techniques
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
formal definition
synonym/antonym
visuals
stipulation
operational def.
example
analogy
origin
9. division
10. analysis
11. comparison
12. distinction or contrast
13. elimination
14. cause/effect
15. scenario
Instructions
Standard Elements
These elements are required for instructions:
a title (“How to_____” or “______ing”)
a statement of audience
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English 2311 Course Packet
numbered steps (imperative mood, no transitions, one action per step)
a sense of closure (pagination, troubleshooting?, etc.)
Optional Elements
Other elements are not required but may be useful, as described below.
Equipment
In addition to this list, time/space/personnel requirements are often essential for readers.
(everything you need
parts list
tools list
materials list (consumables vs. disposables)
Visuals
Readers may benefit from visuals of:
parts (especially hardware)
tools
materials
screenshots
product/stages
what not to do
locations, actions
Liability and Safety Information
Instructions sometimes identify intended and unintended uses of a product or process. Doing so
helps prevent liability, even in cases such as this: Superhero costumes will not enable your child
to fly. Maintenance information, storage information, license agreements, and warranties may be
involved. Include emergency/poison control information when appropriate.
For warranties and how to get service, contact information, such as telephone numbers,
addresses, email addresses, and/or web addresses would be needed.
Use the safety statement that corresponds to its risk.
Danger: risk of death
Warning: risk of injury
Caution: risk of property damage
Note (or Tip): risk of lost time or increased frustration.
Use the following design elements to highlight safety statements:
symbols
color (bold)
indentation
space
font
location
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Formatting Standards for All Documents
Follow these directions for everything you submit.
General Instructions
Ensure neatness and visual appeal; how a document looks is as important as what it says.
Single space.
Include a colon and your section number after your name.
Sign all letters (above your name); initial typed memos (beside your name).
Use one-inch (ragged right) margins. Use a larger inside margin for bound documents.
Paginate. If you use headers and footers, leave them blank on the first page.
All headings must precede normal text; all lists must follow it. (This packet, as it is a
work in progress, does not always obey this rule.)
Horizontally center, caption, and number visuals.
Indent and use numbers or bullets for lists; indicate subordination in multi-level lists.
Font Sizes, etc.
Learn to use styles and their parameters on your word processor. Recognize headings as the
outline, and use font size, character features, indentation, and spacing to indicate levels. Avoid
using bold (except in headings) or underlined fonts, except (as character styles) for emphasis.
Use italics for foreign terms. Do not use ALL CAPS. Use the following guidelines:
Normal—Font: 12 pt. Times New Roman; Paragraph: left aligned, 12 pt. after, single
space, first line indented (if you wish), and widow/orphan control.
Heading 1—Normal + Font: 14 pt., Arial, Bold; Paragraph: left aligned, 12 pt. before, 3
pt. after, and K/N. Use appropriate specifications for Headings 2-4.
Title—Normal + Font: Bold, 16 pt., Arial; Paragraph: centered, 12 pt. after, and K/N.
Header—Normal + Font: 10 pt., italics; Paragraph: no first line indentation, no space
after; Tab: right @ 6.5; Border: single solid line ½ pt. with space from text (bottom) 2 pt.
Footer—Normal + Font: 10 pt., italics; Paragraph: no first line indentation, no space
after; Tab: right @ 6.5; Border: single solid line ½ pt. with space from text (top) 2 pt.
Figure—Normal + Paragraph: centered, 0 pt. after, K/N; Style to follow-Caption.
Caption—Normal + Font: Bold; Paragraph: centered, 6 pt. before and 12 pt. after.
Assignment Submission
Keep a back-up copy of disks and printed papers.
Type and submit all assignments to me in person. Don’t identify errors as you submit
and don’t inquire about any penalty for a given error. Don’t ask if I’ve finished grading.
Double-side your Formal Report and all in-class work.
Staple all pages together, unless it is appropriate not to. No plastic covers or paper clips.
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Assignment Prompts
For each assignment, refer to the appropriate section below.
Memo Requesting Excused Absences or Assignments
If you have missed class and want me to excuse you, type a memo to me and apply the functions
of correspondence, as listed in the Correspondence section on page 4. Attach any documentation
for your absence and request to the memo.
Topic Discussion (TD)
Begin thinking of a topic for your proposal and formal report as soon as possible. The TD will
emphasize the characteristics of a good topic as we discussed in class. A good TD is not a
laundry list.
Attend class on the days you do not present to receive credit for participation in the TDs of
others (40% of this assignment). You must be attentive and polite to receive this credit. Any
disruption (talking, leaving at break, sleeping, etc.) will eliminate your participation credit for
that day.
During your TD, focus on describing your topic with respect to the characteristics of a good
topic I describe in class. Do not focus your TD on presumed content of your report. You must
deliver a TD in order to score on this assignment.
Rough Drafts
Here is specific information on submission of rough drafts. Avoid a late penalty by arriving to
the peer reviews on time, with a printed copy of the document that is due. Be sure to submit
your draft on Turnitin.com before the deadline.
Proposal Draft (PD)
To earn full credit, your PD must include material in each section of the proposal. Scoring will
emphasize the Tentative Outline and Preliminary Bibliography sections. PDs are due on
Turnitin.com the night before the peer review in class.
For more complete instructions regarding proposals, see Proposal on page 10.
Report Draft 1 (RD1)
Your first rough draft (RD1) must include pages for each report element, printed and doublesided. RD1 must include the Tentative Outline from your proposal, with each entry promoted to
a heading in the body of the report and included in the Table of Contents of the report. RD1
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must also include the Preliminary Bibliography from your proposal as the List of Works Cited.
Build the structure and headings of the Formal Report as I show in class, with all page numbers.
For more complete instructions, see Formal Report on page 14.
Report Draft 2 and 3 (RD2 and RD3)
Your second rough draft (RD2) must include properly-formatted citations and four body pages.
RD2 must also include visuals, captions, cross references, and a List of Visuals. RD3 must
include eight body pages and citations. These RDs are due on Turnitin.com the night before the
peer review in class.
For more complete instructions regarding reports, see Formal Report on page 14.
Proposal
When you submit your proposal, you may not change your formal report topic unless you submit
a revised proposal.
Write a proposal of no more than six single-sided pages to request approval for your Formal
Report topic. Once you submit your proposal, continue working on your project.
Let the first page include your name and the title. Include a table of content(s), with dot leaders
on this page.
Use the headings below. Include text in each of the following sections of your proposal:
Introduction to the Subject Area and Problem (or Opportunity)
Begin this section on page 2 of your proposal. Address issues such as need, background, scope,
and significance. Justify your choice of topic.
Description of the Report
In this section, summarize the following subsections. Include major points.
Audience and Purpose
Identify, describe, and justify the intended primary and secondary audiences of your report. Is
the purpose of your report to instruct, to direct, or to persuade? Why?
Tentative Outline and Contents
Identify the type of document you will create as your report and identify report’s contents.
Describe and justify: the report’s format; any anticipated visuals—types, purposes; and any
appendices—number, content.
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Create a phrase-based outline of the major sections of your report, including non-required back
matter. Detail the minor sections as much as possible. Use an outline numbering scheme. This
outline will become the major and minor headings in the body of your formal report.
Preliminary Bibliography
Indicate the state of your research and where you found each source. Demonstrate that adequate
sources (at least 5 by now) are available for your project and that you have access to them.
Include a representative sample of the sources you intend to use. Employ the bibliographic style
described in the following list and discuss your documentation of non-standard sources. Sources
with inadequate bibliographic information don’t count. Number and annotate in italics (i.e.,
describe the source’s content and its relevance to your project) each entry or group of entries.
Tie each source to specific sections of your Tentative Outline, using the outline numbering
scheme. List sources in chronological order according to the outline. Do not limit this list—or
the List of Works Cited in the Formal Report—to online sources.
1. For printed sources, include the following:
Author’s name. Title of the Work. Date. Publication Information.
2. For interviews, include the following:
Name of Interviewee, Title of Interviewee. Title of Interview. Date(s). Contact Information.
The title of interviewee must be a job title.
The title of the interview shall take this form: Interview on
The type of interview shall be (Email, Telephone, or Personal).
The contact information shall match the type of interview.
3. For surveys, include the following:
Your Name (as author). Title of the Survey. Date(s). Location of Survey.
The title of the survey shall take this form: Survey of on
4. For Internet sources, include the following:
Title of Web Page. Internet Home Page address. Date.
The title of the web page is probably located in the title bar of your browser.
The Internet address shall be the home page of the website, not a specific page address.
Retain specific page addresses for citations in the Formal Report.
Project Plan
In this section, summarize the following subsections. Include major points.
Tasks and Methods
Describe the project (not the report). How do you plan to create and deliver the document you
have described?
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List the specific primary and/or secondary research, writing, assembly, and other tasks you must
perform to complete the project. Specifically describe what each task involves. You will have to
begin some of these tasks as you write the proposal. Include realistic milestones for completion
of each task, including any travel. Note the duration of each task.
Here are some considerations:
Research what? Why? Where? What keywords for Internet searches?
Need you compile data, create charts, or locate visuals? How?
Will you need to use and/or require training on any equipment (e.g., a computer,
software, a copy machine, a color printer, a scanner, etc.)?
Acknowledge risks and address your mitigation of them.
Explain how you will create the physical document.
Schedule
Present a schedule of a typical week for you this semester, acknowledge other demands on your
time, and demonstrate when you will be able to work on your Formal Report. Format the
schedule as a table.
Roles/Personal Qualifications
Identify a professional author (or a job title) for a report of this type. Demonstrate that you are
capable of playing this role and are interested in this project.
Conclusions/Recommendation(s)
Summarize your proposal. Convince me that the project is feasible and request that I approve
the project.
Resume/Letter of Application
Here are the instructions for your Resume/Letter of Application assignment.
1. Find or invent a position in your field—a full-time job that you might apply for after
graduation, a summer job, an internship, a part-time job, a graduate program, an
assistantship, etc.
2. Write a one-page letter of application for the position. Try to use the correct address,
name, and other pertinent details. If you cannot find them, make them up or address the
letter to me. Don’t forget to sign your letter.
3. Design a one-page resume to reflect your skills, your education, your experience, etc.
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While I read your assignment, the following should be apparent:
The audience of your resume and letter.
The position you are applying for and its duties.
Any assumptions you have made about the position and the employer.
How you have tailored your letter and resume for this particular position.
Note: You may write your assignment as if you were applying upon graduation, with the
appropriate classes, work experience, etc. If you do this, be realistic.
Submit a letter of application and a resume (on one double-sided sheet).
Audience/Definition
Here are the instructions for your Audience/Definition assignment.
1. Find a passage of text. Most students choose something written for a sophisticated
audience, perhaps an expert audience.
2. Re-write the original text for two specific, appropriate, and different audiences. Identify
those audiences at the top of each re-write in the form of a title. Do not exceed one page
total. As each new audience is different, take care to change the text, and perhaps the
type of document, dramatically.
3. If required, employ at least four different definition techniques of those we discussed in
class. Highlight the term and the text where you’ve used each technique. Identify each
technique you use and the term it defines in a numbered footnote. For visuals, include
the footnote in the caption.
4. Make a photocopy (or screenshot) of the original text and include it as the last page of
your assignment. Highlight the paragraph(s) of the original text that you are using and
identify the audience.
Instructions
Here are the instructions for your Instructions assignment.
1. Choose a topic for this assignment. Shoot for about one page.
2. Create or revise a set of instructions.
Identify a specific and appropriate audience for your assignment. Detail its
characteristics.
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Employ whatever elements of instructions, etc. are required and appropriate for the
document you create. Give your instructions a sense of closure.
Submit the instructions. If you revise a document, include a copy of the original.
Refer to the examples I have shown in class and our discussion about them when you have
questions about whether your idea will be adequate to meet this assignment.
Formal Report
General Notes and Instructions
Write a Formal Report with double-sided pages based on your approved proposal. Include the
required elements described below in the sequence they appear. Please note that some of the
headings below (Front Matter, Cover, Letter of Transmittal, Body of the Report, and Back
Matter) are not to become headings in your report. Bind your report using a finger bind and
white or off-white front and back covers. Omit plastic covers.
Before you submit your formal report, inform me as to whether you will require computer
support for your OP.
There are no excuses—not even computer failure—for late reports. I will not return the report to
you.
Front Matter
These required elements, each a single page, will appear in the front of the document, before the
body of the report. They introduce your report and assist readers in navigating the document.
Cover
Create an attractive cover for your report—like a book. Include relevant information (Term,
ENGL ####:xx). This is the first page (i), but don’t include a page number.
Tip:
If you use MS-Word, and want to prevent a page number from appearing on the letter,
insert a Next Page Section Break after the Cover.
Letter of Transmittal
Write this letter to me, using the address noted below. Keep in mind the four functions of any
piece of correspondence. Also, tell me how the report/project turned out, including significant
changes since the proposal. Grant or deny permission for using your report as an example in the
future. Limit the letter to one page. This is the second page (ii). You may place it on the back
of the cover. Your secondary audience may be my students next semester.
Richard McGuire, Instructor
PO BOX 3712
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Bryan, Texas 77805
Table of Content(s) (TOC) and List of Visuals
Use dot leaders in each of these lists and label each of them. Include first, second, and third level
headings of the Body of the Report at a maximum. Include entries for each element that follows
the TOC.
For the List of Visuals (LOV), include numbered and captioned entries for each label (e.g., table,
figure, equation, etc.) as appropriate.
This is the third page (iii).
Preface
If necessary, you can include the LOV on this page.
Write about a page of text to your readers and label it as the Preface. Refer to the Introduction to
the Problem or Opportunity section of your proposal. Discuss your motivation in choosing this
topic. In second person, describe the audience for whom the report is intended, so that readers
will know what you expect from them. Describe what readers should expect to learn from
reading your report. Do not format the Preface as a letter, but consider applying the functions of
correspondence. Include a credit for any visuals on the cover. This is the fourth page (iv). Limit
front matter to four pages.
Tip:
If you use MS-Word, insert a Next Page Section Break after the Preface. Use the Page
Layout tab to control margins—I recommend a 1.5" inside margin (or a 1-inch inside
margin with a one-half inch gutter)—and layout parameters—different first page and
different odd/even headers and footers—for each section. These controls are under
Custom Margins. Use Page Numbers on the Insert tab to specify the format for the page
numbers in each section. Then, insert the page numbers into the footers of each section,
starting at the beginning of the document.
Body of the Report
Include the title of the report at the top of the first page of this section. Paginate this section—
and everything that follows—with Western Arabic numerals. Include citations throughout the
text (rough drafts must include citations). Cite the source of a visual at the point of cross
reference for that visual. The minimum for this section is 10 single-spaced pages.
Citations shall take this form: (x:y), where x is the source’s number in the List of Works Cited,
and y is the page number or extension of a web page address (e.g., /faculty.html). Thus
interviews and surveys have no y term.
Refer to lecture notes for using TinyURL.com with long web addresses.
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Back Matter
Include the appendices noted below. Between them, you are welcome to include appendices for
other appendices (e.g., a glossary, a list of abbreviations, a list of acronyms, etc.) as you see fit.
Include a divider page for each appendix, as done in this document. Refer to the divider pages in
the TOC. Paginate appropriately.
Appendix A: Bibliographies of Sources
Create an appendix cover page labelled as above.
The following mutually exclusive lists should contain at least 10 sources total. Write a
paragraph to introduce your audience to each list. Refer to Preliminary Bibliography on page 11
of this packet for sample bibliographic entries.
List of Works Cited
Include an entry for every source you have cited (and vice versa) in your report, in the order they
are cited. Include at least six sources. Your first rough draft must include the Preliminary
Bibliography from your proposal.
List of Works Consulted
Make an entry for every source you found during your research but did not cite in your report (I
expect about five). This list and the List of Works Cited will be mutually exclusive.
Appendix “?”: Formal Report Proposal
Create an appendix cover page labelled as above.
As the last appendix, include the graded copy of your proposal. Remove its first page and the
staple. If your original proposal was double sided, include a photocopy of the graded proposal,
less page 1.
Presentation of Formal Report/Oral Presentation (OP)
Here are the instructions for your Presentation of Formal Report assignment.
1. Prepare an informal presentation/discussion of your Formal Report project. Limit the
combined presentation and discussion to a maximum of 6 minutes (or else your
classmates and I will, with a major penalty). The presentation must be longer than the
discussion. The audience of this presentation is your classmates, so consider its level of
interest. Here are some suggestions:
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Introduce yourself and take control of the room. Allude to your Topic Discussion
assignment. Help your listeners recall your project based on what you said about
it earlier this semester. Summarize the project.
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Characterize the audience and purpose of your report. How did they change over
the course of the project? How did the scope of the project change? Did you
narrow or broaden the topic?
How did the project go? How did the report turn out? Are you satisfied with
your work? Was the project any fun at all? Any tales of woe?
Consider: wearing reasonable attire, maintaining enthusiasm and eye contact (but
don’t stare at me), avoiding a monotone delivery, and making distracting physical
habits. Do not read from report copy. Avoid “meta-statements” such as, “I lost
my train of thought” or “I’m trying to think.”
If you plan to use the screen, tell me today. I will hold you to what you say.
Whatever the case, do not abuse the software: too many slides, too much text,
colors, transitions, etc. Informally give credit to borrowed material on slides (no
URLs). Whenever possible, use the Assertion/Evidence structure discussed in
class for slides.
Give a good sense of closure to your presentation. Be ready for questions from
the other students and from me. Elicit a discussion.
2. Be ready to give your presentation in class according to the syllabus.
I will not schedule any presentation. Instead, I will come to class each day with a list of
speakers. If you are absent on the day you are to present, you will receive no credit for
this assignment (unless you have an authorized excuse for your absence). If you refuse to
present when called, you will receive no credit for this assignment.
3. Attend class on the days you do not present to receive credit for participation in the
presentations of others (40% of this assignment). You must be attentive and polite to
receive this credit and you must also complete a presentation of your own. Any
disruption (talking, leaving at break, sleeping, entering the room while others are
speaking, looking at or touching your cell phone, etc.) will eliminate your participation
credit for that day.
4. You must attend your home section for the OPs.
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Appendix A: MS-Word Tips
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General
Students have reported that printing a Word document while it is attached to an email message
will cause problems with page numbers. To avoid this problem, save the file to a hard drive and
then print it.
Style vs Direct Formatting
discuss paragraph characteristics
Notes on Styles
Navigation
hotkeys
Use Online Layout view.
Outline view
Layout
See Word Help Getting Results for look of a doc.
Print Preview/Full page to review formatting
Dummy Style
No Title style
Visuals
Insert Figures and Tables (Captions, Label, #)
Remember when pasting pictures (either from a file or the clipboard) that Word floats the picture
over the text. I suggest you turn this off.
TOC
Use Heading Styles for the outline (section titles)
Insert the TOC (Word will collect the headings)
Can do the same with Captions and the LOV
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Pagination
Page Setup
margins
diff 1st page
To make part Roman and part Arabic page numbers
1. Insert a Section Break (next page) between the Preface and the body of the report.
2. In each section, on the Insert tab, choose Page Numbers and then Format Page Numbers.
Format the page numbers appropriately--Roman in the first section, Arabic in the second. Be
sure the body restarts the page numbering at page 1.
3. On the Page Layout tab, under Margins/Custom Margins, choose Different Odd and Even
and Different First Page (on the Layout tab) and apply to the whole document.
4. Move the cursor to the beginning of the document. CTRL+Home is the hotkey.
5. On the Insert tab, Choose Footer/Edit Footer. IN the various footers, position the cursor at
the point you want to insert page numbers. Click the Page Numbers button and choose
Current Position and the first option.
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Appendix B: Index
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A
M
audience .................................... 2, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16
Memo .........................................................................4
C
O
Citations ...................................................................15
Context .................................................................. 3, 6
Correspondence .................................................... 2, 4
OPs ....................................................................... 2, 17
P
Definition Techniques ................................................6
Document Type .........................................................3
page numbers .......................................... 2, 10, 15, 20
Paginate ...................................................................15
Pagination ................................................................19
purpose ...................................................... 2, 5, 10, 16
F
R
Formal Report .............................. ii, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16
functions of correspondence .................................. 4, 9
Resumes ....................................................................3
Role ....................................................................... 3, 6
I
S
instructions ...................................................... 2, 6, 13
Section Break ............................................... 14, 15, 20
sources .............................................................. 11, 16
Subject Area ........................................................ 3, 10
D
L
Letter ................................................................... 4, 14
Letters of Application ................................................3
V
Visuals ...................................................... 7, 10, 15, 19
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Appendix C: Grading Symbols
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Here are some of the symbols I use when grading your assignments:
format .... improve the format
¶ ............. add paragraphs
SS ........... single space
K/N ........ keep with next
w/o.......... adjust widow/orphan
H ............ modify Heading use
circle ...... spelling error
dic .......... word choice
RO.......... run-on sentence
inc .......... incomplete or inconsistent
tone ........ inappropriate tone
frag ........ sentence fragment
C/S ......... comma splice
PSV ........ avoid passive voice
ref ........... pronoun reference
font......... modify font
sans ........ use a serif font
n/p agr ... noun/pronoun agreement
s/v agr .... subject/verb agreement
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~ .......... transpose
// ............. use parallel structure
tense ....... verb tense
#.............. space or page numbers
b/c .......... use “because”
Y2K........ use Y2K dates
em .......... use em dash (—)
SQ .......... use smart quotes
D/S ......... double side
concise ... use fewer words
dev.......... develop the text
punc ....... punctuation error
awk ........ awkward construction
mood ...... change verb mood
mod ........ misplaced modifier
sig ........... signature
├ ............. align left
case ........ use different case
........ remove space
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