definitions

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

HS 8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH

DEFINITIONS

1. What is it?

A definition is a statement that says what something is.

A definition is the explanation of a word.

A good definition should be precise, accurate and it should identify the item you are defining beyond any doubt.

Definitions of terms are the foundations of technical writing.

2. Types of definitions  

            1. Informal definitions

            2. Formal definitions (single sentence definition)

            3. Extended definitions

3. A. Informal definitions:

A definition placed between commas or parentheses is usually known as informal definition. It is also termed as parenthetical definition.

Examples:

1. Every batter hops for a grand slam (four runs from one swing of a bat)

2. The viscosity (thickness) of the syrup made it difficult to pour.

3. On an average day, he was able to cut a card ( 128 cubic feet) of wood.

Characteristics:

            -Low level need

            -Low level of importance

            -Brief- a word or a phrase

3. B. Formal definitions:

            A formal definition consists of three parts:

                        1. The term to be defined

                        2. The class, group or concept to which the term belongs

3. The unique characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class/functions or uses/ specific details

                        TERM                        >          CLASS           >          CHARACTERISTICS

Example1:

A resistor (term) is an electronic device (class) that is used in electronic circuits to oppose and control current flow (characteristics)

Example2:

A conductor (term) is a device or material (class) that readily carries electricity, heat or sound (characteristics

More examples:

            1. Define: solar cell

A solar cell is a device which converts the energy of sunlight into electrical energy.

            2. Define: camera

                        A camera is an instrument that is used for taking photographs.

            3. Define: endoscope

                        An endoscope is an instrument that doctors use to look inside the body.

            4. Define: star

                        A star is a celestial body which appears as a luminous point in the night sky.

From the above definitions a formula for definition (formal)- writing can be arrived;

                                                A+B+C = D

                        Where              A is the term defined

                                                B is the class to which the term belongs

                                                C is the special characteristic (or) use of the term and

                                                D is the definition

Some more examples of a formal definition (single sentence definition)

            1. Hammer

                        A hammer is a tool which is used for breaking or driving nails into a surface.

            2. Gold

                        Gold is a bright yellow metal that is used in making jewels. (Or)

                        Gold is a bright yellow metal that dissolves in no acid but aqua regia.

            3. Brake

                        Brake is a mechanical device that is used to stop running vehicles.

            4. Planet

                        A planet is a body in space that goes round a star.

            5. Square

A square is a geometric diagram which has four sides and angles of equal measurement.

            6. Catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that makes a chemical reaction happen happen faster without being changed.

            7. Lubricant

                        Lubricant is an oily substance that allows machines to run smoothly.

            8. Microscope

                        A microscope is an instrument which makes very small things appears bigger.

            9. Flow chart

A flow chart is a diagram which shows the sequence of steps in a programme for solving a problem on a computer

.

            10. Printer

                        A printer is a device which can make copies of information from a computer.

            11. Computer

A computer is a machine which can accept and process data and give an output of the result

                        Note:

                        1. A formal definition is usually written in a single sentence.

                        2. A formal definition is otherwise known as a simple definition

                        3. A simple definition is written in a single sentence.

4. If the definition exceeds more than a sentence, it becomes an extended       definition

5. One final point to remember in writing a formal/simple/sentence definition is to avoid using the term, or any variations of the term, in the remainder of the definition.

WRONG:

A resistor is an electronic device that resists current flow.

In the above example, find a synonym for resist, such as oppose or control.

RIGHT:

A resistor is an electronic device that opposes current flow.

Sentence definition: (few more points)

-          Higher level need

-          Relatively important

-          A full grammatical sentence

-          Follows the pattern: term>class>characteristics

3. C .Extended definition:

-An extended definition includes sentence definition followed by detailed presentation of additional information relevant to the situation.  It can be paragraph or more than  one paragraph.

-When a term needs to be explained in great detail and precision, an extended definition is used. It can range in size from a few sentences to many pages.

 -Extended definition provides more information besides talking about the category and the use or function. It also provides information on what it is made up of, its structure, its peculiar physical and chemical properties, when, where and by whom it is used and its merits and drawbacks.

-Some objects or concepts require more than a one-sentence definition. An extended definition might require a paragraph or even several pages to fully define a complex concept or object.

Extended definition: key aspects

-          More than a dictionary definition

-          An in-depth explanation of an idea

-          A definition that includes examples and comparisons

-          More than a description

-          More like a complete picture of something

An extended definition includes a formal (sentence) definition + one or more of the following:

-          Etymology ( origin & history

-          History and background

-          Negation

-          Operating principle

-          Visuals

-          Comparison and contrast

-          Requires materials or conditions

-          Examples

Extended definition: Examples

            1. Machine

A machine is an apparatus using or applying mechanical power, having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing certain kinds of work.

It is an instrument that transmits a force or directs its application. It is a controlling system of an organization,

            2. Group discussion

A group discussion is a situation in which a small number of persons meet face to face and involve them in free oral interaction, exchanging information on some important topic. It is also meant to arrive at a decision or reach consensus or solve a problem. The number of participants should be at least five to ensure the diversity of views.

            3. Cell phone

                        A cell phone or a cellular phone is a telephone that does not have wires. It works                           by radio. One can carry it anywhere and use it. It is also known as mobile phone.

                        It has several features.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Give sentence definition for the following:

            01. Petroleum 02. Solar cell   03. Endoscope            04. Transformer          05. Planet

            06. Ammeter   07. Coolant     08. Laboratory            09 Water heater          10. Robot

            11. Astronomy12. Circle         13. Conductor 14. M

obile phone      15. Laptop

2. Write an extended definition for the following:

            01. Group work           02. Global warming    03.green house            04.printer                                                                    

                                   

Purpose statements

HS 8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH

PURPOSE STATEMENTS

LEARNING MATERIAL

PREPARED BY

C.GOVINDASWAMY

AP/HOD/ ENGLISH

Expressing purpose:

1. So ( that)

‘So that’ is usually followed by can, could, will, and would:

            1. The police locked the door so that no one could get in.

            2. He got a visa so that he can travel to the U.S.A.

            3. He decided to study in England so that he could practice his English.

2. Infinitive of purpose: to

            1. Arun went to England to study Engineering.

            2. He is looking for a part - time job to earn some pocket money.

3. In order to/ so as to

These are more formal ways of expressing purpose.

            1. Scientists used only local materials in order to/ so as to save money.

            2. She wakes up early in order to be on time for work.

            3. They visited him so as to offer their condolences for the death of his wife.

4. So as not to/ in order not to

We use ‘so as not to’/ ‘in order not to’ to express purpose in the negative form.

            1. They woke up early in order not to be late.

            2. She exercises regularly so as not to get fat.

            3. Concentrate on your exercise so as not to make any mistakes.

5. For

‘For’ describes how something is used.

            1. This button is for starting the engine.

            2. These seats are for the VIP’s to sit.

Examples:

1. Write purpose statements for the following:

1) hammer       2) barometer

Answer:

1. A hammer is used to fix any object to the base using a nail. (or)

1. a. The purpose of a hammer is to fix any object to the base using a nail.

2. A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure. ( or)

2. a. The purpose of a barometer is to measure atmospheric pressure.

Example 2

Make purpose statement for the following: safety valve.

Answer:

1. The purpose of a safety valve os to release excess pressure. ( or)

1.a. The safety valve is used to release excess pressure.

Note:

You can begin your answer in any one of the following ways:

1. The purpose of a + object + is to+…………

2. The+object+ is used to +…………….

Don’t combine both as in the following:

The purpose of a safety valve is used to release excess pressure ( wrong)

More examples:

Make sentences expressing purpose, using the hints given:

1. Catalyst       : speeds up chemical process

Answer:

A catalyst is used to speed up a chemical process. (or)

The purpose of a catalyst is to speed up a chemical process.

2. Aerial          : receives broadcast signals

Answer:

An aerial is used to receive broadcast signals. (or)

The purpose of an aerial is to receive broadcast signals.

Further examples:

1. Write purpose statements:  

            a) refrigerator              b) washing machine                c) constructing a by- pass road

Answers:

a) The purpose of a refrigerator is to preserve food items.

b) The purpose of a washing machine is to wash and dry clothes.

c) The purpose of constructing a by- pass road is to reduce traffic.

2. Write purpose statements for the following:          a) cell- phone               b) computer

Answers:

a) The purpose of a cell-phone is to make communication easier and immediate.

b) The purpose of a computer is to perform mathematical and scientific tasks and to store information.

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, KANIYUR

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

HS 8251- TECHNICAL ENGLISH

PURPOSE STATEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT 1

NAME:…………………………………….                          REGISTER NO: ……………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. Write purpose statements for the following:

            1. aircraft:        to transport travelers from one place to another via air.

            2. train:            to transport people and goods over railway tracks

            3. rocket:         to carry satellites into space.

            4. painting iron parts: protection from rust

            5. experiment: demonstrate a principle

            6. camera:        taking photographs

2. Answer the questions using the pattern: to/ in order to/ so as to/ + verb

            1. Why did he study engineering?

            2. Why do people study medicine?

            3. Why is drinking water filtered?

            4. Why are dams built?

3. Join each of the following using: to/ in order to/ so as to

            1, He fitted a silencer. He wanted to reduce the noise of the exhaust.

            2. I wanted to stop the car. I applied the brake.

            3. He wanted to check the oil in the engine. He used the dip stick.

            4. He wanted to start the engine. He pressed the switch.

4. Rewrite the following into sentences indicating purpose:

            1. a clock                     to show time of the day

            2. a calendar                to show the days

            3. a flow chart             to represent a process as a series of steps

            4. a litmus test             to identify acids and alkalis.

           

technical English Class test 3 Answers

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, KANIYUR 641659

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

HS8251 TECH NICAL ENGLISH      CLASS TEST 3      17.2.2020

1. Define the following terms     (4x1=4)

                1. a crane

                2. firewall

                3. accelerator

                4. mercury

2. Expand the following compound nouns            (4X1=4)

                1. solar radiation

                2. rural project

                3. metal detector

                4. community garden

3. Your friend is going to take part in an intercollegiate sports tournament. Write eight instructions

                That has to be given to your friend before he/she leaves.            (8)

4. Write a checklist that a building authority should take care to avoid accidents   (8)

5. Neatness        (1)

6. Total                 (25)

Answers:

1.Definitions

                1. A crane is a large, tall machine used for moving heavy objects.                              (OR)

                 1. A crane is a tall bird with long thin legs and a long neck.

                2. Fire wall is a patrician designed to inhibit or prevent the spread of fire.             (OR)

                2. Fire wall is a network system designed to protect from unauthorized access.

                3. An accelerator is a device typically a foot pedal which controls the speed of vehicle’s engine.

                3. An accelerator is a person or thing that causes something to happen or develop more quickly

4. Mercury is a silver white poisonous heavy metallic element used in batteries, scientific instruments.

2. Compound nouns:

                1. solar radiation               radiation from the sun

                2. rural project                  A project for rural area

                3. metal detector             A detector for detecting metal objects

                4. community garden     A garden common for community/ A garden raised by a community.

3. Instructions;

                Instructions for my friend who is going to take part in an intercollegiate tournament

1. Practice well before the tournament.

2. Keep your body fit.

3. Eat healthy food

4. Reach the venue in time

5. Report the officials well ahead of time

6. Note down the scheduled time of the events that you are going to take part.

7. Don’t forget to take your ID

8. Don’t resort to any unfair means to win the event.

4. Check list

                A check list for avoiding accidents by a building authority

		YES	NO
01	Have I checked all the electrical wiring for any leakage of current?	√
02	Have I installed proper fuse – boxes at proper places?	√
03	Have I installed fire- extinguishers at vulnerable points?	√
04	Have I displayed a’ No- smoking ‘notice at prominent places?	√
05	Have I checked the laborers’ wearing helmets and safety shoes?	√
06	Have I arranged to post watchmen at the strategic  points?	√
07	Is there a first aid kit available at the work site?	√
08	Are the workmen given proper safety instructions?	√