Before You Start Writing

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is a preparatory guide for students embarking on technical writing projects. It prompts students to answer six fundamental questions about the document they are planning to write, covering the document’s topic, the need for it, the intended audience, the audience’s prior knowledge, the context of use, and the document’s overarching goal. The questions are designed to focus the writer’s intention and to ensure a clear understanding of the document’s purpose before the writing process begins. This preliminary step is crucial for aligning the content and style of the document with its intended function and audience.

The worksheet is teaching students the critical preparatory steps in technical writing, emphasizing the importance of understanding the purpose and context of their writing. It guides them to think strategically about the relevance and utility of the document they will create. By answering these questions, students learn to define their objectives clearly and tailor their writing to meet the specific needs of their intended audience. The exercise aims to build a solid foundation for their technical document, ensuring that the writing will be targeted, effective, and appropriate for its intended use.