CSC379 · TU past paper
Technical Writing 2078 question paper
The complete TU 2078 exam paper for Technical Writing (CSC379), all 12 questions with solved model answers written to the mark scheme.
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- 110 marksCharacteristics of a Technical WritingHideAnswer
Describe technical writing? Elaborate on its characteristics.[10]
Technical writing is a specialized form of writing that involves a particular subject requiring special features such as clear explanation, directions, instructions, and visual elements. It is writing that is specifically used in workpla...
- 210 marksMeeting the Audience's NeedsHideAnswer
'Technical writing is written for both internal and external audiences.' Justify with examples.[10]
Technical writing is a specialized form of writing that involves a particular subject requiring clear explanation, directions, instructions, and visual elements. It is writing specially used in workplaces such as offices, laboratories, c...
- 310 marksGetting Started on Web PagesHideAnswer
What should one keep in mind when writing for the web? Discuss.[10]
The web is a collection of online resources through which information is exchanged virtually in the form of text, photographs, audio, video, program files, mail messages, and more. Writing for the web is similar to writing any other tech...
- 410 marksNews ReleasesHideAnswer
What is a press release? What steps should one follow to produce an effective press release?[10]
Press Release: Definition and Steps for Producing an Effective Press Release
What is a Press Release?
A press release is an official written statement or announcement issued by an organization, company, institution, or individual to the media and the general public. It is a formal document used to communicate newsworthy information such as product launches, events, achievements, policy changes, or any significant development that an organization wants to bring to public attention. The primary purpose of a press release is to inform the public and persuade journalists, editors, and media outlets to publish or broadcast the information, thereby generating media coverage.
A press release is a key tool in public relations and technical communication. It is concise, factual, and written in a journalistic style so that it can be used directly or with minimal editing by media professionals.
Steps to Produce an Effective Press Release
Step 1: Identify the Purpose and Newsworthiness
Before writing, the writer must clearly determine:
- What information is being communicated
- Why it is important or newsworthy
- What action the audience (journalists, public) should take after reading it
As emphasized in technical writing principles, a writer must always ask: What is the desired action as a result of this document? A press release must have a clear, specific purpose -- to announce something genuinely significant.
Step 2: Know Your Audience
The writer must analyze the target audience, which includes:
- Journalists and editors who will decide whether to publish the story
- The general public who will ultimately read the news
Understanding the audience helps the writer choose appropriate language, tone, and level of detail. The message must fit the type of audience and their interests so that they are convinced to act (i.e., publish or share the information).
Step 3: Write a Strong, Attention-Grabbing Headline
The headline is the first thing a journalist reads. It must:
- Be clear, concise, and compelling
- Summarize the main point of the announcement
- Be written in active voice
- Avoid unnecessary jargon
A weak headline will cause the press release to be ignored, no matter how important the content is.
Step 4: Write the Dateline and Opening Paragraph (Lead)
The dateline includes the city and date of the release.
The opening paragraph (lead) is the most critical part. It must answer the Five W's and One H:
Element Question Who Who is making the announcement? What What is being announced? When When is it happening? Where Where is it taking place? Why Why is it important? How How did it happen or how will it work? The lead must capture the reader's attention immediately and present the most important information first. This is known as the inverted pyramid structure.
Step 5: Develop the Body with Supporting Details
The body of the press release expands on the information given in the lead. It should:
- Provide background information and context
- Include supporting facts, statistics, or data
- Maintain objectivity -- the content should be based on facts and empirical evidence, not emotional language
- Be complete -- include all relevant information the reader needs
- Be clear and simple -- use straightforward language that is easy to understand
The scope of the press release should cover only what is relevant and necessary. Too little information fails to convince the reader; too much information dilutes the message.
Step 6: Include Quotes
Including a quote from a key person (such as a CEO, director, or spokesperson) adds:
- Credibility and authority to the announcement
- A human element that makes the story more engaging
- A persuasive voice that supports the main message
Quotes should be meaningful and directly relevant to the announcement.
Step 7: Add Boilerplate Information
At the end of the press release, include a short paragraph called the boilerplate, which provides:
- A brief description of the organization
- Its mission, background, and key achievements
- Website and contact information
This gives journalists background context about who is making the announcement.
Step 8: Provide Contact Information
Always include:
- Name of the media contact person
- Job title
- Phone number
- Email address
This allows journalists to follow up for additional information or interviews.
Step 9: Use the Standard Format and Closing Marker
A press release follows a standard format:
- "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" or a specified release date at the top
- Headline and subheadline
- Dateline and body
- Boilerplate
- Contact details
- "###" or "-END-" at the bottom to signal the end of the release
Using the correct format shows professionalism and makes it easier for media professionals to process the document.
Step 10: Proofread and Review
Before distributing the press release:
- Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
- Verify all facts, names, dates, and figures
- Ensure the tone is professional and objective
- Confirm the document achieves its stated purpose
A press release with errors damages the credibility of the organization.
Summary Table
Step Key Action 1 Identify purpose and newsworthiness 2 Analyze the target audience 3 Write a strong headline 4 Write the lead (Five W's and H) 5 Develop the body with facts and details 6 Include relevant quotes 7 Add boilerplate information 8 Provide contact information 9 Follow standard format and use closing marker 10 Proofread and review
Conclusion
A press release is a powerful tool in professional and technical communication. When written effectively -- with a clear purpose, a well-analyzed audience, factual and objective content, and proper format -- it successfully informs the public and persuades the media to carry the story.
- 55 marksMemos, and LettersHideAnswer
Requesting him or her to increase incentives for the hardworking employees, write a letter to your employer. [5]
--- Roshan Bist Software Developer ABC Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, Nepal Date: 2025-01-20 Ref. No.: 045/081 Mr. Rajesh Sharma General Manager ABC Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, Nepal Subject: Request for Increased Incentives...
- 65 marksGetting Started on Informative ReportsHideAnswer
Think of a time when something went wrong-perhaps a problem at college or work. After identifying and analyzing your audience, write an incident report describing the incident. [5]
Before writing this report, the audience must be identified and analyzed. Audience Type: This report is addressed to the Head of Department (HOD) and IT Administrator at the college. They belong to the high-tech audience category, as the...
- 75 marksE-mailsHideAnswer
You are working as the manager of an IT company. Write an email encouraging your staff to work for some additional hours every week so that the company and staff equally benefit. [5]
--- To: All Staff Members From: [Your Name], Manager Date: [Current Date] Subject: Opportunity to Work Additional Hours for Mutual Benefit --- Dear Team, I hope this email finds you all in good health and high spirits. I am writing to sh...
- 85 marksNews ReleasesHideAnswer
Write a press release for your school or another organization with which you are affiliated to announce an upcoming event, an accomplishment, or other newsworthy information. [5]
--- TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY, INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Department of Computer Science and Information Technology Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal Date: 2081-03-15 (June 29, 2024) Ref. No.: TU/CSIT/PR/081/045 --- Kirtipur, Kathmandu -- T...
- 95 marksGetting Started on Employment CommunicatioHideAnswer
Based on your experience as an IT professional, write instructions for new aspirants, explaining how to begin a career in this field. [5]
To: New IT Aspirants Subject: Guidance on Starting a Career in the IT Field --- Beginning a career in Information Technology can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and preparation, you can build a strong foundation. As an IT ...
- 105 marksTypes of ResumesHideAnswer
Write a chronological resume highlighting your skills for a job in your field. [5]
--- A chronological resume lists work experience and education in reverse chronological order (most recent first). It is a short, precise document that introduces the candidate to a prospective employer and is meant to persuade the emplo...
- 115 marksPlanning Your Document's Purpose, Scope, aHideAnswer
Considering audience and purpose, write a short speech you are going to deliver in the inaugural session of the College IT Fair. [5]
--- Following the principles A good speech must consider: - Audience: This is a lay audience (general students, faculty, guests) mixed with some high-tech audience (IT professionals, faculty experts). The speech must be accessible to all...
- 125 marksYou Are a Technical Writer!HideAnswer
Think of a subject or hobby about which you know a great deal. In a brief essay, describe how you acquired your knowledge. [5]
Among the many subjects I have explored, programming and computer science stand out as the area in which I have developed the deepest knowledge. My journey into this field was not a single event but a gradual process built through multip...