Paperback. Prentice Hall 2005-01-03.
ISBN: 0131196642 / 0-13-119664-2
EAN: 9780131196643
Technically very good (Rating 5 of 5)
» Kurt Messick
We use this text by Gerson and Gerson for the technical writing class at the community college where I work. It is an incredibly useful book, particularly for those who are beginning their college careers, and for those who are going into technical fields that require clarity and precision.
Some of the outstanding features of this text include the following:
* Technology tips, providing useful instruction on basic computer literacy
* Techlinks, with updated online material and resources
* Writing at Work Case Studies, showing real-world examples of the ideas being presented
* Before/After Examples, which shows the value of revision
* Sportlights, similiar to the Writing at Work, again shows real-life applications of how business uses technical writing
* Checklists, for ease of remembering and following through on all aspects of the material presented
* Margin Call-Outs, sort of like pull-quotes that highlight particular points of interest in the documents being examined
* Web Workshops and a Companion Website
The units in this book include sections on correspondence (memos, email, letters, including cover letters in trying to find a job), technical publications (fliers, brochures, newsletters, etc.), electronic communications (websites and online help), report writing (MLA and APA styles are presented, as well as methods of research), and a handy handbook of grammar aids as the final section, to help with punctuation, spelling, mechanics and other items of grammatical interest.
There is also a section on oral communication - while this is not a speech textbook, so much of one's business image comes from the way one presents himself or herself orally, on the telephone, in presentations, in interviews, and in everyday conversation. The Gersons also provide some information on using PowerPoint and other visual aids in effective presentations.
This is a great textbook, useful for classroom settings as well as individual study and reference. The layout is visually interesting and well-formatted, We use it in the Tutoring Center of my college in addition to the technical writing course offered on campus, as most classes on campus have an element of writing
(Rating 5 of 5)
