About this previous year paper
Course: B.Tech (All Branches)
Subject Code: AS401
Subject Title: Technical Writing
Exam Type: Theory
Duration: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100
SECTION – A (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
Short-answer section testing key definitions and concepts of professional communication
| No. | Question | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | What is an Advertisement? | A public notice or message designed to promote a product, service, or idea, aiming to inform or persuade the audience. |
| (b) | Define Business Writing. | The process of writing in a clear, concise, and professional manner for workplace communication — includes emails, memos, reports, and proposals. |
| (c) | Formal vs Informal Communication. | Formal: structured, official (e.g., reports, circulars); Informal: casual or personal (e.g., chatting, personal messages). |
| (d) | Is a Cover Letter Required? | Yes — it personalizes your résumé, introduces you to the employer, and explains why you are a good fit for the position. |
| (e) | Define a Report. | A structured document that presents information or analysis on a specific topic for decision-making. |
| (f) | What are Minutes of Meeting? | Written records summarizing discussions, decisions, and actions taken during a meeting. |
| (g) | What is a Scientific Article? | A research-based paper presenting experiments, data, and results in a formal, peer-reviewed format. |
| (h) | Define Résumé. | A formal summary of education, skills, and experience submitted when applying for a job. |
| (i) | What are Listening Skills? | The ability to actively understand and interpret spoken information — crucial for effective teamwork and comprehension. |
| (j) | Difference Between Scanning and Skimming. | Scanning = looking for specific information; Skimming = getting the general idea quickly. |
SECTION – B (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)
Descriptive questions emphasizing writing techniques and communication structure
(a) Flows of Technical Communication
Downward Flow: From top management to subordinates (instructions, policies).
Upward Flow: From employees to management (feedback, reports).
Horizontal Flow: Between departments or peers.
Diagonal Flow: Cross-departmental (e.g., engineer communicating directly with HR).
(b) Effective Technical Presentation
Preparation: Define purpose, gather facts, structure logically.
Visuals: Use slides, graphs, and diagrams.
Delivery: Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, use formal tone.
Time Management: Keep concise, avoid overloading slides.
(c) Technical Description of an Engineering Object
Includes:
Name and Function: What it is used for.
Physical Features: Size, shape, material.
Working Principle: How it operates.
Applications: Where and why it is used.
Example: Centrifugal pump – converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.
(d) Sentence Construction in Technical Writing
Use active voice and concise structure.
Avoid ambiguity and jargon.
Maintain logical sequence of ideas.
Example: Instead of “The test was conducted by engineers,” write “Engineers conducted the test.”
(e) Methods of Paragraph Development
Chronological: Time sequence.
Cause–Effect: Explains reasons and outcomes.
Comparison: Highlights similarities and differences.
Example-based: Supports topic with data or facts.
(f) Tips for Effective Résumé Writing
Keep it one page (for freshers).
Use strong action verbs.
Highlight achievements and skills.
Avoid spelling or formatting errors.
Customize for each job.
(g) Effective Report Writing
Purpose & Audience defined.
Formal structure: Title → Abstract → Introduction → Body → Conclusion → Recommendations.
Clarity & Objectivity: Use factual and simple language.
Data Presentation: Use charts/tables.
(h) Technical Proposal
Definition: A formal written offer to undertake a project or solve a problem.
Structure:
Title Page Executive Summary
Objectives Methods & Resources
Cost & Time Estimate Conclusion
Types: Internal, External, Solicited, Unsolicited.
SECTION – C (2 × 15 = 30 Marks)
Analytical and practical writing section
Q3. Thesis Writing
Definition: A formal document presenting original research findings for an academic degree.
Structure:
Title Page Abstract
Introduction Literature Review
Methodology Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Future Work References
Good Thesis Qualities: Clarity, logical flow, proper citations, and originality.
Q4. Résumé Writing (Example for Jacob Williams)
Position Applied: Marketing Executive in a reputed MNC
Sample Format:
Jacob Williams Email: [email protected] | Phone: +91-XXXXXXXXXX Objective: To obtain a marketing executive position where I can use my analytical and communication skills to drive business growth. Education: B.Tech in Information Technology, XYZ University, 2016–2020 (CGPA: 8.2/10) Skills: • Market analysis and digital marketing • Excellent written and verbal communication • CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) • Team leadership and presentation skills Experience: Marketing Intern – ABC Pvt. Ltd. (June–Aug 2019) • Assisted in planning promotional events and campaigns • Conducted customer feedback surveys and reports Projects: • “Consumer Buying Behavior Analysis using Data Visualization” Achievements: • Top 10 in National Marketing Quiz 2018 References: Available upon request.
Q5. Barriers to Communication
| Type | Description | Overcoming Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Noise, distance, poor devices | Use better technology, clear signals |
| Semantic | Misinterpretation due to jargon | Use simple, unambiguous words |
| Psychological | Stress, emotions, bias | Develop empathy, active listening |
| Organizational | Complex hierarchy | Encourage open communication channels |
| Cultural | Language or value differences | Use culturally sensitive communication |
Summary
| Unit | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|
| I | Communication process, channels, and barriers |
| II | Technical writing principles, style, and paragraph development |
| III | Résumé, reports, proposals, and technical descriptions |
| IV | Presentation skills, business communication |
| V | Thesis writing, research documentation |