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Descriptive Paragraphs: Example I - Technical Description of Radar Set

The document provides information on technical descriptions and describing processes. It discusses the key aspects of a technical description, including objectively describing the parts and their relationships. It also provides guidelines for describing a process, such as presenting steps chronologically using transition words, and checking that all steps are included. An example is given of a technical description of a radar set and its five main units. Another example demonstrates how to mend a puncture in an inner tube by describing the steps in order.

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Alvin Kelly Jr.
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39 views

Descriptive Paragraphs: Example I - Technical Description of Radar Set

The document provides information on technical descriptions and describing processes. It discusses the key aspects of a technical description, including objectively describing the parts and their relationships. It also provides guidelines for describing a process, such as presenting steps chronologically using transition words, and checking that all steps are included. An example is given of a technical description of a radar set and its five main units. Another example demonstrates how to mend a puncture in an inner tube by describing the steps in order.

Uploaded by

Alvin Kelly Jr.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Descriptive Paragraphs

A technical description is objective and factual. Its major aim is to describe some mechanism in
its complete physical detail. It shows the relationship between the parts where necessary.
Description is closely related to definition. In summary then, a descriptive essay is a series of
factual statements describing how something is done or how it works or simply describing the
appearance of something.

Example I –Technical description of radar set.

TIME
TRANSMITTER

ANTENNA

INDICATOR RECEIVER

A radar set may be broken down into five major units, the timer, the transmitter, the antenna, the
receiver, and the indicator. Their functions are briefly described as follows:

The timer, or synchronizer, is the heart of the radar system. Its function is to insure that all
circuits connected with the system operate in a definite time relationship with each other and the
time intervals between transmitted pulses is of the proper duration. The time “trigger”, the other
units into operation.

The transmitter is similar to the radio transmitters except that it operates in the super high
frequency band and operates for very short periods of time.

The antenna is ‘parabolic dish’ which directs the transmitted energy into a narrow wedge or into
a conical beam like that of a starch light. It serves not only for transmission but for reception as
well.

The receiver, like the transmitter, is similar to a radio receiver. Its main function is to amplify the
relatively weak echoes which return to the antenna.

The indicator for the radar set is a special vacuum tube called cathode ray tube (CRT). It is
similar to the picture tube of a television receiver. The CRT is commonly called the scope (from
oscilloscope). An electromagnetic CRT, the type used in most radar sets, is illustrated. It is
composed of an electron gun, a focusing magnet, and set of deflection coils. The function of the
electron gun is to produce a thin electron stream, a beam. This beam is so acted upon by the
focusing magnet that the focal point of the beam in a properly adjusted CRT is at the face of the
tube. The CRT face is coated with a fluorescent compound which glows when struck by the
electron beam. The picture seen is thus a small bright spot.

The location of an object by means of these five units of radar set involves the simultaneous
solution of two separate problems. First, the time interval between the transmitted pulse and its
echo must be accurately measured and presented as range on the indicator. Second, the direction
in which each signal is transmitted must be indicated, giving the bearing of the object. Extract

(From KENNETH W. HOUP AND THOMAS E. PEARSALL, REPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION,


GLENCOE PRESS, CALIFORNIA 1968: P.79)

Describing processes (Giving instructions)

Writings used to describe a process answer questions like: How is it


done? How did it happen? Papers on process tell the reader how to
do or make something; for example: how to change a tire, how to
mix concrete, how to plant a tree etc. Others explain how something
happened or how it takes place; for example: how the pyramids of
Egypt were built, how the blood circulates through the body etc.

Because all writings describing a process explain how an action is


done or a process happens, their ideas are presented
chronologically. Every idea follows the previous one in a time
sequence. If the ideas are presented out of order, the results will be
chaotic.

Imagine to trying to put together a transistor radio from a kit whose


instructions began, “After receiving a radio signal, adjust the aerial
to improve reception”.

Guidelines for writing a paper describing a process

a) Do not try to describe something you do not understand:


choose a subject that you know something about and can
explain clearly.

b) Begin by breaking the subject into its basic steps. Make


certain that you have not omitted any important ones.
Then write an introduction telling your reader what you
are going to explain or tell.
c) Define any technical or abstract terms early in the paper.

d) Present the steps of the process chronologically. Use


words like “first”, “second”, “ next”, and “finally” or “first
of all”, “then”, “after this” , ”finally” etc. These will keep
you on truck and let your reader follow your paper
without any problem.

e) When you have finished your paper, check it over. Make


sure you haven’t omitted any step.

An outline below is for process description:

Paragraph 1: Introduction and thesis statement: announcement of


the purpose and overall view
e.g. Writing a term paper doesn’t have to be a traumatic
experience if you follow these six essay steps.

Paragraph 2: Step 1: Selecting and narrowing your topic

Paragraph 3: Step 2: Formulating a thesis

Paragraph 4: Step 3: Finding your information

Paragraph 5: Step 4: Taking notes

Paragraph 6: Step 5: writing the first draft

Paragraph 7: Step 6: Revising and polishing

Paragraph 8: Conclusion.

Example III - How to mend a puncture

If you have a puncture, first of all remove the inner tube from the
wheel. If you cannot find the puncture, inflate the tube and immerse
the tube in a bowl of clean of clean water. Bubbles of air will come
from the puncture. Then thoroughly clean and dry the tube in the
area around the puncture. After this, apply the glue to it, and allow
the glue to become tacky.

EXERCISE

Select one of the following topics and write a presentation in which


you describe how to do or make something. Divide the process into
steps following the suggestions in Example II above.

(i) How to prepare a web page


(ii) How to assemble a PC
(iii) How to troubleshoot a fault in a PC
(iv) Select any useful technical object in your field of
specialization

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