Yu, Aldrin Anthony L.

Mechanism Description
explains the arrangement and shape of an object in space. Such a
description may involve movement, complex motions are better handled with the
process description. Typically, the parts of mechanism description answer the
following questions in order:

 What is it?
 What is its function?
 What does it look like?
 How does it work?
 What are its principal parts?
o Give a detailed description of each part.
o Each of these parts may require a mechanism description of its own.

Process Description
explains the arrangement of a sequence in chronological order. In organization, it
is similar to mechanism description, except that the "part-by-part" becomes step
by step:

 What is it?
 What is its function?
 Where and when does it take place?
 Who or what performs it?
 How does it work?
 What are its principal steps? 

Process description includes sequence, instructions and procedure; however,

only instruct if you expect your reader to perform the process you describe. Try to
keep separate these two concepts: "How to do something" and "How something
occurs" The first calls for instructions or procedure; the second, for sequence.
Classification
involves grouping things together (on the basis of similarities) and dividing them
(according to differences). Classification assists in the complete consideration of a
topic .Note the danger of Faulty Coordination.

Partition
is the act of dividing things into their component parts; very similar to
classification, and an inevitable part of mechanism description and process
description .Partition could be spatial (how each part looks) or functional (how
each part works).
Definition
uses words to fix the meaning of a thing -- to make it "definite". The short
definition (a paragraph or a single sentence) is essential to technical writing. For
instance, the Mechanism Description and the Process Description each begin with
a call for a definition. A definition answers the question "what is it?" Good
definitions employ the following formula:

species = genus + differentia thing to be defined = group to which 

the thing belongs + specific details that separate it
from other things in its group A batten is a tapered piece of wood that fits into a
pocket in the trailing edge 
of a sail, helping it hold the shape 
that allows it to propel a boat.

Sometimes definitions might be much longer than one sentence, in which case
you are still trying to answer "what is it?" but will be using most other patterns to
help answer it: you can define by describing, classifying, comparing, etc.

Styles in Technical Writing

1. Is informative. The goal of technical writing is to inform, as opposed to arguing

or entertaining. As such, it places a premium on detail-focused, straightforward
statements that seek to impart facts to the reader.
2. Is objective. It avoids emotive and flowery language, choosing to impart its
message in an intellectual and factual manner. Reference point defers to the
subject ("Findings indicate that...") instead of the writer ("My testings show
that...").

3. Is concise. A no-nonsense approach to writing is needed for technical writing -

one that is concise and uses only as many words as are necessary. Since the
subject is instructional and often requires focused attention, longer sentences can
lead to a higher potential for confusion. The quicker the explanations, the easier
they should be to understand.

4. Is clear. We've all seen technical documents that seem like they require a
manual to decipher. Avoid that. Aim for clarity in your expressions, using formal
writing standards - check your academic writing software for advice.