ENGR100W Memo of Introduction
ENGR 100W
Memo of Introduction
TOPIC
You have chosen a degree in Engineering, which requires effective written and oral
communication. Why did you choose this field? What is it about the field that appeals to
you? What experiences have you had with your chosen subject matter—either learning
about it or working within the field? How did that affect your decision? What do you
plan to do with this knowledge after you graduate?
Writing
Since Engineering requires a great deal of writing, include information about your
writing skills. Are there areas of weakness that concern you? Strengths?
Oral Communication
The field of engineering also requires effective communication skills. Think about your
strengths and weaknesses and explain them.
You need not address these questions/issues in the order presented. Rather, select an
organizational structure that appears most logical to you. Also, somewhere in your
memo include a detailed description of your field and what it entails.
AUDIENCE & PURPOSE:
Your audience for this essay will be prospective
Engineering majors. Your writing purpose will be to tell them about why you made this
decision and to help them understand the field you have chosen.
LANGUAGE USE:
Select language of an academic and scholarly nature—not informal
or conversational.
LENGTH:
It is expected that memo will approximately 1 ½–2 pages.
FORMAT:
Memo must adhere to APA memo format. See rubric below.
Brainstorm below before beginning to write your memo.
Rubric
(1) Correct Memo Format 1
New Times Roman 12 pt
Single Space
Headings
(1) Subject Line
: Gives complete subject being discussed in memo
(1) Purpose
: 2-3 sentences with strong verb: The purpose of this memo is to…(select
verb carefully)analyze? explain? research? discuss? Check the prompt for clues as
to your purpose for writing this memo; there can be two purposes: research and
discuss.
(1) Summary
: 4-6 sentences. This is not an introduction to your topic. It is a
summary of how you have set up your memo, what information you have
included, and any recommendations you make.
(1) Discussion
: An intro paragraph, which gives a brief background of the topic.
Paragraph includes a focus, thesis or argument.
(1) Headings
: Bold. Gives
well-developed
information indicated in the focus, thesis
or argument.
Sub Headings
: Italics no bold. Gives sub information about heading.
(1) Conclusion
: A satisfying conclusion, often giving a recommendation. This is not
a “letter” ending—asking for further communication. The conclusion refers back to
the memo contents.
(1) Adequate development:
1 1/2 full to 2 pages (not counting visuals) of thoughtful
research, critical analysis.
(1) Sentence format
:
Correct sentence structure (no run ons/fragments)
Correct comma usage in sentence structure and grammatical elements
Subject/Predicate clarity Verb tense
(1) Language usage
:
Pronoun agreement
Misuse of Pronouns “our” or “we” instead of precise Noun: ex: “Engineers”
“Citizens.”
Eliminate Wordy sentences/conciseness, word choice & clarit