The use of quirk topics can help solve one of the technical writing instructor's hardest problems: selection of a challenging topic. A quirk topic derives from some paradox of science or technology which, upon reflection, calls for thought. The quirk topic challenges the technical writing student to focus on the reader, gather data, and interpret and report data convincingly. This article explains the use of quirk topics, suggests twenty such topics, and explains how to solve problems of their use.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Case Problems Improve Technical Writing Courses and Seminars, Journal of Technical Writing and Communication, 6: 4, 1976.
2.
A Rapid Debugging Technique, Technical Communication, 26: 2, 1979.
3.
Communications Consulting—Both Sides, ABCA Bulletin, XXXXII:4, December 1979.
4.
Model Outlines Can Make Routine Writing Easier, Technical Communication, 29: 1, 1982.
