ASSIGNMENT 1: Audiences, Outlines and Goals

DEPARTMENT AND COURSE NUMBER: COMP 3040

COURSE TITLE: Technical Communication in Computer Science
TERM: Winter 2012
Overview and Content:
This assignment requires you to answer the question What is an algorithm? in an article. You will write the
article twice, each time for a different audience, each with different goals. Here is a description of the audiences,
goals and mediums.
First, define and describe algorithms for the general U of M student body. Use examples and analogies
that do not require more than a general knowledge of computers. Your primary goal is to educate people
about the existence and importance of algorithms. Your secondary goal is to help your audience
understand the field of computer science. Write using a newspaper article format.
Note: One submission will be chosen for publication in the Manitoban newspaper (with the authors
copyright and permission).
Second, describe algorithms for the U of M 1010 Students. Assume that by the time these students read
your piece they will have written programs that let them find the largest/smallest numbers in a list. Also,
assume that by the end of the term, they will know how to write a binary and linear search, and be
interested in some array sorting strategies. Your primary goal is to educate the audience so they
understand what it is theyre doing in COMP 1010. Your secondary goal is to get the students excited
about the intellectual vibrancy of Computer Science. Write the description as an article that can be
published on a website.
Note: One submission will be chosen for publication on the COMP 1010 website or wiki (with the authors
copyright and permission).
Process:
Follow the writing process described in class. To begin, you will work in a group to: brainstorm ideas; list
resources; complete a planning form (see In-Class Exercise 2); and compose two outlines (one for each audience).
Your outlining approach may change depending on the audience. The scope, focus, and goal of each article or
letter will certainly vary depending on your audience.

Next, write a first draft using the strategies discussed in class. Revise the document until you think it is flawless.
Then, on the first deadline, we will edit your work in a peer workshop. Finally, using your classmates suggestions,
make your final revisions.
Hand-in Requirements:
Your assignment will be submitted both on paper and digitally. The paper portion should contain one planning
form, and two outlines and marked-up articles or letters (one for each audience). The outlines may be in point
form, and they may be hand-written. Please put your name at the top of each sheet of paper. Please staple the
sheets together. Remember to submit a Blanket Honesty Declaration.

Also, submit the final version of your assignment digitally using the nTreePoint assignment submission tool. Each
article should be between 800 and 1000 words. Use one file for both letters. Use page breaks to put each
article/letter on its own page. Use a 12 pt font.
Due Dates
This assignment is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, January 26, 2012. On this day you must bring the
paper-based outlines and letters to class so your classmates can edit your work. The final version of the
assignment is due on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 . On Thursday, Jan 26 bring the planning form, outlines, and
(marked-up) articles or letters to class. On January 31, submit the final version of the assignment using the online
assignment submission tool.