PRINCIPLE 7

FRAMING
KNOWLEDGE

An
appropriate
framework
helps the
reader
approach
and interpret
your
information
in the same
way that you
do.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AUDIENCE

High-context:
One who has been quite involved with the
subject or project

Low-context:
One who has little previous involvement and
less familiarity

PROBLEMS RELATED TO FRAMING

1. Missing the framing information:

Focus on detail without providing any

context.

2. Providing inappropriate framing

information:

Confuse the readers attention or create

inappropriate expectations.

3. Off ering detail that masquerades as

frame:

A sentence or paragraph loaded with

detail, much of it irrelevant.

MISSING FRAMING INFORMATION

Common frames include:

Purpose statements
Definitions
Enumerations

INAPPROPRIATE FRAMING
Inappropriate frames directs the audiences
attention on something other than the real
point of the paragraph
The frame and the paragraph must fi t
together logically
Example: page 97
The pencil sharpener will only turn on when the cover is in
place. When the cover is in the right position it pushes in a
small plastic piece that connects the circuit. The other
requirement to complete the circuit is a pencil must be
pushed through the hole in the sharpener. When this occurs,
the pencil pushes a bell-shaped copper contact open so that
the circuit is complete and the sharpening blade can turn.

INAPPROPRIATE FRAMING
Revised Notes:
Appropriate frame focuses the readers attention
Frame is in the form of a topic sentence
Principle of enumeration
Two design decisions ensure that the pencil sharpener
operates safely. First, the pencil sharpener will only
turn
on when
the97
cover is in place. When the cover is in

Example:
page
the right position it pushes in a small plastic piece that
connects the circuit. Second, to complete the circuit, a
pencil must be pushed through the hole in the
sharpener. When this occurs, the pencil pushes a bellshaped copper contact open so that the circuit is
complete and the sharpening blade can turn.

DETAIL MASQUERADING FRAME

When writers insert information they think
provides context, but because of its detail, it
fails to provide a clear focus
Example: page 99
The crane in question is one of three used to
empty crucibles into the casthouse furnaces.
Two of the cranes numbers 37712 and 37711
were manufactured by John T. Hepburn
Company as 20 ton cranes in 1968. These
cranes were upgraded to 25 tons in 1984 and a
third crane was purchased at the time number
37720.

DETAIL MASQUERADING FRAME

Notes:
Gives a great deal of information BUT leaves the
central question unanswered: which crane failed?

The failing crane (37712) is one of three used

to empty crucibles into the casthouse furnaces.
It and another (37711) were manufactured by
John T. Hepburn Company as 20 ton cranes in
1968 but upgraded to handle 25 tons in 1984.
The third cranes (37720), purchased at the
time of the upgrades, was built to carry 25
tons.

IMPLEMENTING FRAMING
#1 Generating the Frame in Terms
of Audience Needs
Shift from the writers to the audiences
need
Fore-framing: putting it fi rst and
explaining it later
Move from what you already know to
what your audience needs to know
A task for revision

IMPLEMENTING FRAMING

#2 Placing the Frame

Place the framing information in
orientation locations
Power Position: the beginning of a
document, section, or paragraph

IMPLEMENTING FRAMING

#3 Check all orientation locations

Check all orientation locations to
ensure you have put in framing where
you should have

Formal Analytical Report

Analytical Reports
1. What data, observations, ideas, and background
information can we gather about the topic
discussed in this report?
2. What inferences can we draw about the
individual data?
3. What bottom-line conclusions can we draw?
4. What recommendations stem from our
conclusions?

Types of Analysis
Evaluate
Recommend
Identify
Assess feasibility

http://www.discoverme.com.au/News/NewSEOSiteAnalysisService.aspx

Responsibilities

Make the reports purpose clear

Use an appropriate structure for that purpose
Examine the topic at an appropriate level, and
use appropriate language
Ensure that the report is readable, by evaluating
it objectively
Write ethically
Forcefully make points
Make the report professional and error-free

Typical Analytical Problems

Will X Work for a Specific Purpose?
Answer practical questions
Sequence: questions-answers-conclusions
Include recommendations based on your conclusions
Has X Worked as Well as Expected?
Use a series of evaluation criteria to assess the
performance or value of equipment, facilities, or
programs
Apply those criteria after a decision has been made

Typical Analytical Problems

Is X or Y Better for a Specific Purpose?
Analysis is essential in comparing machines, processes,
business locations, computer systems, or the like
Sequence: questions-answers-conclusions
Designed to help the reader make a choice
Why Does X Happen?
Analysis follows a problem-causes-solution sequence
Analysis follows this sequence:
1. Identify the problem
2. Examine possible and probably causes, and isolate
definite ones.
3. Recommend solutions.

Typical Analytical Problems

How Can X Be Improved or Avoided?
Focuses on desired results and recommends
methods of achieving these results
Identifies causes of a problem or components of a
desired result
Presents possible solutions and uses a consistent set
of criteria to evaluate each solution in turn
Recommends which solution or combination of
solutions to implement

Typical Analytical Problems

What Are the Effects of X?
Analysis of the consequences of an event or action
Predicts an effect
Sequence: action-probable effects-conclusions and
recommendations

Is X Practical in This Situation?

Assesses the practicality of an idea or plan
Presents reasons for-reasons against, with both sides
supported by evidence

Elements of Analysis
Clearly Identified Problem or Question
Define your purpose by condensing your
approach to a basic question.
Restate the question as a declarative sentence in
your statement of purpose.
Subordination of Personal Bias
Interpret evidence impartially.
Stick to your evidence.

Elements of Analysis Cont.

Accurate and Adequate Data
Do not distort the original data by excluding vital points.
Of all six brands tested, the Bomarc chainsaw proved
easiest to operate. It also had the fewest safety features,
however.

Fully Interpreted Data

Explain the significance of your data.
Interpretation is the heart of the analytical report.
Our cutting crews often work suspended by harness, high
above the ground. Also, much work is in remote areas. Safety
features therefore should be our first requirement in a
chainsaw. Despite its ease of operation, the Bomarc saw does
not meet out safety needs.

Elements of Analysis Cont.

Valid Conclusions and Recommendations

The goal of analysis is to reach a valid conclusion.

Conclusions are valid when they are logically
derived from accurate interpretation.
Recommendations are valid when they propose
an appropriate response to the problem or
question.
Express them with assurance and authority!

Elements of Analysis Cont.

Clear and Careful Reasoning
Each stage of your analysis requires decisions about what
to record, what to exclude, and where to go next.
Remain flexible enough to revise your thinking if
contradictory new evidence appears.
Appropriate Visuals
Use visuals generously
Graphs: analysis of trends
Tables, charts, photographs, diagrams: comparative
analyses

General Model
Issue to be examined or overall
questions to be answered
Series of supporting questions,
which lead to the bottom-line
answer
Issue or question is settled in
reports conclusion section

http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/02252/conc.htm

Parts of a Formal Report

Front Matter

Body

Back Matter

Transmittal Letter (13)

Cover (14)
Title Page (8)

Introduction (3)

Sources Cited (6)

Summary (4)

Central Sections (1)

Consulted (7)

Table of Contents (12)

Conclusion (2)

List of Illustrations (11)

Recommendation (2)

Glossary (9)
List of Symbols (9)
Acknowledgments (10)

Appendices (5)

Formal Report - Introduction

Introduction

Identify the reports analytical purpose

Preview how that purpose will be achieved
Indirectly set the tone of the report
May require some of all of the following elements:
1. The context, situation, or problem prompting this report
(background)
2. Type of data on which the report is based and the type of
source
3. Other pertinent theoretical or background information
4. Useful illustrations

Formal Report Body Sections

Body Sections
Some reports need just one central section.
Other reports may need several central sections.
Analytical criteria presented in the introduction
forms logical structures in the reports main
body.
Use clear, informative headings.

Formal Report - Conclusion

Conclusion

Answers the questions that sparked the analysis

in the first place
Summarize, interpret, and recommend
1. Summary must reflect the body of the report and
bottom-line conclusions must be based on
information, ideas, and analysis
2. Interpretation must be consistent with the
findings in your summary (honest and objective)
3. Recommendations must be consistent with the
purpose of the report, the evidence presented,
and the interpretations given