A General Model for a Short Description

To avoid repetition in a short document (fewer than ten pages), this modified outline eliminates some elements that in a longer description would appear both in the body and in the conclusion.

 

I. Introduction: General Description

(Note: The subdivisions in the introduction may be combined and need not appear as individual subsections with separate headings in the document.)

A. Definition, Function, and Background of the Item

B. Purpose (and Audience--if for other than a generally educated audience)

C. Overall Description (with general visuals, if applicable)

D. Principle of Operation (if applicable)

E. List of Major Parts

II. Description and Function of Parts

A. Part One in the Descriptive Sequence

1. Definition (define in terms of function--use the function for the differentiation)
2. Shape, dimension, material (with specific visuals)
3. Subparts (if applicable)

B. Part Two in the Descriptive Sequence

1. Definition (define in terms of function--use the function for the differentiation)
2. Shape, dimension, material (with specific visuals)
3. Subparts (if applicable)

C. Part Three in the Descriptive Sequence

(and so on--for as many parts as the item has)

III. Summary and Operating Description

A. Interrelation of Parts (relation to adjoining parts and mode of attachment, if applicable)

B. One Complete Operating Cycle

Last updated 8/25/99