Final answer:
Nominalization can make technical writing more complex, which might not always aid clarity. Effective technical writing requires a balance of specialized vocabulary and plain English to communicate ideas effectively. Skills like audience awareness, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management are essential for technical writers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked whether nominalization makes technical writing clearer and easier to read. Nominalization is a linguistic process where a verb or an adjective is converted into a noun. Technical writers may use nominalization, but it can sometimes make text harder for non-specialists to understand because it often creates more abstract and complex language. In contrast, effective technical writing is clear, direct, and tailored to the audience, which sometimes means avoiding excessive nominalization in favor of more straightforward and engaging prose.
Proper technical writing involves a mastery of specialized vocabulary and the ability to write clear and concise language. Specialists use technical terms to communicate efficiently among themselves, but these terms can be challenging for non-specialists. Therefore, technical writers strive to achieve a balance between precision and accessibility. This balance allows them to create content, which ranges from procedural guides to government publications, that is understandable to a broader audience. Plain English is an approach that simplifies language without losing meaning, making it more accessible to those outside a particular field. The use of passive and active voice in technical writing also plays a role in achieving clarity, with passive voice traditionally being used for neutrality and active voice for engagement. Technical writers must not only be skilled in writing but also be proficient in audience awareness, communication and collaboration, problem-solving, and time management. By considering the audience, collaborating with experts, solving documentation challenges, and managing deadlines, technical writers ensure their documents meet the needs of their intended readers.