UNIT: MEASUREMENT

ACT-Based English: Editing and Improving Technical Writing

OBJECTIVE:

This activity enhances students' editing and proofreading skills by improving clarity, grammar, and structure in technical writing.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Sample technical report with errors (provided)

Editing checklist

Peer review worksheet

Highlighters and pens

Access to a dictionary or grammar reference (optional)

STUDENT DIRECTIONS:

Goal:

You will practice editing and rewriting a technical science report to improve clarity, grammar, and structure. This activity strengthens your ability to communicate technical ideas precisely—an essential skill for both the ACT English section and real-world STEM careers.

Step 1: Read the Sample Report

Read the entire technical report from beginning to end.

Don’t mark anything yet—just focus on understanding the content and what the report is trying to communicate.

Think about:

What is the experiment trying to show?

What results were found?

Step 2: Annotate the Text

Re-read the report and highlight or underline errors, such as:

Grammar issues (subject-verb agreement, verb tense)

Awkward or unclear wording

Sentence fragments or run-ons

Disorganized ideas or poor transitions

Repetitive or imprecise vocabulary

Use the editing checklist to help guide your corrections.

Example: “They take three measurements…” → should be “They took three measurements…”

Step 3: Write a Revised Version

Rewrite the report in your own words, correcting the issues you identified.

Focus on improving:

Clarity: Use precise vocabulary and complete thoughts.

Flow: Ensure there is a logical sequence from Introduction → Methods → Results → Conclusion.

Technical accuracy: Explain ideas clearly for a science-focused audience.

Tip: Use headings (like in the original) to organize your report into sections.

Step 4: Review a Classmate’s Report

Swap papers with a partner.

Use the Peer Review Worksheet to:

Give feedback on grammar, clarity, and structure

Offer suggestions for how the writing can improve

Compliment what your peer did well

Step 5: Class Discussion

Reflect as a class or in small groups:

Why is precision in writing important in science and engineering?

How does technical writing differ from creative or narrative writing?

How are these editing skills used on the ACT English section?

Sample Technical Report with Errors

Introduction

This experiment purpose is to measure objects using ruler, tape measure, and digital caliper. The goal was understanding about precision and accuracy and why measuring tools can sometimes show different results.

Methodology

First, each group was choosing an object to measure. They take three measurements for length, width, and height with the ruler, tape measure and digital caliper. Every measurement was writing down in a chart to analysis later. The digital caliper was use last because it has most precision but also more difficult for handling than others.

Results and Discussion

The data’s collected show different level of precision between measurement tools. The tape measure had bigger differences in result, maybe because it’s flexible and hard to make straight. The ruler was better but it could only measure to nearest millimeter. The digital caliper gives very exact values, with very small different between measures. It was observed that digital calipers are most accurate.

Also, mistake in measurement was found. Some groups not put ruler correctly, which led to incorrect values. Other groups measured at angle, making variation in results. It can be assuming that accuracy not only about tool but also the person measuring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this experiment shows how different measurement tools provide different level of accuracy. Digital caliper was best tool for precise measurement, but accuracy depend on user technique and method consistency. In real world, choosing the right tool is very important to get correct measurements.

Things Needed to Prepare:

Sample technical report with errors

Editing checklist

Peer review worksheet