ENGR 1271 Writing Assignment 3

1. Make a conscious connection between drawings and writing.
2. Organization of a series of logical steps.
3. Integration of descriptions and illustrations.
4. Formulation of a well-structured itemized document.

Note that there are 2 parts to this third assignment set:

1. Quiz 3 (Worth 1%) Approximate time to complete: 10 Minutes
2. Describing a Mechanism (Worth 5%) Approximate time to complete: 1-3 Hours

Read Chapters 5 & 7 of your text.

Write a specific description of the “catch” mechanism of one of the two mouse traps pictured above. You are encouraged to examine the artifacts in the classroom as well as the “Victor” website.

Your primary audience is composed of people interested in

1. repairing one (or why it might not be possible)
2. comparing this one against others
3. using one
4. understanding how it works

You are to describe the mechanism

• at rest
  • set
  • not set
• in operation
  • the 'catch'
  • 'holding'

You may use point form but the document must look professional. You may include illustrations (your own). Illustrations will be assessed based on how well they complement the writing and how well they fit in with the overall structure of the document, not on the quality or accuracy of the drawing. However, if the drawing is misleading or confusing, it will detract from the overall quality of the entire document.

The preferred length of your document is 1-2 pages, including illustrations.

• Victor Pest Control (includes, live traps, kill traps, poisons, etc.) http://www.victorpest.com/

• Live Trap: http://www.green-living.com/smartmousetrap_1.aspx
• Traditional Snap Trap: http://inventors.about.com/od/mstartinventions/a/mousetrap.htm

• Describing a Mechanism

When you have completed your assignment, submit it using Moodle. Assignments that are not prepared according to the instructions will NOT be accepted for marking. Remember to complete the quiz on the Moodle site as well.