MIRCE Akademy

Orlando Chiarello is the Chairman of the ASD Simplified Technical English Maintenance Group (STEMG), responsible for the development and maintenance of the ASD-STE100, Simplified Technical English, Specification (www.asd-ste100.org). He is the Product Support Manager of Secondo Mona (www.secondomona.com), an Italian aerospace systems and equipment manufacturer, where he is responsible for the aftermarket support of the company products.

Orlando's example for February 2023

EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES – SECTION 5 – PROCEDURAL WRITING
Sentences
Rule 5.2: Write only one instruction in each sentence unless two or more actions occur at the same time.
If there are too many instructions in a sentence, the sentence is not easy to understand. Put only one instruction into each sentence and clearly show (usually with numbers or letters) the sequence of work steps. You can use as many work steps as you want to complete a procedure.
Examples:
STE: (1)De-energise the system.
(2) Make sure that all of the switches on the control panel are in their correct positions.
Non-STE: Set the TEST switch to the middle position and release the SHORT-CIRCUIT TEST switch.
STE:
A. Set the TEST switch to the middle position.
B. Release the SHORT-CIRCUIT TEST switch.
You can write more than one instruction in a sentence when two actions occur at the same time.
Examples in STE:
Hold the panel in its open position and install the fastener.
Slowly extend the rod fully and make sure that it does not touch other parts.
Cut and remove the wire.
Remove and discard the seal.
You can also write more than one sentence in a work step:
- When actions occur at the same time, or
- When a result occurs immediately after an action.
Examples in STE:
Make sure that the locking torque of each of the four bolts (6) is a minimum of 0.30 Nm. Then, torque each of the four bolts (6) to 4.20 Nm.
Measure the leakage from the outlet port. The leakage must not be more than 0.5 cc/minute.

 Orlando's example for January 2023

EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES – SECTION 5 – PROCEDURAL WRITING
Sentences
Rule 5.1 Write short sentences. Use a maximum of 20 words in each sentence.
Procedures give instructions that tell you how to do a task. Long sentences are not easy to understand.
In STE, the maximum length of a sentence for procedures is 20 words. (Refer to section 8 for the rules about word count.)
Warnings, cautions, and other safety instructions must also obey this rule.
Examples in STE: Install the three auxiliary screws (2) in the flange of the motor assembly (9).
(This sentence has 14 words.)
CAUTION: WHEN YOU REMOVE THE SHROUD (26), BE CAREFUL NOT TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SURFACE OF THE FLANGE ASSEMBLY (22).
(This sentence has 20 words.)
Non-STE: Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole until the oil level is approximately 6 mm (0.24 inches) below the surface of the flange cover.
(25 words)
STE: Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole. (10 words) Continue until the oil level is approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) below the surface of the flange cover. (16 words)
In the STE version the long sentence is divided into two shorter sentences, which are easier to read. You cannot divide this instruction into two work steps, because the two actions occur at the same time.

Orlando's example for December 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES – SECTION 4 - SENTENCES

Orlando's example for November 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES – SECTION 4 - SENTENCES

Orlando's example for October 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES – SECTION 4 - SENTENCES

Orlando's example for September 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES SECTION 5 – SENTENCES

Orlando's example for August 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES: SECTION 3 – VERBS

Orlando's example for July 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES SECTION 3 – VERBS

Orlando's example for June 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES SECTION 3 – VERBS

Orlando's example for May 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES SECTION 3 – VERBS

Orlando's example for April 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES SECTION 2 – NOUN CLUSTERS (continued)

Orlando's example for March 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES: SECTION 2 – NOUN CLUSTERS

Orlando's example for February 2022: 

Orlando's example for January 2022: EXPLANATION OF WRITING RULES: SECTION 1 - WORDS