In technical-writing courses, the main focus is typically the technical report, due
toward the end of the semester.Just about everything you do in the course is
aimed at developing skills needed to produce that report. Of course, some
technical-writing courses begin with a resume and application letter (often
known as the cover letter), but after that you plan the technical report, and then
write a proposal in which you propose to write that report. Then you write short
technical papers where you get accustomed to using things like headings, lists,
graphics, and special notices—not to mention writing about technical subject
matter in a clear, concise, understandable way that is appropriate for a specific
audience.