Engineers use the language of mathematics and the methods of science along with the experiences of society to design machines, tools, processes, and systems that will solve problems and accomplish tasks safely and efficiently. There are many different types of engineers: mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, geological, environmental, and aerospace, to name a few. Each type of engineer addresses problems and tasks in a particular part of the physical world.

Writing plays a major role in the work of engineers, who write reports and recommendations based on their research and their design ideas. Engineers write technical reports addressed to manufacturers or the companies or agencies that hire them. Engineers also communicate their solutions to clients in their own organizations.

As a student of engineering, you will be challenged to devise solutions to real-world problems. Most of your assignments will be open-ended questions that will involve finding or proposing solutions to design challenges; you will be required to compose rationales for your solutions in writing. In laboratory experiments, you will maintain a lab notebook and write reports about your hands-on research. Because engineers usually work in teams, some writing assignments will involve working with other students to give you practice with collaboration.