The document outlines a framework for describing objects using five parts: definition/function, materials, components, connections between components, and function of components. It then provides an example description of a knife using this framework, describing that a knife is used for cutting, has a steel blade and plastic or wood handle secured together, and that the sharp blade and comfortable handle allow it to function properly. It also provides an example cash register description, stating that a cash register is a machine used to manage money during sales, is made of computer parts, must have a cash drawer, barcode scanner, staff/customer displays, and receipt printer connected together to function as intended.

1. Describing an Object
Materials Office 2011

2. Writing an Object Description: Five
Parts
 Definition / Function
 Materials
 Components
 Connections between components
 Function of components

3. Example: Knife
 Definition / Function

4. Example: Knife (p.96)
 Definition / Function
A knife is a tool that is used for cutting. They are usually used
in the kitchen for cooking. A knife works by pushing the sharp
edge of the knife onto the object to be cut.

5. Example: Knife (p.96)
 Materials / Components

6. Example: Knife (p.96)
Materials / Components
A knife has two parts, a handle and a blade. The blade is made
of steel and the handle is usually made of wood or plastic.

7. Example: Knife (p.96)
 Connections between components

8. Example: Knife (p.96)
 Connections between components
It’s very important that the blade of the knife fits securely into
the handle or the knife won’t work properly.

9. Example: Knife (p.96)
 Function of components

10. Example: Knife (p.96)
 Function of components
The knife blade must be sharp in order to cut correctly. The knife
handle must be easy to hold and should have a protective shape so
that your hand can’t easily move to the blade.

11. Cash Register
-Barcode scanner
-Cash drawer
-Keyboard
-Receipt printer
-Staff monitor
-Customer LED
display
Write about: Definition, Function, Components and
their uses, Materials, Connections, and any other
important details.

12. Cash register example
 Definition / Function
 A cash register is a machine that is used to manage money
when selling things.

13. Cash register example
 Definition / Function
 A cash register is a machine that is used to manage money
when selling things.
 Materials
 Most modern cash registers are computers with specialized
parts.

14. Cash register example
 Definition / Function
 A cash register is a machine that is used to manage money
when selling things.
 Materials
 Most modern cash registers are computers with specialized
parts.
 Components
 A cash register must have a cash drawer, a barcode scanner,
a monitor for the staff person to use, a display screen for the
customer to see, and a receipt printer.

15. Cash register example
 Definition / Function
 A cash register is a machine that is used to manage money
when selling things.
 Materials
 Most modern cash registers are computers with specialized
parts.
 Components
 A cash register must have a cash drawer, a barcode scanner,
a monitor for the staff person to use, a display screen for the
customer to see, and a receipt printer.
 Connections between components
 The cash drawer fits inside a protective cover, so that when it
is closed nobody can take the money out.

16. Cash register example
 Definition / Function
 A cash register is a machine that is used to manage money when selling things.
 Materials
 Most modern cash registers are computers with specialized parts.
 Components
 A cash register must have a cash drawer, a barcode scanner, a monitor for the
staff person to use, a display screen for the customer to see, and a receipt
printer.
 Connections between components
 The cash drawer fits inside a protective cover, so that when it is closed nobody
can take the money out.
 Function of components
 The barcode reader is used to quickly enter the product information into the
computer. If the barcode reader doesn’t work, the clerk can use the keyboard
instead. The screens are used to display product and price information so the
clerk and the customer can check for errors. The receipt printer prints a piece
of paper that contains the total amount of the purchase. The whole thing is
electrical and requires electrical power to work. There are other simpler cash
registers that can work without electrical power.