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DSST Technical Writing

Subjects : dsst, writing-skills
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Describing the terms origin - such as Greek or Latin words






2. Emphasizes important information; reasons or examples are arranged in decreasing or increasing order of imporance; used when making recommendations or proposals.






3. Use images or icons to represent quantities; useful for non-experts to grasp ideas.






4. External proposal written and submitted without request






5. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






6. These are sentences clarity is increased by creating lists/clauses with similar grammer. (for example - every item on a list has 'a' before it)






7. Using '______________' to link the two sentences best contrasts the information.






8. Reduces costs by minimizing customer calls and the need to release document updates. Product sales and customer satisfaction also benefitsfrom this - although this enhances product safety - it does not eliminate a firm's legal responsibilities.






9. External proposal that may be short or long depending on the size of the potential sale






10. These build unity and clarity by creating a smoooth flow of ideas. Achieved by using ______ words (therefore - meanwhile etc) Repeating major points or words - summarizing information in previous paragraphs - using numbers to indicate steps.






11. These kinds of reports answer the following questions: Is the plan likely to be successful? - What are the benefits and risks of the plan? - What are other options? - Is funding available? - How would the employees be affected?






12. The _______ is the left-hand column of a table - and it lists the items being compared.






13. Included before full report; combines main points of a report or proposal; often persuasive






14. Used for complex terms or when term has multiple meanings. Follows a fixed patter: indicate the term to be defined - the class in which the time belongs - and the features that make the item unique in its class.






15. This document contains: Name and contact information - Job Objective - Qualifications and Summary - Education and Work Experience - Awards - Skills and Activities - References






16. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






17. Written to ask about a product - service or procedure; brief - direct and clearly worded so the reader understands what is needed.






18. Too brief and general to convey the complexity of a term with multiple meanings.






19. Useful in highlighting sections of a document to draw reader attention






20. Single ___ for larger typeface; double for smaller typeface. Avoid orphans and widows.






21. Show trends and changes over time - cost - size - rates - and other variables.






22. A formal document longer than ten pages usually includes a table of contents to simplify the process of locating information. It's included after the title and abstract - but before the list of tables - forward and preface.






23. Letter format most appropriate with letterhead stationery - all letter elements are aligned to the left margin - and company letterhead is commonly used.






24. Audience consists of people with some technical knowledge but less than experts; data needs some explanation e.g.: a physician giving a report to a first-year medical student regarding a patient's lab results and symptoms






25. Written for both skilled and unskilled users of a product; include instructions regarding setup - operation and maintenance as well as safety warning and trouble-shooting tips






26. Begins with either the cause of the effect; useful in reports discussing problems and solutions






27. External proposal written to request funding for a project or study.






28. Commonly used to outline longer documents like reports - proposals - and manuals.






29. A word on a line by itself at the end of a column






30. Informal written communications used in business between colleagues. The provide a record trail of decisions that can be used legally.






31. Used when extensive details are required about an item; may be a paragraph or numerous pages depending on the audience and purpose.






32. Show real or imaginary objects; highlight specific parts; use exploded view to show how parts fit together.






33. Discuss history - development - and applications for the term - unless readers are only attempting to perform a task related to the term.






34. Explaining what the term does not mean.






35. Audience consists of experts in the subject matter - data does not require lengthy explanation e.g.: a physician giving a report to a surgeon about a patient's lab results and symptoms






36. Data organized visually for easy comparison






37. Describes the physical appearance of an object or area beginning at one point and ending at another; useful for product or mechanism descriptions






38. _______ are documents written to persuade readers to take some type of action.






39. Used in in presenting steps - materials - and recommendations






40. External proposal written in response to a request for proposals (RFP) or an invitation for bids (IFB)






41. Written as a self-study guide for the users of a product; intended to guide first-time users through the steps involved in operating a product.






42. The _________ of a brochure is its front page - and its purpose is to catch the attention of the audience. Usually contain a visual image and a small amount of text. Concepts and overviews appear inside the brochure.






43. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






44. Major teaching tool in vocational jobs; used to train people in a procedure or skill and often paired with audiovisual information






45. These help readers decide whether to read the document - find a particular section - divide information into logical pieces - highlight main points and topics - signal topic changes






46. What is the background of the audience? Global? - What is the reader's experience - What is the attitude of the audience on subject? - What are the needs/interests/expectations of the audience? - Will multiple audiences/skill levels read this?






47. Indicate organizational structure and help readers find information; type size or font should differ from main text.






48. Advantages: gaining a better understanding of how the audience will read the document - each member of the group provides more questions and suggestions Disadvantages: disjointed writing styles - increased time to complete the project - and reduced m






49. Consist of brief phrases that indicate a document's method of development - and they are primarily used for short documents like letters and memos.






50. Written to express disappointment with a product or service and to request a refund - replacement - or an apology