Test your basic knowledge |

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. Written for unskilled individuals. The steps required to complete a task safely and efficiently - such as installing a memory card into a laptop. i.e. printed manuals - user manuals.






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






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






4. This describes how something works and breaks down something into steps or parts. (e.g. how to make a dvd player - how to apply for a loan)






5. Written to describe events like safety emergencies - equipment problems - and workplace accidents.






6. Written for repair technicians; contain troubleshooting charts for diagnosing problems






7. Sentences with an average of ____________ words are appropriate for technical writing. Sentences of fewer than 15 words are too short and choppy - and ones longer than 20 words are cumbersome and confusing.






8. ____________________ in a sentence indicates the relationship between ideas; structuring a sentence with effective ______________ improves conciseness.






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






10. 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.






11. A single line carried over the top of a column






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






13. 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.






14. Written for trained operators of construction - computer - or manufacturing equipment for use on the job; includes instructions and safety information.

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






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






17. The extent to which data has been verified to be accurate






18. These kinds of reports answer the following questions: The reason for conducting the test or investigation - Problems - Results and Conclusion






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






20. Data organized visually for easy comparison






21. These kinds of reports answer the following questions: What has been accomplished since the last progress report? - What tasks still need to be accomplished? - Have there been any unanticipated problems? - What is the expected timetable for completio






22. 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






23. Dividing information into manageable pieces so that the document is easier for readers to follow and understand - Writers use various sequencing methods to do this.






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






25. Single words or short lines carried over to the top of a column or page






26. 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.






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






28. Explain how each element of a complex item works - which is especially beneficial to laypersons attempting to understand a technical subject.






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






30. Most appropriate when a writer needs to define a multiple-meaning term with precision.






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






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






33. 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?






34. Describing the terms origin - such as Greek or Latin words






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






36. Written to accompany a resume when seeking an internship or employment; explains how skills and experience match a specific job position.






37. ___________ - such as 'who -' are more likely to decrease clarity in a document.






38. Often include section topic - date - page number - and title of document.






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






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






41. ______ are documents that help people how to understand how to assemble - use - and repair products.






42. 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






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






44. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






46. They are different from Memos - since they correspond to people outside of the organization instead of inside.






47. Follows a sequence of events; useful for explanations of how something is done or how an accident occurred.






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






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






50. Audience consists of laypersons with no training in the subject matter; data needs to be translated into simple language that can be easily understood e.g.; a physician giving a report to a patient's spouse regarding lab results - symptoms - and trea