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. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






3. Illustrate relationships in systems - such as components in an electronic device






4. A ____________ is the final document or product that will be submitted once a project is completed.






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






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






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






8. This supplements or clarifies information in the text body. It is in the back and there may be more than one per topic. For example: experiment details - complicated formulas - interview questions and answers - long quotes - maps - photos - tests - v






9. Explain how an item or process works






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






11. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






12. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






14. Detailed - usually multipage commercial document containing descriptions of product/servive/project for marketing purposes.






15. 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?






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






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






18. The attitude expressed by a writer. Use formal or semi when writing for superiors/professionals - Use semi or informal when writing for colleagues and subordinates - Use informal when conversational style is desired. Avoid profanity or slang.






19. Rules and guidelines provided to people who know how to perform a task - These ensure safety within a group. For example - guide on how to exit a building during a fire. Policemen have ________ they do after at a crime scene.






20. Included before full report; summarized version of report






21. Included on the title page; summarizes in a few sentences the scope and purpose of the document.






22. Use a synonym or clarifying phrase to explain the meaning of an unfamiliar word; easy to set up links in electronic documents.






23. 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.






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






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






26. Show how components of a principle - process - or system function together - useful to people assembling and installing things.






27. 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.






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






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

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






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






32. 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






33. The page area that contains no text or graphics - and it helps draw a reader's attention to a particular page element. Improves the readability of a document for all types of readers. Although it limits the amount of information on a page - it does n






34. 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.






35. What is the Web Site's sponsor and domain type(.edu.com.gov) - What is the purpose of the Web page and message? - When was the Web site most recently updated? - What are the author's credentials and expertise?






36. 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.






37. The purpose of a ____ is to: Summarize information - Interpret Findings - Recommend action






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






39. 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.






40. 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?






41. 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.






42. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






44. Defining through __________ involves comparing two seemingly different objects that share a common characteristic.






45. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






48. 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






49. Show how the phases of a project relate to each other






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