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






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






3. Written in short proposal format; used frequently in organizations for minor spending requests.






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






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






6. Data organized visually for easy comparison






7. 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






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






9. Used for writing step-by-step instructions.






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






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






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






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






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






15. Involves dividing an idea into different parts and explaining each part separately.






16. 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






17. 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.






18. 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






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






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






21. A document with an alphabetical list of definitions. It defines terms without breaking the flow. If a document has five or more technical terms it needs one of these. Insert after the appendix and bibiolography






22. Are reduced images of pictures.






23. 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?






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






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






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






27. 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






28. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






30. Used when writing about one subject that is similar to another.






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






32. 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.






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

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






35. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






37. Writers developing a formal document should avoid _______________ - but thee occasional use in semiformal or informal documents is acceptable.






38. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






39. 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.






40. Included either at the beginning of the conclusion or at the end of the body; reviews main points and findings






41. 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






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






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






44. It emphasizes abilities and skills rather than work history. This type of resume is appropriate for people who are changing careers or who have limited work experience. Education and references are included but not stressed.






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






46. 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






47. 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.






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






49. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






50. Use comparison to define - but they are less likely to be used for terms with multiple meanings.