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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. Explaining what the term does not mean.






2. 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)






3. 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






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






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






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






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






8. The _____________ explains what an organization wants to do and justifies the proposal with primary and secondary research.






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






10. Organization Name __________ To: Name/Title of addressee From: Name/Title of sender with handwritten initials Date: For record keeping purposes Subject: Key words Introductory Paragraph: purpose and background Body Paragraph(s): details - explanation






11. External proposal written and submitted without request






12. 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?






13. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






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






17. 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






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






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






20. 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






21. 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.






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






23. Margins ________ on the left are easier to read; fully ______ is appropriate for multiple columns.






24. When using a ______________ - center the return address - date - and closing - and align body paragraphs to the left.






25. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






26. 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.






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






28. Show steps in a process.






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






30. 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?






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






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






33. Use these to show the meaning of a process or concept.






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






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






36. Explain how an item or process works






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






38. 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






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. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






42. 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






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






44. 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






45. 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.






46. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






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






50. Used when requesting large amounts of money