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






2. 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






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






4. 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.






5. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






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






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






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






12. 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






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






14. 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






15. 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.






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






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






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






19. Appear on the top of every page in a document to indicate the page number and document title.






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






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






22. 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






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






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






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






26. 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?






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






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






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






30. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






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






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






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. 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






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






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






39. 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)






40. 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.






41. Boldface - italics - capital letters - font style - and font size are common ways to show readers the difference between _________________ headings.






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






44. 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.






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






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






47. 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?






48. Charts that show parts of a whole






49. Explain how an item or process works






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