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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. 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






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






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






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






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






6. 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.






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






8. 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.






9. 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






10. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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






13. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






16. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






20. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






27. Data organized visually for easy comparison






28. 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






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






30. 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)






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






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






33. 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.






34. Explain how an item or process works






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. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






40. Useful in highlighting sections of a document to draw reader attention






41. 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?






42. ______ ______ ______ is as follows: Introduction: background information and purpose statement - Body: Review of options being considered based on criteria like costs and staff - Conclusion: Interpretations of findings - Recommendation: Author's opin






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






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






45. 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?






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






47. 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.






48. 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.






49. 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






50. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.