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






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






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






4. ______ ______ ______ 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






5. 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.






6. 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






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






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






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






10. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






11. 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






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

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13. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






17. 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?






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






19. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






21. 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






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






23. 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.






24. 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.






25. 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






26. 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






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






28. 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.






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






30. 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.






31. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






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






35. 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)






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






37. Explain how an item or process works






38. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






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






43. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






46. Explaining what the term does not mean.






47. Show steps in a process.






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






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






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