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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. Are reduced images of pictures.






2. 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






3. 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?






4. 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






5. 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.






6. The extent to which data has been verified to be accurate






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






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






9. 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






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






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






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






13. Using '______________' to link the two sentences best contrasts the information.






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






15. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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. 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






19. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






20. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






22. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






24. 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?






25. Show steps in a process.






26. 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.






27. 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






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






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






30. 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?






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






39. Sentences with an average of ____________ words are appropriate for technical writing. Sentences of fewer than 15 words are too short and choppy - and ones longer than 20 words are cumbersome and confusing.






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






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






42. Explaining what the term does not mean.






43. 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.






44. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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