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






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






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






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






6. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






8. Show real or imaginary objects; highlight specific parts; use exploded view to show how parts fit together.






9. 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.






10. 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?






11. 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






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






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






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






15. 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






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






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






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






19. 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.






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

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21. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






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






25. Dividing information into manageable pieces so that the document is easier for readers to follow and understand - Writers use various sequencing methods to do this.






26. 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.






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






28. 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.






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






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






31. 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






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






33. 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






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






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






36. Describes the physical appearance of an object or area beginning at one point and ending at another; useful for product or mechanism descriptions






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






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






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






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






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






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. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






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






48. Writers developing a formal document should avoid _______________ - but thee occasional use in semiformal or informal documents is acceptable.






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






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