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






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






4. 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






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






6. Written for repair technicians; contain troubleshooting charts for diagnosing problems






7. 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






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






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






10. 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.






11. 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.






12. When using a ______________ - center the return address - date - and closing - and align body paragraphs to the left.






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






14. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






17. Explain policies - and proposals persuade readers to follow a plan of action.






18. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






28. 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






29. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






31. 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.






32. 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)






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






34. 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.






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






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






37. Show steps in a process.






38. The _____________ explains what an organization wants to do and justifies the proposal with primary and secondary research.






39. 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.






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






41. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






44. Explain how an item or process works






45. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






48. 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






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






50. 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.