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






2. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






4. 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.






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






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






7. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






8. 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






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






10. 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.






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






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






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






14. 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






15. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






17. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






19. Explain how an item or process works






20. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






28. 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.






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






30. These are sentences clarity is increased by creating lists/clauses with similar grammer. (for example - every item on a list has 'a' before it)






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






32. 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.






33. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






36. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






39. Too brief and general to convey the complexity of a term with multiple meanings.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






49. 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?






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