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






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






3. Included on the title page; summarizes in a few sentences the scope and purpose of the document.






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






6. 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






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






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






9. Show steps in a process.






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






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. 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)






13. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






15. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






17. 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.






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






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






20. 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.






21. 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






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






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






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






25. 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






26. 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.






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






28. 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.






29. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






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






33. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






35. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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


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






40. 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






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






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






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






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






45. Follows a sequence of events; useful for explanations of how something is done or how an accident occurred.






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






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






48. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






50. Emphasizes important information; reasons or examples are arranged in decreasing or increasing order of imporance; used when making recommendations or proposals.