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. 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.






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






3. 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.






4. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






5. Written for both skilled and unskilled users of a product; include instructions regarding setup - operation and maintenance as well as safety warning and trouble-shooting tips






6. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






8. 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.






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






10. A ____________ is the final document or product that will be submitted once a project is completed.






11. 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






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






13. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






24. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






28. Explaining what the term does not mean.






29. 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)






30. 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.






31. 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.






32. Most appropriate when a writer needs to define a multiple-meaning term with precision.






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






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






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






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






37. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






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






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






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






44. Are reduced images of pictures.






45. 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?






46. 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.






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






48. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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