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






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






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






5. 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.






6. 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.






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






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






9. Show steps in a process.






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






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






12. 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?






13. 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






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






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






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






17. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






19. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






23. 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.






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






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






26. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






28. 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






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






30. Explaining what the term does not mean.






31. 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






32. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






34. 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?






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






36. 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






37. These build unity and clarity by creating a smoooth flow of ideas. Achieved by using ______ words (therefore - meanwhile etc) Repeating major points or words - summarizing information in previous paragraphs - using numbers to indicate steps.






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






39. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






48. 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.






49. 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






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