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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 for writing step-by-step instructions.






2. 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.






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

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4. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






8. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






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






13. These kinds of reports answer the following questions: Is the plan likely to be successful? - What are the benefits and risks of the plan? - What are other options? - Is funding available? - How would the employees be affected?






14. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






16. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






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






20. 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






21. 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






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






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






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






25. 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.






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






27. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






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






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






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






34. 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






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






36. 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.






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






38. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






42. 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.






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






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






45. 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)






46. 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.






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






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






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






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