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






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. 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?






4. 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.






5. 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.






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






7. 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?






8. 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.






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






10. 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)






11. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






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






15. 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.






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






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






18. 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?






19. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






23. 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






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






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






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






27. Explain how an item or process works






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






29. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






31. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






43. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






44. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






46. 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.






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






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






49. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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