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. 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.






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






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






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






5. 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.






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






7. 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.






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






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






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






11. Audience consists of laypersons with no training in the subject matter; data needs to be translated into simple language that can be easily understood e.g.; a physician giving a report to a patient's spouse regarding lab results - symptoms - and trea






12. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






13. 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)






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






15. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






24. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






25. Describing the terms origin - such as Greek or Latin words






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






27. Consist of brief phrases that indicate a document's method of development - and they are primarily used for short documents like letters and memos.






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






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






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






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






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






33. 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






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






35. 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.






36. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






37. External proposal that may be short or long depending on the size of the potential sale






38. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






40. 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






41. 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.






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






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






44. These kinds of reports answer the following questions: What has been accomplished since the last progress report? - What tasks still need to be accomplished? - Have there been any unanticipated problems? - What is the expected timetable for completio






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






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






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






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






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






50. 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?