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






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






3. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






6. 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.






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






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






9. 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






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






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






12. 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.






13. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






17. 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?






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






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






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






21. Used for writing step-by-step instructions.






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






23. 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.






24. 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)






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






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






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






28. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






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






31. Emphasizes important information; reasons or examples are arranged in decreasing or increasing order of imporance; used when making recommendations or proposals.






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






33. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






39. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






41. External proposal written and submitted without request






42. 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.






43. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






45. 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






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






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






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






49. Explain how an item or process works






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