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






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






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






4. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






6. 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






7. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






9. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






11. Writers developing a formal document should avoid _______________ - but thee occasional use in semiformal or informal documents is acceptable.






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






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






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






15. 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.






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






17. 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






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






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






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






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






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






23. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






25. ______ are documents that help people how to understand how to assemble - use - and repair products.






26. ______ ______ ______ is as follows: Introduction: background information and purpose statement - Body: Review of options being considered based on criteria like costs and staff - Conclusion: Interpretations of findings - Recommendation: Author's opin






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






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






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






30. 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?






31. Show steps in a process.






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






33. 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






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






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






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






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






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






39. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






41. 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






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






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






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






45. 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.






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






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






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






49. 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)






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