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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 when requesting large amounts of money






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






3. 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






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






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






6. 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.






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






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






9. Charts that show parts of a whole






10. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






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






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






16. 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






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






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






19. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






20. 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?






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






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






23. 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.






24. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






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






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






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






30. This supplements or clarifies information in the text body. It is in the back and there may be more than one per topic. For example: experiment details - complicated formulas - interview questions and answers - long quotes - maps - photos - tests - v






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






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






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






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






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






36. External proposal written and submitted without request






37. 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






38. Often include section topic - date - page number - and title of document.






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






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






41. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






48. Written for both skilled and unskilled users of a product; include instructions regarding setup - operation and maintenance as well as safety warning and trouble-shooting tips






49. 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.






50. Audience consists of people with some technical knowledge but less than experts; data needs some explanation e.g.: a physician giving a report to a first-year medical student regarding a patient's lab results and symptoms