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






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






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






4. 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.






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






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






7. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






9. Written as a self-study guide for the users of a product; intended to guide first-time users through the steps involved in operating a product.






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






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






12. 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.






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






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






15. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






17. 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.






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






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






20. 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






21. 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






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






23. 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






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






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






26. 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.






27. 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






28. 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






29. 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.






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






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






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






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






35. 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?






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






37. Audience consists of experts in the subject matter - data does not require lengthy explanation e.g.: a physician giving a report to a surgeon about a patient's lab results and symptoms






38. 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






39. 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.






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






41. 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.






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






43. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






47. 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)






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






49. 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.






50. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.