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






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






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






4. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






7. Show steps in a process.






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






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






10. 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






11. 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.






12. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






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






17. 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.






18. 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.






19. 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






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






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






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






23. 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






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






25. 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.






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






27. 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






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






29. 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






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






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






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






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






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






35. Explain how an item or process works






36. Detailed - usually multipage commercial document containing descriptions of product/servive/project for marketing purposes.






37. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






38. 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.






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






40. 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.






41. 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)






42. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






44. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






46. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






48. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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