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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. 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






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






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






4. 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.






5. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






8. 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)






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






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






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






12. 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?






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






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






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






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






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






18. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






20. Explain how an item or process works






21. Written to describe events like safety emergencies - equipment problems - and workplace accidents.






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






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






24. Major teaching tool in vocational jobs; used to train people in a procedure or skill and often paired with audiovisual information






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






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






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






28. 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






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






30. Written for trained operators of construction - computer - or manufacturing equipment for use on the job; includes instructions and safety information.

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






32. 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?






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






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






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






36. Show trends and changes over time - cost - size - rates - and other variables.






37. 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






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






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






40. 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






41. 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.






42. 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.






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






44. 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






45. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






46. 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.






47. Included before full report; summarized version of report






48. What is the background of the audience? Global? - What is the reader's experience - What is the attitude of the audience on subject? - What are the needs/interests/expectations of the audience? - Will multiple audiences/skill levels read this?






49. 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.






50. Data organized visually for easy comparison