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






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






3. Show how components of a principle - process - or system function together - useful to people assembling and installing things.






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






5. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






11. 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






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






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






14. When using a ______________ - center the return address - date - and closing - and align body paragraphs to the left.






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






16. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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






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






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


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






22. 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)






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






24. 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.






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






26. 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






27. 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?






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






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






30. 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?






31. 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






32. 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.






33. Illustrate relationships in systems - such as components in an electronic device






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






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






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






37. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






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






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






42. Describes the physical appearance of an object or area beginning at one point and ending at another; useful for product or mechanism descriptions






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






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






45. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






49. 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.






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