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






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






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






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






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






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






7. 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?






8. 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






9. 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.






10. 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






11. 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






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






13. 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.






14. 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






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






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






17. 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.






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






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






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






21. 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.






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






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






24. 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






25. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






36. 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.






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






38. 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






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






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






41. ___________ - such as 'who -' are more likely to decrease clarity in a document.






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






43. 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?






44. 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)






45. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






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






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