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






2. Explain how an item or process works






3. Data organized visually for easy comparison






4. 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






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






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






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






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






9. 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






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






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

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






13. 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






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






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






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






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






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






20. 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.






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






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






23. 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.






24. 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.






25. 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






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






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






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






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






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






31. Included before full report; summarized version of report






32. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






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






37. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






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






41. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






42. 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.






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






44. Show steps in a process.






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






46. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






47. 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.






48. 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)






49. 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.






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