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. 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. Show steps in a process.






3. 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.






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






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






6. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






8. 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






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






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






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






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






13. 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)






14. 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.






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






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






17. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






21. Included before full report; summarized version of report






22. External proposal written and submitted without request






23. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






25. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






26. Describing the terms origin - such as Greek or Latin words






27. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






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






32. 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






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






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






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






36. 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.






37. Data organized visually for easy comparison






38. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






40. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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