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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. ______ ______ ______ 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






2. 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






3. 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.






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






5. 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.






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






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






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






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






10. 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?






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






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






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






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






15. 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.






16. Charts that show parts of a whole






17. 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.






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






19. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






21. 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






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






23. 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)






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






25. 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.






26. 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.






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






28. Explain how an item or process works






29. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






38. 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






39. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






42. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






44. 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






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






46. The _____________ explains what an organization wants to do and justifies the proposal with primary and secondary research.






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






48. 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.






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






50. 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