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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. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






4. Explain how an item or process works






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






6. 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.






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






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






9. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






11. 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






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






13. 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






14. ____________________ in a sentence indicates the relationship between ideas; structuring a sentence with effective ______________ improves conciseness.






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






16. 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






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






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






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






20. 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.






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. 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






23. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






26. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






29. 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?






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






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






34. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






37. 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






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






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






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






41. 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






42. The _________ of a brochure is its front page - and its purpose is to catch the attention of the audience. Usually contain a visual image and a small amount of text. Concepts and overviews appear inside the brochure.






43. Show steps in a process.






44. 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






45. Included on the title page; summarizes in a few sentences the scope and purpose of the document.






46. 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.






47. 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.






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






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






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