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






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






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






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






5. 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






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






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






8. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






10. 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






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






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






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






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






15. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






18. 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?






19. 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.






20. 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






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






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






23. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






25. 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






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






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






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






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






30. 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






31. 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






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






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






34. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






35. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






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






40. 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.






41. 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?






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






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






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






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






46. What is the background of the audience? Global? - What is the reader's experience - What is the attitude of the audience on subject? - What are the needs/interests/expectations of the audience? - Will multiple audiences/skill levels read this?






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






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






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






50. Show steps in a process.