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






2. 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.






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






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






5. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






6. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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






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






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






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






12. Single words or short lines carried over to the top of a column or page






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






14. 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)






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






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






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






18. Show steps in a process.






19. 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






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






21. 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






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






23. 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?






24. 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.






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






26. 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






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






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






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






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






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






32. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






35. 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






36. Are reduced images of pictures.






37. Used when requesting large amounts of money






38. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






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






41. External proposal written and submitted without request






42. 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?






43. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






46. 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.






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






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






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






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