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






2. 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.






3. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






4. Detailed - usually multipage commercial document containing descriptions of product/servive/project for marketing purposes.






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






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






7. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






10. Written for unskilled individuals. The steps required to complete a task safely and efficiently - such as installing a memory card into a laptop. i.e. printed manuals - user manuals.






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






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






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






14. 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






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






16. 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






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






18. 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






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






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






21. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






27. External proposal written and submitted without request






28. 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.






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






30. 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.






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






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






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






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






35. 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.






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






37. 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)






38. Charts that show parts of a whole






39. Written for trained operators of construction - computer - or manufacturing equipment for use on the job; includes instructions and safety information.


40. 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.






41. 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.






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






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






44. 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.






45. 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?






46. Included before full report; summarized version of report






47. 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






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






49. Emphasizes important information; reasons or examples are arranged in decreasing or increasing order of imporance; used when making recommendations or proposals.






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