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






2. 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






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






4. 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.






5. 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.






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






7. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






15. 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.






16. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






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






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






22. 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.






23. 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






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






25. These help readers decide whether to read the document - find a particular section - divide information into logical pieces - highlight main points and topics - signal topic changes






26. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






29. 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?






30. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






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






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






36. Show steps in a process.






37. ______ ______ ______ 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






38. 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.






39. 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






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






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






42. 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.






43. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






45. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






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






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






50. 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?