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






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






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






4. 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






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






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






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






8. Use a synonym or clarifying phrase to explain the meaning of an unfamiliar word; easy to set up links in electronic documents.






9. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






11. 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)






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






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






14. External proposal written and submitted without request






15. 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.






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. 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






18. 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.






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






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






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






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






23. 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






24. 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.






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






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






27. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






28. External proposal written to request funding for a project or study.






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






30. 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?






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






32. 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






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






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






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






36. 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.






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






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






39. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






40. 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






41. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






43. 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






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






45. 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.






46. 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.






47. 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






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






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






50. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.