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. Show steps in a process.






2. 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.






3. Explain how an item or process works






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






5. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






8. 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?






9. Charts that show parts of a whole






10. External proposal written and submitted without request






11. 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






12. 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.






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






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






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






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






17. Written in short proposal format; used frequently in organizations for minor spending requests.






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






19. 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.






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






21. 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.






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






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






24. 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.






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






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






27. 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.






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






29. Are reduced images of pictures.






30. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






32. 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






33. 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)






34. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






35. 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?






36. 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






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






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






39. 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?






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






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






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






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






44. 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






45. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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

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49. 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.






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