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






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






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






4. 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






5. 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?






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






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






8. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






12. 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.






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






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. 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.






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






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






18. The attitude expressed by a writer. Use formal or semi when writing for superiors/professionals - Use semi or informal when writing for colleagues and subordinates - Use informal when conversational style is desired. Avoid profanity or slang.






19. 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)






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






21. Included before full report; combines main points of a report or proposal; often persuasive






22. 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.






23. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






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






28. 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






29. Too brief and general to convey the complexity of a term with multiple meanings.






30. 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.






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






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






33. 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






34. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






36. 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






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






38. 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






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






40. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






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






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






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






45. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






46. 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






47. Writers developing a formal document should avoid _______________ - but thee occasional use in semiformal or informal documents is acceptable.






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






49. 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.






50. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons