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






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






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






4. Show real or imaginary objects; highlight specific parts; use exploded view to show how parts fit together.






5. These are sentences clarity is increased by creating lists/clauses with similar grammer. (for example - every item on a list has 'a' before it)






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






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






8. 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






9. 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.






10. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






13. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






15. 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






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






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






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






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






20. 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.






21. 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)






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






23. 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






24. 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.






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






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






27. 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






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






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






30. 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.






31. External proposal that may be short or long depending on the size of the potential sale






32. Use images or icons to represent quantities; useful for non-experts to grasp ideas.






33. 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.






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






35. Used in in presenting steps - materials - and recommendations






36. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






39. 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






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






41. 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?






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






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






44. 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?






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






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






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






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






49. ______ ______ ______ 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






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