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






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






3. 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.






4. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






8. 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.






9. 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






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






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






12. 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






13. 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?






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






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






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






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






18. 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.






19. Charts that show parts of a whole






20. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






23. 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.






24. 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






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






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






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






28. 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?






29. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






33. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






34. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






43. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






44. 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






45. Show how the phases of a project relate to each other






46. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






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






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