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. 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






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






3. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






4. 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.






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






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






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






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






9. 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






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






11. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






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






16. 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






17. 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






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






19. 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.






20. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






22. 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






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






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






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






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






27. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






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






33. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






34. 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






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






36. Explaining what the term does not mean.






37. Defining through __________ involves comparing two seemingly different objects that share a common characteristic.






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






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






40. 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.






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






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






43. 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.






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






45. Used for complex terms or when term has multiple meanings. Follows a fixed patter: indicate the term to be defined - the class in which the time belongs - and the features that make the item unique in its class.






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






47. 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.






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






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






50. 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?