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. 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.






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






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






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






5. 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?






6. 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.






7. Major teaching tool in vocational jobs; used to train people in a procedure or skill and often paired with audiovisual information






8. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






9. 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.






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






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






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

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13. 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.






14. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






16. Rules and guidelines provided to people who know how to perform a task - These ensure safety within a group. For example - guide on how to exit a building during a fire. Policemen have ________ they do after at a crime scene.






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






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






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






20. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






23. Show steps in a process.






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






25. External proposal written and submitted without request






26. 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






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






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






29. 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.






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






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






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






33. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






34. Most appropriate when a writer needs to define a multiple-meaning term with precision.






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






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






37. Describing the terms origin - such as Greek or Latin words






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






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






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






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






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






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






44. 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.






45. Data organized visually for easy comparison






46. 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.






47. 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






48. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






50. ______ are documents that help people how to understand how to assemble - use - and repair products.