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






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






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






4. 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.






5. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






13. The purpose of a ____ is to: Summarize information - Interpret Findings - Recommend action






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






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






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






17. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






21. Show steps in a process.






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






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






24. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






26. What is the Web Site's sponsor and domain type(.edu.com.gov) - What is the purpose of the Web page and message? - When was the Web site most recently updated? - What are the author's credentials and expertise?






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






28. 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.






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






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






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






32. 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






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






34. 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.






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






36. 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?






37. 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.






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






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






40. 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






41. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






46. Included before full report; summarized version of report






47. 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.






48. Single words or short lines carried over to the top of a column or page






49. 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.






50. 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.







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