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. 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






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






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






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






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






6. 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.






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






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






9. External proposal written and submitted without request






10. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






11. 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.






12. 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






13. 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






14. 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)






15. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






17. Written for repair technicians; contain troubleshooting charts for diagnosing problems






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






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

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20. 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






21. 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.






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






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






24. 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.






25. 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.






26. 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?






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






28. 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.






29. 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.






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






31. 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.






32. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






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






37. 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.






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






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






40. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






41. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






43. 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.






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






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






46. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






47. Written for both skilled and unskilled users of a product; include instructions regarding setup - operation and maintenance as well as safety warning and trouble-shooting tips






48. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






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