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






2. Show steps in a process.






3. 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.






4. 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






5. 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






6. 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.






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






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






9. _______ are documents written to persuade readers to take some type of action.






10. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






11. 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.






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






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






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






15. 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






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






17. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






20. Explaining what the term does not mean.






21. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






29. 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.






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






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. 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?






33. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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. 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






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






44. Included before full report; summarized version of report






45. ______ ______ ______ 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






46. Included before full report; combines main points of a report or proposal; often persuasive






47. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






49. 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






50. Charts that show parts of a whole