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






2. Show steps in a process.






3. 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.






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






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






6. 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.






7. 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.






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






9. 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.






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






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






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






13. 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.






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






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






16. 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






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






18. 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






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






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






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






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






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






24. Follows a sequence of events; useful for explanations of how something is done or how an accident occurred.






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

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






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






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






29. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






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






32. 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






33. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






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






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






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






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






40. 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?






41. 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.






42. Audience consists of laypersons with no training in the subject matter; data needs to be translated into simple language that can be easily understood e.g.; a physician giving a report to a patient's spouse regarding lab results - symptoms - and trea






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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