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






3. 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






4. 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.






5. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






7. 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






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






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






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






11. 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.






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






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






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






15. Use these to show the meaning of a process or concept.






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






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






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






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






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






21. 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.






22. Explaining what the term does not mean.






23. 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






24. 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






25. 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.






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






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






28. Used in in presenting steps - materials - and recommendations






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






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






31. 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.






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






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






34. 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.






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






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






37. Explain policies - and proposals persuade readers to follow a plan of action.






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






39. 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






40. 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






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






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






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






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






45. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






49. 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.






50. 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?