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


2. 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?






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






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






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






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






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






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






9. 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






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






11. 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






12. These help readers decide whether to read the document - find a particular section - divide information into logical pieces - highlight main points and topics - signal topic changes






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






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






15. 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.






16. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






17. 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.






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. ______ ______ ______ 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






20. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






27. Explaining what the term does not mean.






28. 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






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






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






31. 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.






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






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






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






35. 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)






36. 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






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






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






39. Show steps in a process.






40. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






43. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






44. 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.






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






46. Consist of brief phrases that indicate a document's method of development - and they are primarily used for short documents like letters and memos.






47. 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?






48. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






50. Describes the physical appearance of an object or area beginning at one point and ending at another; useful for product or mechanism descriptions