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. A single line carried over the top of a column






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. 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






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

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183


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






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






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






8. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






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






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






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






15. Data organized visually for easy comparison






16. 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.






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






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






19. 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.






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






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






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






23. Begins with either the cause of the effect; useful in reports discussing problems and solutions






24. 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






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






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






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






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






29. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






32. 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?






33. 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.






34. Dividing information into manageable pieces so that the document is easier for readers to follow and understand - Writers use various sequencing methods to do this.






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






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






37. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






43. 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






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






45. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






46. 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)






47. 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






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






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






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