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. 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.






2. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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

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






5. 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?






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






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






8. 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






9. 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.






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






11. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






14. 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?






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






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






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






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






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






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






21. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






23. 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.






24. 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






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






26. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






30. External proposal written and submitted without request






31. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






35. 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.






36. The _____________ explains what an organization wants to do and justifies the proposal with primary and secondary research.






37. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






39. ______ ______ ______ 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






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. 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.






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






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






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






45. Writers developing a formal document should avoid _______________ - but thee occasional use in semiformal or informal documents is acceptable.






46. 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.






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






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






49. Explain how an item or process works






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