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. 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?






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






9. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






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






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






14. 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.






15. Are reduced images of pictures.






16. 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






17. External proposal written and submitted without request






18. 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.






19. 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.






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






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






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






23. Show steps in a process.






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






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






26. 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






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






28. 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.






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






30. 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.






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






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






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






34. 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






35. 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.






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






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






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






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






40. External proposal written to request funding for a project or study.






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






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






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






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






45. A ____________ is the final document or product that will be submitted once a project is completed.






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






48. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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