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






2. Boldface - italics - capital letters - font style - and font size are common ways to show readers the difference between _________________ headings.






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






4. Written for repair technicians; contain troubleshooting charts for diagnosing problems






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






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






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






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






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






10. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






16. 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






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






18. 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?






19. These are sentences clarity is increased by creating lists/clauses with similar grammer. (for example - every item on a list has 'a' before it)






20. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






23. Involves dividing an idea into different parts and explaining each part separately.






24. Data organized visually for easy comparison






25. 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.






26. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






27. Often include section topic - date - page number - and title of document.






28. 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.






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






30. These kinds of reports answer the following questions: What has been accomplished since the last progress report? - What tasks still need to be accomplished? - Have there been any unanticipated problems? - What is the expected timetable for completio






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






32. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






34. 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






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






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






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






38. 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.






39. 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.






40. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






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






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






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






45. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






47. 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.






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






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






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