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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. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






2. 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






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






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






5. 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






6. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






8. 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?






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






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






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






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






14. 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.






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






16. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






20. 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?






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






22. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






23. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






26. Indicate organizational structure and help readers find information; type size or font should differ from main text.






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






28. 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






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






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






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






32. 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






33. 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






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






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


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






37. A formal document longer than ten pages usually includes a table of contents to simplify the process of locating information. It's included after the title and abstract - but before the list of tables - forward and preface.






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






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






40. 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






41. 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.






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






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






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






45. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






46. ______ ______ ______ 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






47. 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)






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






49. Reduces costs by minimizing customer calls and the need to release document updates. Product sales and customer satisfaction also benefitsfrom this - although this enhances product safety - it does not eliminate a firm's legal responsibilities.






50. 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.