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






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






3. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






4. 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






5. 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






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






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






8. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






11. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






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






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






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






19. 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






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






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






22. The _______ is the left-hand column of a table - and it lists the items being compared.






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






24. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






27. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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


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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






39. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






41. 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






42. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






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






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






47. 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.






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






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






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