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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. 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.






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






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






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. 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)






6. 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






7. Are reduced images of pictures.






8. 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.






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






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






11. 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.






12. 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?






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






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






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






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






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






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






19. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






22. 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






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






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






25. 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.






26. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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






29. 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






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






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






32. 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.






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






34. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






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






38. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






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






42. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






45. 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






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






47. Show real or imaginary objects; highlight specific parts; use exploded view to show how parts fit together.






48. 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?






49. ______ ______ ______ 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






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