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. 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.






2. 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






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

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183


4. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






6. 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.






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






8. 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.






9. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






11. 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.






12. 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






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






14. 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.






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






16. 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






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






18. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






21. 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






22. 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)






23. 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.






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






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






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






27. Use these to show the meaning of a process or concept.






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






29. 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






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






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






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






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






34. 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.






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






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






37. 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?






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






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






40. Included before full report; summarized version of report






41. Explain how an item or process works






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






43. 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?






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






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






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






47. Sentences with an average of ____________ words are appropriate for technical writing. Sentences of fewer than 15 words are too short and choppy - and ones longer than 20 words are cumbersome and confusing.






48. A document with an alphabetical list of definitions. It defines terms without breaking the flow. If a document has five or more technical terms it needs one of these. Insert after the appendix and bibiolography






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






50. 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.