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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. Describing the terms origin - such as Greek or Latin words






2. 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?






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






4. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






8. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






9. 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.






10. 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






11. 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.






12. Explaining what the term does not mean.






13. 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.






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






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






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






17. 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.






18. _______ are documents written to persuade readers to take some type of action.






19. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






23. 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)






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






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






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






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






28. 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?






29. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






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






34. Explain how each element of a complex item works - which is especially beneficial to laypersons attempting to understand a technical subject.






35. Show steps in a process.






36. 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






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






38. 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






39. Explain how an item or process works






40. 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






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






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






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






44. 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.






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






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






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






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






49. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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