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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. 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)






2. Defining through __________ involves comparing two seemingly different objects that share a common characteristic.






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






4. 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.






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






6. 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?






7. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






8. 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.






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






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






11. Show steps in a process.






12. Are reduced images of pictures.






13. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






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






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






17. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






18. 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






19. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






22. 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






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






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






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






26. Data organized visually for easy comparison






27. 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.






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






29. 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.






30. Major teaching tool in vocational jobs; used to train people in a procedure or skill and often paired with audiovisual information






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






32. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






33. 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.






34. 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.






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






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






37. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






45. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






48. 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






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






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