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






2. 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






3. 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.






4. Use images or icons to represent quantities; useful for non-experts to grasp ideas.






5. 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






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






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






8. 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?






9. 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.






10. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






12. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






23. 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






24. 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.






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






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






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






29. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






38. 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)






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






40. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






50. 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.