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. 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.






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






3. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






5. 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






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






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






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






9. Writers developing a formal document should avoid _______________ - but thee occasional use in semiformal or informal documents is acceptable.






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






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






12. 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.






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






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






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






16. 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?






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






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






19. Explain how an item or process works






20. 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.






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






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






23. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






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






25. Using '______________' to link the two sentences best contrasts the information.






26. Are reduced images of pictures.






27. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






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






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






33. 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.






34. 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.






35. Used when requesting large amounts of money






36. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






38. 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.






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






40. 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.






41. 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






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






43. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






44. Charts that show parts of a whole






45. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






46. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






47. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






49. 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?






50. The _____________ explains what an organization wants to do and justifies the proposal with primary and secondary research.