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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. 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






2. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






5. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






7. 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.






8. 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)






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






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






11. 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.






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






13. 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.






14. Show real or imaginary objects; highlight specific parts; use exploded view to show how parts fit together.






15. External proposal that may be short or long depending on the size of the potential sale






16. 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.






17. 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.






18. 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.






19. 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.






20. 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?






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






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






23. External proposal written and submitted without request






24. 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






25. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






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






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






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






32. Explain how an item or process works






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






34. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






44. 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






45. 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






46. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






50. Charts that show parts of a whole