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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. 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






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






3. 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?






4. 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.






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






6. 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.






7. Charts that show parts of a whole






8. Written for trained operators of construction - computer - or manufacturing equipment for use on the job; includes instructions and safety information.


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






10. Written for repair technicians; contain troubleshooting charts for diagnosing problems






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






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






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






14. ______ ______ ______ is as follows: Introduction: background information and purpose statement - Body: Review of options being considered based on criteria like costs and staff - Conclusion: Interpretations of findings - Recommendation: Author's opin






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






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






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






18. Begins with either the cause of the effect; useful in reports discussing problems and solutions






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






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






21. 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.






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






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






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






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






26. 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.






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






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






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






30. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






32. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






35. Follows a sequence of events; useful for explanations of how something is done or how an accident occurred.






36. 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.






37. 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.






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






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






40. These kinds of reports answer the following questions: What has been accomplished since the last progress report? - What tasks still need to be accomplished? - Have there been any unanticipated problems? - What is the expected timetable for completio






41. 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






42. 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?






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






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






45. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






47. 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






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






49. 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?






50. 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)