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






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






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






4. 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?






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






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






7. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






8. 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.






9. 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.






10. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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






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






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






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






16. 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






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






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

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19. 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?






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






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






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






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






24. A single line carried over the top of a column






25. 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.






26. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






35. Show steps in a process.






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






37. Used for writing step-by-step instructions.






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






39. 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.






40. Informal written communications used in business between colleagues. The provide a record trail of decisions that can be used legally.






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






42. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






44. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






46. Explain policies - and proposals persuade readers to follow a plan of action.






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






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






49. 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)






50. 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