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


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






3. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






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






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






7. 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.






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






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






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






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






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. 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






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






15. Show steps in a process.






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






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






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






19. 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






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






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






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






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






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






25. This supplements or clarifies information in the text body. It is in the back and there may be more than one per topic. For example: experiment details - complicated formulas - interview questions and answers - long quotes - maps - photos - tests - v






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






27. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






31. 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






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






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






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






35. 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)






36. 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.






37. Used when requesting large amounts of money






38. 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






39. 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.






40. 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






41. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






42. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






45. 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.






46. 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?






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






48. 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.






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






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