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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. Organization Name __________ To: Name/Title of addressee From: Name/Title of sender with handwritten initials Date: For record keeping purposes Subject: Key words Introductory Paragraph: purpose and background Body Paragraph(s): details - explanation






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






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






4. 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






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






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






7. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






15. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






19. 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.






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. Explain how an item or process works






22. 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






23. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






32. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






34. Data organized visually for easy comparison






35. Sentences with an average of ____________ words are appropriate for technical writing. Sentences of fewer than 15 words are too short and choppy - and ones longer than 20 words are cumbersome and confusing.






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






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






38. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






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

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41. 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






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






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






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






45. Show steps in a process.






46. 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.






47. 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.






48. 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)






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






50. Written in short proposal format; used frequently in organizations for minor spending requests.