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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. 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.






2. 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






3. Included before full report; summarized version of report






4. 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?






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






6. Data organized visually for easy comparison






7. Appear on the top of every page in a document to indicate the page number and document title.






8. 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.






9. 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.






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






11. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






17. 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.






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






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. 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






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






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






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






24. 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)






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






34. 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.






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






36. 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.






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






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






39. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






41. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






43. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






46. Used when requesting large amounts of money






47. 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






48. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






50. Increase the wordiness of a sentence