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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 both skilled and unskilled users of a product; include instructions regarding setup - operation and maintenance as well as safety warning and trouble-shooting tips






2. 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






3. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






10. Used in in presenting steps - materials - and recommendations






11. 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.






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






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






14. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






22. 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.






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






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






25. 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?






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






27. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






33. 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)






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






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






36. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






39. 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?






40. 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.






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






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






43. 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






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






45. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






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






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






49. Charts that show parts of a whole






50. 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