Test your basic knowledge |

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. 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.






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






3. Boldface - italics - capital letters - font style - and font size are common ways to show readers the difference between _________________ headings.






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






5. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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

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8. _______________ terms are clearer than general ones.






9. Indicate organizational structure and help readers find information; type size or font should differ from main text.






10. 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.






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






12. 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






13. 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






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






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






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






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






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






19. Audience consists of experts in the subject matter - data does not require lengthy explanation e.g.: a physician giving a report to a surgeon about a patient's lab results and symptoms






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






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






22. 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.






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






24. Show steps in a process.






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






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






27. 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.






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






29. 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.






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






31. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






33. 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






34. 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






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






36. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






46. Show trends and changes over time - cost - size - rates - and other variables.






47. Explaining what the term does not mean.






48. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






49. 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.






50. 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