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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. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






2. 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?






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






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






5. 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






6. 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






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






8. 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






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






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






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






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






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






14. Explaining what the term does not mean.






15. 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.






16. 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






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






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






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






20. 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.






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






22. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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






25. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






27. Explain how an item or process works






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






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






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






31. 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.






32. The _____________ explains what an organization wants to do and justifies the proposal with primary and secondary research.






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






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






35. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






38. 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.






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






40. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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






44. Are reduced images of pictures.






45. 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)






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






47. 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






48. 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.






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






50. 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?