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. 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






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






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






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






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






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






7. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






10. 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






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

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






13. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






15. 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






16. 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






17. 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.






18. The attitude expressed by a writer. Use formal or semi when writing for superiors/professionals - Use semi or informal when writing for colleagues and subordinates - Use informal when conversational style is desired. Avoid profanity or slang.






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






20. ______ are documents that help people how to understand how to assemble - use - and repair products.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






28. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






30. 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.






31. 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






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






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






34. 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.






35. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






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






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






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






40. 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.






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






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






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






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






45. 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.






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






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






48. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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