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






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






3. 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






4. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






6. 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?






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






8. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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

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






18. 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






19. 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






20. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






23. 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)






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






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






26. 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.






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






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






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






30. 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






31. What is the background of the audience? Global? - What is the reader's experience - What is the attitude of the audience on subject? - What are the needs/interests/expectations of the audience? - Will multiple audiences/skill levels read this?






32. 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






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






34. 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.






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






36. 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






37. Left ____________ improves the flow of a document.






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






39. 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.






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






41. 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






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






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






44. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






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






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






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






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






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