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. ______ ______ ______ 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






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






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






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






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






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






7. External proposal written and submitted without request






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






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


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






11. Increase the wordiness of a sentence






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






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






14. 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.






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






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






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. 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.






19. 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.






20. Show steps in a process.






21. Charts that show parts of a whole






22. 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.






23. Are reduced images of pictures.






24. Audience consists of people with some technical knowledge but less than experts; data needs some explanation e.g.: a physician giving a report to a first-year medical student regarding a patient's lab results and symptoms






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






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






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






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






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






30. 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






31. Titles or brief statements that describe a visual.






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






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






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. 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.






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






37. Useful in highlighting sections of a document to draw reader attention






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






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






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






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






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






43. Explaining what the term does not mean.






44. 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?






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






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






47. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






48. 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






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






50. 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