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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. Used for writing step-by-step instructions.






2. 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






3. 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






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






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






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






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






8. External proposal written and submitted without request






9. 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.






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






11. 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.






12. 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






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






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






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






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






17. Defining through __________ involves comparing two seemingly different objects that share a common characteristic.






18. Data organized visually for easy comparison






19. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






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






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






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






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






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






26. 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)






27. 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.






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






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






30. 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






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






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






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






34. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






44. 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






45. Translate numbers into shapes or colors; show camprisons






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






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






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


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






50. ______ ______ ______ 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