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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. 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.






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






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






4. Data organized visually for easy comparison






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






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






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






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






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






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






11. Included before full report; summarized version of report






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






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






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






15. 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






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






17. Written as a self-study guide for the users of a product; intended to guide first-time users through the steps involved in operating a product.






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






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






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






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






22. Explaining what the term does not mean.






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






24. ______ ______ ______ 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






25. 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.






26. 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






27. Used when requesting large amounts of money






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






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






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






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






33. Charts that show parts of a whole






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






35. 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.






36. 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.






37. 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?






38. Are reduced images of pictures.






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






40. 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.






41. 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?






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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