Technical Writing Chapter 1
Which of these is a document-related factor you must consider when communicating on the job?
All responses are correct.
Which statement best explains how company branding is related to technical communication?
Branding is concerned with the image that a company presents to the world, and that image includes its documents.
Companies hiring technical professionals such as engineers, scientists, and programmers focus primarily on the technical abilities of the candidates they consider for employment.
False
For most employers, communication skills are less important than technical knowledge.
False
Most technical documents are produced by professional technical communicators working alone.
False
Technical communication is carried out primarily by those whose main job is to produce documents such as reports and manuals.
False
When you are communicating technical information on the job, your audience tends to be the same every time.
False
Chapter 1 states that effective technical communication is honest. The chapter then presents three reasons it is important to be honest when communicating. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons listed in Chapter 1?
If readers bring your dishonesty to the attention of your supervisor, your career may be negatively affected.
Chapter 1 identifies six characteristics of a technical document. Which of these is one of those characteristics?
It reflects the goals and culture of the organization that produced it.
According to Chapter 1, most technical communication has six characteristics. one characteristic is that technical communication helps readers solve problems. Which of the following is another characteristic of technical communication?
Technical communication reflects an organizations goals and culture.
Chapter 1 identifies correctness as a characteristic of good technical communication. In this context, correctness refers to the proper use of grammar, punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and usage to accurately convey the intended meaning.
True
Generosity and honesty are characteristics of effective technical communicators.
True
Social-media posts such as tweets can be examples of technical documents.
True
Technical communication involves knowing where to find the best information.
True
To make it easy for readers to find the information they need, many technical documents are made up of small, independent sections.
True
When creating a technical document, you often have to make compromises. Which of these is an example of a compromise related to technical communication?
You would prefer to create separate instruction sheets in English and Spanish, but you create one sheet giving instructions in both languages to save on printing costs.
Chapter 1 identifies skills and qualities shared by successful workplace communicators. Which of the following is NOT on this list?
ability to write code
The engineering firm you work for is submitting a proposal to create an amphitheater at a state park. Proposals must be submitted in three-ring binders. You are in charge of assembling the binders. You decide to put section divider tabs and an index into each proposal binder. Which measure of excellence in technical communication does this decision reflect?
accessibility
Which of these is a measure of excellence in technical communication?
accuracy
Chapter 1 identifies eight measures of excellence in technical communication. Which pair in the following list might seem contradictory?
comprehensiveness and conciseness
Which quality in the list below is evident in the revised version of the following paragraph? Original: During our monthly meeting last month, we all came to the conclusion that overtime procedures are inadequate and that new procedures need to be initiated. I discussed this problem with our chief accountant, who was sympathetic and agreed to consider any changes we would like to make to the present procedures. Please bring your suggested changes to this month's departmental meeting scheduled for 2:30 P.M. next Wednesday afternoon. Revision: During last month's meeting, we concluded that our overtime procedures need revision. Our chief accountant has agreed to consider any changes we would like to make to the present procedures. Please bring your suggested changes to this month's departmental meeting scheduled for 2:30 P.M. next Wednesday.
conciseness
Which of these is a quality shown by a successful workplace communicator?
displaying emotional intelligence
Chapter 1 defines technical communication as a process encompassing which of the following?
documents and activities
Chapter 1 identifies three sets of factors to consider when communicating technical information. Which of the following is on this list?
purpose-related factors
Which of these abilities is NOT likely to help you as a workplace communicator?
the ability to deflect attention
According to Chapter 1, people who are good at communicating in the workplace possess four skills, including the abilities to speak and write clearly, solve problems, and analyze information. Which of the following is the fourth skill?
the ability to perform research
Chapter 1 identifies common reasons for creating technical documents. Which reason in the following list is NOT mentioned in the chapter?
to establish common knowledge in the marketplace
Chapter 1 states that technical communicators use design to increase readability and make their documents more effective. Which of the following is an example of a design feature?
typography
Which of these activities is NOT essential as you begin to prepare communicating technical information?
writing
Which two things must you understand clearly in order to communicate successfully?
your audience and your purpose
