DSST Technical Writing I
Which of the following terms refers to a body of standardized text reused in various business documents without any changes? a. Boilerplate b. Proposal c. Appendix d. Template
The correct answer is A. A boilerplate is a body of writing intended for reuse without changes. Firms often develop boilerplates for brochures, proposals, and press releases to ensure that information remains consistent. Templates are fill-in-the-blank forms that may be reused, but they are not released by businesses.
A technical document that is too concise will most likely trigger problems associated with a. ambiguity b. denotation c. chunking d. redundancy
The correct answer is A. An overly concise document will most likely be choppy and unclear. Redundancies are a problem associated with wordy documents, so choice D is incorrect. Chunking a document into manageable sections improves readability, so choice C is wrong. The denotation of a word is its literal meaning, so choice B is incorrect.
An optional introductory statement written by the author or authors of a formal report is known as a a. preface b. foreword c. abstract d. overture
The correct answer is A. Both prefaces and forewords are optional introductory statements included in formal reports; however, someone other than the author writes the foreword, which means choice B is incorrect. The preface may discuss the scope and purpose of the report or contain acknowledgements. The term "overture" typically refers to a musical introduction, so choice D is incorrect.
Directions: Below the following sentence, you will find four ways of phrasing it. The first choice, A, repeats the original sentence; the other three choices are different. If you think the original sentence is better than any of the alternatives, choose answer A. Otherwise, choose one of the others. In choosing answers, pay attention to grammatical correctness, appropriate word choice, and smoothness and effectiveness of sentence construction. After sensing the flow of water through a turbine, a tankless water heater initiates the heating process. a. After sensing the flow of water through a turbine, a tankless water heater initiates the heating process. b. After sensing the flow of water through a turbine, the heating process initiates in a tankless water heater. c. After it senses the flow of water through a turbine, the heating process begins in a tankless water heater. d. After the tankless water heater senses the heating process, it begins to flow water through a turbine.
The correct answer is A. Choices B and C are incorrect because the "heating process" does not sense the "flow of water." The unclear meaning of "it" in choice D creates a confusing sentence. Choice A is the most clearly phrased sentence.
Which of the following sentences needs revision because of a shift in voice? a. The architect revised the plans for the office building, and the survey was managed by him as well. b. After developing a new business strategy, top executives announced plans to hire additional employees. c. The manager required employees to work overtime last weekend to rearrange the layout of the department store. d. Although the chef prepares creative, delicious dishes, she fails to manage the business aspects of her restaurant.
The correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are written correctly. The sentence in choice A shifts from active voice to passive voice and needs revision.
Which of the following is an example of soft evidence? a. Speculations b. Factual statements c. Expert opinions d. Statistics
The correct answer is A. Factual statements, expert opinions, and statistics are examples of hard evidence, which can be verified. Speculations and uneducated opinions are examples of soft evidence.
Which of the following is an example of filtering? a. Placing a stop sign symbol beside every safety tip in an instruction manual b. Double-spacing between paragraphs and after headings in a lab report c. Including chapter, section, and page number in all headers of a manual d. Providing hyperlinks to additional resources in an online training guide
The correct answer is A. Filtering involves the use of visual patterns, such as symbols, to indicate different types of information in a document. Spacing, headers, and hyperlinks improve the readability of documents but are not examples of filtering, so choices B, C, and D are incorrect.
Which of the following errors in logic occurs when a writer draws conclusions based on an insufficient number of cases? a. Hasty generalization b. Oversimplifying c. Ad populum d. Non sequitur
The correct answer is A. Hasty generalizations are logic errors that occur when a writer makes a conclusion based on a small number of cases. Oversimplifying involves leaving out important information and creating a cause and effect relationship, which makes choice B incorrect. Ad populum is the argument that an idea is true because many people believe it, so choice C is incorrect. A non sequitur is a gap in logic, so choice D is incorrect.
All of the following are formats for instructional documents EXCEPT a. product descriptions b. reference cards c. brochures d. manuals
The correct answer is A. Instructional documents appear in many different formats, including reference cards, instructional brochures, manuals, and online documentation. Product descriptions explain the parts of an item but do not provide instructions for usage, so choice A is correct.
Which of the following audiences would most likely prefer technical documents that include highly detailed and specific information? a. Low context culture b. Individualistic culture c. High context culture d. Collectivistic culture
The correct answer is A. Low context cultures appreciate detailed information where procedures are explained completely. An audience of readers from a high context culture might be offended by the inclusion of information that is considered common knowledge. Choices B and D are less relevant because individualistic cultures value the individual more than the group and collectivistic cultures stress group harmony.
What do most writers of grant proposals request from readers? a. Project funding b. Policy changes c. Tangible products d. Increased publicity
The correct answer is A. Most grant proposals request funding for projects. Other types of proposals may request goods and services or changes to policies and procedures, which means that choices B, C, and D are incorrect.
A pie chart is most appropriate for illustrating a. parts of a whole b. phases of a project c. steps of a process d. changes over time
The correct answer is A. Pie charts illustrate parts or percentages of a whole and help convey the significance of each part. Project phases are depicted by Gantt charts, and changes over time are shown in line graphs. The steps of a process are illustrated by flowcharts and checklists, which eliminates choice C.
What should a technical writer include in the body of a process description? a. Stages of the process b. General overview of the process c. Purpose of the process d. Necessary conditions for the process
The correct answer is A. The body of a process description addresses the different stages of the process by defining and explaining each stage. The introduction provides a general overview, explains necessary conditions, and addresses the purpose of the process, so choices B, C, and D are incorrect.
Which organizational pattern would be most appropriate for the recommendations section of a feasibility report? a. Cause and effect b. Chronological c. Order of importance d. Division and classification
The correct answer is A. The cause and effect method of development is common in the recommendations section of a report. With the cause and effect pattern, a writer proposes that a recommended solution will lead to specific effects. Chronological, order of importance, and division and classification are less appropriate patterns for the recommendations section of a report.
Which word best combines the following pair of sentences? 1. Relocation will improve production efficiency. 2. The initial costs will be extremely high. a. However b. Moreover c. Then d. So
The correct answer is A. The information in the two sentences contrasts the positive with the negative, so "however" is the best transition to illustrate this relationship. "Moreover," "then," and "so" are not transitions appropriate for contrasting two ideas, so choices B, C, and D are eliminated
The typical type size for technical manuscripts is a. 10-12 points b. 14-16 points c. 16-20 points d. 22-24 points
The correct answer is A. The primary text of most technical documents is set in a 10-12 point type size. Use larger type sizes for headings and titles and smaller ones for headers, footers, and notes.
What is the primary benefit of using the active voice in technical writing? a. Accessibility b. Conciseness c. Formality d. Accuracy
The correct answer is B. Active voice is less wordy than passive voice because it eliminates helping verbs, so choice B is correct. Although active voice emphasizes the action of the subject, it is not any more accessible, formal, or accurate than passive voice, which means choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
Directions: Below the following sentence, you will find four ways of phrasing it. The first choice, A, repeats the original sentence; the other three choices are different. If you think the original sentence is better than any of the alternatives, choose answer A. Otherwise, choose one of the others. In choosing answers, pay attention to grammatical correctness, appropriate word choice, and smoothness and effectiveness of sentence construction. The 1065 laptop is our company's bestselling computer it combines speed, versatility, and durability in a budget-friendly machine. a. The 1065 laptop is our company's bestselling computer it combines speed, versatility, and durability in a budget-friendly machine. b. The 1065 laptop is our company's bestselling computer; it combines speed, versatility, and durability in a budget-friendly machine. c. The 1065 laptop is our company's bestselling computer, it combines speed, versatility, and durability in a budget-friendly machine. d. The 1065 laptop is our company's bestselling computer for it combines speed, versatility, and durability in a budget-friendly machine.
The correct answer is B. Choice A is a run-on sentence that needs either a comma and a conjunction or a semicolon. Choice C needs a conjunction before the word "it," and choice D needs a comma before the conjunction "for." Choice B corrects the run-on with a semicolon.
All of the following are typical categories in a chronological resume EXCEPT a. qualifications summary b. skills and abilities c. references d. job history
The correct answer is B. Chronological resumes include six main categories: identifying information, qualifications summary, education, job history, interests and activities, and references. Skills resumes include an additional category for skills and abilities, so choice B is correct.
Which method of paragraph sequencing is best for an instruction guide that explains how to assemble a bookcase? a. Emphatic b. Chronological c. Cause and effect d. Effect-to-cause
The correct answer is B. Chronological sequence is best for explaining how to accomplish a task or goal, so it would be best for assembly instructions. When readers need to remember a specific idea, the emphatic sequence is best. Cause and effect structures address problems and results, which are unnecessary for product instructions.
Which type of abstract is limited to a document's purpose, scope, and research methods? a. Procedural b. Descriptive c. Executive d. Informative
The correct answer is B. Descriptive abstracts summarize a document's purpose, scope, and research methods. Informative abstracts, which are also known as executive summaries, add results, conclusions, and recommendations to the information found in descriptive abstracts.
Which type of document most often contains mistakes? a. Memo b. E-mail c. Manual d. Proposal
The correct answer is B. E-mails frequently contain grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors because of the informal nature of the medium. Memos, manuals, and proposals are more formal, so writers typically review these documents before distribution, which means that choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
What are the two main sections of most executive summaries? a. Methods and procedures b. Background and findings c. Research and evidence d. Problems and data
The correct answer is B. Executive summaries provide information to managers in two sections: background information and major findings. Writers may mention methods, research, problems, and data in executive summaries, but these topics are not primary sections, which means choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
Which of the following would most likely be given to new bank tellers to teach them the procedures for handling bank transactions? a. Operators' manual b. Training manual c. Service manual d. User manual
The correct answer is B. Firms prepare training manuals to teach procedures, such as how to handle bank transactions. Operators' manuals are provided to workers who use large machinery or equipment that necessitates safety information, so choice A is incorrect. Service manuals provide repair instructions to technicians, and user manuals offer instructions for operating a product.
Which of the following graphics is best used to illustrate the schedule of a project? a. Pictogram b. Gantt chart c. Organization chart d. Representational diagram
The correct answer is B. Gantt charts depict how the phases of a project relate to each other and are useful tools for illustrating a project's schedule and progression. Organization charts depict the management structure in a firm but not the schedule of a project, so choice C is incorrect. Pictograms and diagrams display relationships but not schedules, so choices A and D are incorrect.
Which of the following is NOT one of the primary benefits of headings in technical documents? a. Noting topic shifts b. Summarizing results c. Highlighting major topics d. Dividing text into manageable parts
The correct answer is B. Headings in a document help readers locate information, indicate topic changes, highlight main topics, and divide documents into manageable sections. Results are usually summarized in an abstract or conclusion rather than in a brief heading, so choice B is correct.
Which of the following is a formal report that conveys information gathered from a major scientific investigation? a. Inspection report b. Laboratory report c. Feasibility report d. Test report
The correct answer is B. Laboratory reports are formal reports that convey information gained from lab testing and major investigations. Test reports are smaller and less formal than lab reports and are often presented as memos or letters, so choice D is incorrect. Feasibility reports and inspection reports do not stem from scientific investigations, so choices A and C are incorrect.
When writing a refusal letter, it is typically best to begin the letter with a. reasons for the bad news b. a show of appreciation c. helpful advice d. the bad news
The correct answer is B. Letters that convey a negative message should be organized in a "good news-bad news" format. Begin a refusal letter with a buffer that shows appreciation to the recipient. Follow the buffer with a presentation of facts and then the bad news. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
Which of the following is an example of primary research? a. Operating manuals b. Questionnaires c. Brochures d. Meeting minutes
The correct answer is B. Primary research involves collecting raw data through interviews, surveys, and questionnaires. Secondary research involves using information that has already been collected, analyzed, and compiled in books, articles, manuals, brochures, and minutes of meetings, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
An organization submitting a proposal will most likely demonstrate professionalism by a. emphasizing the needs of certain readers b. providing a detailed plan and work schedule c. using creative graphics d. underestimating the completion date of the project
The correct answer is B. Proposals that include detailed plans and work schedules indicate that the organization is professional enough to consider all possible problems and situations. Although using creative graphics can boost the appeal of the proposal, this does not necessarily convey professionalism. Underestimating when a project will be completed is dishonest, which eliminates choice D.
Which of the following is the most important factor when determining the best tone for a document? a. Size of audience b. Reader preference c. Scope and topic d. Style guidelines
The correct answer is B. Reader preferences dictate decisions regarding the most appropriate tone of a document because the reader is the final judge. Although audience and purpose influence tone decisions, the size of the audience is less relevant.
Which of the following will most likely improve how easily a document is translated into another language? a. Personal pronouns b. Short sentences c. Appendices d. Process descriptions
The correct answer is B. Short sentences, simple words, and glossaries improve the ability to translate a document. Pronouns should be used with caution because of the potential for confusion, so choice A is incorrect. Appendices and process descriptions are less likely to affect translation.
Which of the following guidelines applies to preparing a glossary in a technical document? a. Place lengthy glossaries in the front matter. b. Define terms that are unfamiliar to laypersons. c. Provide examples and definitions for each term. d. List terms in the order that they appear in the document.
The correct answer is B. Terms unfamiliar to general readers should be briefly defined in a glossary and listed in alphabetical order. Only short glossaries are included in the front matter; lengthy glossaries belong in the back matter.
What is the most commonly used organizational pattern for instructions? a. Spatial b. Chronological c. Cause and effect d. Emphatic
The correct answer is B. The chronological order pattern, which follows a sequence of steps, is almost always used with instructions. Spatial, cause and effect, and emphatic are organizational patterns used in other types of technical writing, but they would most likely confuse readers trying to accomplish a specific task.
The characteristic that helps writers to determine the vocabulary level, sentence structure, and graphics to use in a technical document is the reader's a. job responsibilities b. educational background c. expectations of the document d. attitude about the subject matter
The correct answer is B. The educational background of an audience guides a writer's choice of vocabulary, sentence structure, and graphics. It would be appropriate for a writer to use sophisticated vocabulary for an educated audience but not for less educated readers. Job responsibilities, expectations, and attitudes are important considerations for writers when determining the focus, organization, and scope of a document rather than vocabulary, sentence structure, or graphics.
Which of the following is a component of front matter in long, formal proposals? a. Staffing b. List of figures c. List of works cited d. Product description
The correct answer is B. The front matter of lengthy proposals includes the title page, cover letter, table of contents, and a list of figures. Staffing information and a product description are included in the body of a proposal, so choices A and D are incorrect. The list of works cited appears in the end matter, which eliminates choice C.
What is most important to consider when selecting visuals for a technical document? a. Structure and audience b. Audience and purpose c. Purpose and length d. Length and topic
The correct answer is B. The intended audience and purpose of a document direct what type of visuals to choose. The level of detail in a graphic depends on the reader's technical knowledge—an expert and a layperson would require different visuals. Structure, length, and topic are less important factors when choosing visuals, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
Which section of an initial progress report should list necessary materials and the anticipated completion date of a project? a. Appendix b. Introduction c. Conclusion d. Table of contents
The correct answer is B. The introduction of any project's initial progress report should describe the project, identify the completion date, and list necessary materials. Reports written as the project continues will provide updates regarding schedules and costs.
Which section of a résumé best describes an applicant's goal? a. Heading b. Objective c. Abilities d. Qualifications summary
The correct answer is B. The job objective section of a résumé indicates an applicant's career goal. The heading provides the applicant's name and contact information, so choice A is incorrect. Abilities and qualifications explain why an applicant may be suitable for a specific job, which eliminates choices C and D.
The supporting information of a body paragraph will most likely perform all of the following tasks EXCEPT to a. provide an example b. forecast the main idea c. reinforce a stated claim d. discuss causes and effects
The correct answer is B. The main idea of a paragraph is presented in the topic sentence rather than in the supporting details. Supporting information in a paragraph will most likely provide examples, support a claim, or discuss causes and effects related to the main idea of the paragraph.
Grouping related text and graphics together follows the design principle of a. contrast b. proximity c. alignment d. repetition
The correct answer is B. The principle of proximity suggests grouping related information together, such as a graph and the text that explains its significance. Contrast, alignment, and repetition are three other design principles that are not related to grouping, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
Which of the following sentences is NOT written correctly? a. Board members elected four officers: Sarah Boyd, president; John Wiseman, vice president; Elizabeth Garza, secretary; and Raj Patel, treasurer. b. The sales team focuses its efforts on five major states; Texas, California, New York, Florida, and Illinois. c. The intern attends Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and he is majoring in finance and marketing. d. Gerald Cordova, PhD, is the featured speaker at our corporate meeting, which takes place next month in Pensacola, Florida.
The correct answer is B. The semicolon in choice B should be replaced with a colon before the list of states. Choices A, C, and D are punctuated correctly.
Which of the following needs revision to correct an error in parallel structure? a. If the laboratory report indicates high levels of fluoride, chlorine, and mercury, then the company will need to reconsider the deal. b. The newly hired finance manager is experienced, outgoing, and you will learn a great deal from working with him. c. Either we must increase our advertising budget, or we must use alternative methods for reaching the target market. d. After assembling the bicycle, check the chain and brakes regularly, and keep the tire pressure at the required level.
The correct answer is B. The sentence in choice B contains an error in parallelism because "you will learn a great deal" is not balanced with "is experienced, outgoing." Choices A, C, and D are structured in parallel format.
The primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph is to a. persuade the reader b. provide clarity to the reader c. help the reader create an outline d. help the reader quickly find details
The correct answer is B. The topic sentence of a paragraph guides the direction of a paragraph and forecasts the topic of the paragraph to the reader. Topic sentences, which may stem from a writer's outline, indicate the main idea of a paragraph and enhance reader comprehension, but they do not necessarily help readers locate details quickly.
Which revision method is most commonly associated with instructional writing? a. Vulnerability audit b. Usability test c. Internal audit d. Case study
The correct answer is B. Usability testing is a process of evaluating and revising instructional documents to improve safety and to detect potential problems for users. Surveys, interviews, and observations are common methods of testing the usability of instructional documents. Audits and case studies generally are not associated with instructional writing, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
When evaluating the validity of an Internet source, it is LEAST important to consider an author's a. qualifications in the field b. writing style and format c. reputation as an expert d. opinion on the subject
The correct answer is B. When determining whether an Internet source is valid, a researcher should consider the author's qualifications, reputation, and bias. The author's writing style is the least important aspect to consider, so choice B is the best answer.
The bibliography of a technical document most likely includes a. only sources specifically cited in a document b. all authors responsible for the document c. any works consulted for the document d. all topics covered in the document
The correct answer is C. A bibliography alphabetically lists any sources consulted for the document or that may provide useful information for readers. Sources cited in a bibliography have not necessarily been cited in the document. The index or table of contents lists topics covered in the document, so choice D is incorrect.
Which of the following components would most likely be included in the body of a formal sales proposal? I. List of figures II. Cost analysis III. Site preparation a. I only b. II only c. II and III only d. I, II, and III
The correct answer is C. A proposal with more than five figures requires a list of figures, which is placed in the front matter, so choices A and D are incorrect. Cost analysis and site preparation are components that would appear in the body of a proposal, which means choice C is correct.
What is the maximum number of words suggested for most abstracts? a. 50 b. 100 c. 250 d. 400
The correct answer is C. Abstracts are brief summaries of a document, and they are typically 200 to 250 words long. Abstracts should highlight the main points of a document and help readers determine whether reading the entire document is worthwhile. Extremely brief abstracts fail to provide enough information, and extremely long abstracts require too much time on the reader's part.
Using an informal tone in a technical document is most likely appropriate when the audience consists of a. potential clients b. top-level executives c. friendly colleagues d. academic professionals
The correct answer is C. An informal tone is appropriate if a writer has a relationship with colleagues and co-workers. An informal tone would be inappropriate for potential clients, executives, and any other readers who are unfamiliar with the writer, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
Which of the following factors primarily determines whether a writer should use a direct or indirect organizational pattern in a memo? a. Length of the memo b. Number of recipients c. Anticipated reader reaction d. Paper or electronic submission
The correct answer is C. Anticipated reader reaction to a memo primarily determines the choice of organizational pattern. The direct pattern in a memo places the main point in the first paragraph; this pattern is most commonly used when relaying positive or routine information. The indirect pattern is frequently used when providing information that may be resented or resisted. Length, the number of recipients, and format are less relevant for determining organizational pattern, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
Which of the following requires gathering information about the people who will use a document? a. Audience adaptation b. Usability testing c. Audience analysis d. Technical research
The correct answer is C. Audience analysis should occur during the early stage of a writing project. Audience analysis requires writers to determine the interests and attitudes of those who will be using or reading a document and may involve the use of interviews, questionnaires, and surveys. Audience adaptation occurs when a writer modifies a document to meet the needs of specific readers.
Which of the following would most likely be written when a firm is considering the relocation of its manufacturing facilities? a. Progress report b. Procedural report c. Feasibility report d. Trouble report
The correct answer is C. Firms request feasibility reports when they are considering new projects or major changes and need to determine the likelihood of success. Progress reports provide managers with information about the status of an ongoing project, and trouble reports analyze the causes of accidents and emergencies.
Which of the following refers to an alphabetical list of definitions included in a technical document? a. Table of contents b. Appendix c. Glossary d. Index
The correct answer is C. Glossaries list definitions of terms found in a technical document; they are included in the back matter along with the index and any appendices. The table of contents tells readers where information is located in a document but does not provide definitions.
Which of the following is LEAST likely to appear in the header of a technical document? a. Document title b. Section topic c. Author's name d. Page number
The correct answer is C. Headers and footers in technical documents typically include elements such as the document's name, section topic, date, and page number. Headers and footers should be concise, so the name of the author or authors would probably not be included.
Headings benefit readers of technical documents by a. explaining visual elements b. expanding major topics c. enhancing readability d. ensuring accuracy
The correct answer is C. Headings divide lengthy documents into chunks that make it easy for readers to locate and interpret information. By reading the headings, readers can determine whether a section contains information that is pertinent to their needs and when topics change. Headings are less likely to explain visuals, expand topics, or ensure accuracy, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
The purpose of the concluding paragraph of a job application letter is to a. summarize the applicant's work history and education b. explain how the applicant learned about the job opening c. encourage the reader to invite the applicant for an interview d. describe why the applicant would make an excellent employee
The correct answer is C. In the concluding paragraph of a job application letter, a writer should politely request an interview and provide contact information to motivate the reader to meet with the applicant. Work history and education are summarized earlier in the letter, so choice A is incorrect. Earlier paragraphs should also explain how the applicant learned about the job and why the applicant would be an excellent employee, which eliminates choices B and D.
Margins serve all of the following purposes in a document EXCEPT to a. limit information included on a page b. supply space for binding purposes c. meet reader typeface preferences d. provide room for marginal glosses
The correct answer is C. Margins limit the amount of information that can be included on a page and provide necessary space for binding a document. Margins also allow authors to include marginal glosses, which are notes and definitions that appear in margins. Typeface and margins are not related, so choice C is the best answer.
Which of the following appears first in most justification memos? a. Achievement summary b. Cost and savings analysis c. Problem and recommendations d. Primary and secondary research results
The correct answer is C. Most justification memos begin with a brief introduction that explains a problem and a recommendation for solving the problem. Financial analyses and research results are likely to appear later in the memo, so choices B and D are incorrect.
Which of the following organizational patterns would be appropriate to use for both progress and status reports? I. Time pattern II. Spatial pattern III. Task pattern a. I only b. II only c. I and III only d. I, II, and III
The correct answer is C. Progress and status reports are organized by either time or task. With the time pattern, the report is divided into a discussion of all past work and future work. When the task pattern is used, the writer describes the past and future work associated with each separate task. When describing the physical appearance of an object, a writer would most likely use the spatial method of development.
Which of the following aspects of a product will a schematic diagram most likely illustrate? a. Appearance b. Strength c. Function d. Cost
The correct answer is C. Schematic diagrams use lines and symbols to illustrate how a product or a process works. A schematic diagram will not likely depict appearance, strength, or cost, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
Question 88 refers to the following group of numbered sentences: 1. Scientists believe that a connection exists between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular problems. 2. A research study conducted in 2000 indicated that females who regularly snore are twice as likely to experience a heart attack or a stroke as women who sleep quietly. 3. Not only is heavy snoring bothersome, it might also be a health risk. 4. Additional research is necessary before a definite correlation can be made between snoring and cardiovascular problems. 5. Loud, regular snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that briefly stops a person's breathing at night. If the sentences above are arranged into a coherent paragraph, which sentence will come last in the sequence? a. 1 b. 3 c. 4 d. 5
The correct answer is C. Sentence 3 is the topic sentence of the paragraph, and Sentences 1 and 5 are details explaining obstructive sleep apnea. Sentence 4 should be the last sentence of the paragraph because it wraps up the paragraph by indicating that the previous study was informative but inconclusive.
What is the best method for editing a document with short, choppy sentences? a. Adding transitions b. Eliminating articles c. Combining sentences d. Adding topic sentences
The correct answer is C. Sentence combination is the best way to improve a document and eliminate short, choppy sentences. Transitions and topic sentences improve clarity and unity but have no effect on short sentences, so choices A and D are incorrect. Eliminating articles may occur during sentence combining, but the process alone will not create better flow in a document.
Which of the following guidelines applies to revising technical documents? a. Convert verbs into nouns with nominalization. b. Make negative instead of positive statements. c. Avoid beginning sentences with "there" and "it." d. Use qualifiers such as "I feel" to soften the tone.
The correct answer is C. Sentences beginning with "there" and "it" are weak and should be avoided. Nominalization, which involves using verbs as nouns, such as "consideration" instead of "consider," creates a wordy and weak sentence. Qualifiers are also wordy, so choice D is incorrect.
Which of the following is written in response to an invitation for bids (IFB)? a. Formal internal proposal b. Feasibility proposal c. Solicited proposal d. Sales proposal
The correct answer is C. Solicited proposals are submitted when another organization requests competing firms to bid for a job through an IFB. Internal proposals are not submitted to outside companies, and sales proposals are typically unsolicited. Feasibility reports are requested internally, so choice B is incorrect.
When deciding the best placement of definitions, it is most important to consider a technical document's a. length b. audience c. text flow d. graphics
The correct answer is C. The best place to include a definition depends on the flow of the document. Definitions are necessary for reader understanding, but they should not impede the document's flow. Parenthetical definitions are appropriate if there are only a few on each page, but more terms might require a glossary or an appendix. Length, audience, and graphics are less important to determining where definitions should be placed, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
The index of a technical document contains a list of a. definitions b. sources c. topics d. graphs
The correct answer is C. The index provides a list of major topics covered in a technical document. Definitions are listed in the glossary, and sources are provided in a bibliography, so choices A and B are eliminated. Documents containing numerous visuals often include a list of figures, so choice D is incorrect
Which of the following is the most appropriate topic for the first paragraph of a job application letter? a. Why the writer has the necessary education b. Why the writer is qualified for the position c. How the writer learned about the position d. How to reach the writer for an interview
The correct answer is C. The opening paragraph of a job application letter should explain how the writer learned about the position. Applicants should describe their education and qualifications in the body of the letter and request an interview in the closing paragraph.
Directions: Part of the following sentence is underlined. Beneath the sentence, you will find four ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first choice, A, repeats the original; the other three choices are different. If you think the original is better than any of the alternatives, choose answer A. Otherwise, choose one of the others. In choosing answers, pay attention to grammatical correctness, appropriate word choice, and smoothness and effectiveness of sentence construction. The agribusiness industry is any business related to large-scale food production and it has been blamed in recent years for the demise of small, family farms. a. The agribusiness industry is any business related to large-scale food production and it has been blamed b. The agribusiness industry has been blamed for any business related to large-scale food production c. Agribusiness, which is the industry of large-scale food production, has been blamed d. Large-scale food production and the agribusiness industry have been blamed
The correct answer is C. The original compound sentence needs a comma after production, so choice A is incorrect. Choices B and D misinterpret the original information. Choice C is best because it eliminates unnecessary words and creates a concise sentence.
Which sentence is written in active voice? a. It was suggested by the supervisor that all employees need to work overtime this weekend. b. Although it was very late, the document was submitted to the committee for evaluation. c. The laboratory reported that the new asthma medication is highly effective. d. According to experts, animals should be tested for heartworms annually.
The correct answer is C. The sentence in choice C is written in active voice, but choices A, B, and D are written in passive voice. Active voice is less wordy than passive voice, and the subject of the sentence performs the action of the sentence. In passive voice, the subject is acted upon.
Which of the following sentences is written correctly? a. One of the possibilities, is to create a new management level. b. Employees who park behind the building, must acquire a permit. c. The maintenance crew removed, cleaned, and reinstalled all the filters. d. January 2011, is the expected completion date for the construction project.
The correct answer is C. The serial comma is appropriately used in choice C. The commas in choices A and D are unnecessary because they separate the subject from the verb. In choice B, the phrase "who park behind the building" is a restrictive clause that does not require commas.
Which of the following is NOT included in the standard format of most memos? a. Date b. From c. Address d. Subject
The correct answer is C. The standard memo format includes a subject line, date line, and lines for the receiver and sender ("To" and "From"). Since memos are internal communication within an organization, an address is unnecessary.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the decreasing order method of development? a. Strong concluding argument b. Useful for reference manuals c. Key points explained first d. Effective for oral reports
The correct answer is C. With the decreasing order pattern, key points are presented first followed by less important points, which is an effective structure for busy readers but not for people reading manuals. The increasing order pattern is best for oral reports and includes a strong conclusion, so choices A and D are incorrect.
Which transitional word or phrase is best for illustrating a cause and effect relationship? a. Likewise b. Similarly c. For example d. As a result
The correct answer is D. "As a result," "because," and "therefore" are transitional phrases used for indicating cause and effect relationships, so choice D is correct. "Likewise" is an appropriate transition when listing various points, so choice A is incorrect. "Similarly" is useful when making a comparison, and "for example" is best for illustrating a point.
The primary purpose of a Standard Operating Procedure document is to a. define the function of a process b. explain policies to unskilled users c. comply with labor union guidelines d. ensure that tasks are standardized
The correct answer is D. A Standard Operating Procedure is a document that serves as the official guideline for a specific task. SOPs ensure that tasks are performed in a standardized and safe manner, but they are not required by labor unions, which eliminates choice C. Although an SOP may define a function or explain a policy, the document's essential purpose is to standardize tasks.
A highly detailed statement about the materials and dimensions required to manufacture or install a product is known as a a. directive b. schematic c. classification d. specification
The correct answer is D. A specification is a highly detailed and precise statement that describes the materials and dimensions for building or installing a product. Specifications ensure that a product meets safety, government, and legal standards. Directives are orders issued by superiors, so choice A is incorrect. Schematics are visual rather than textual, so choice B is incorrect.
Which of the following refers to text between a heading and a subheading that provides an overview of the upcoming discussion? a. Subject line b. Descriptive abstract c. Progress update d. Advance organizer
The correct answer is D. An advance organizer in a technical document is a brief paragraph after a heading that provides the reader with the background, purpose, and scope of the upcoming discussion. Advance organizers separate headings in a document. Subject lines appear in memos, so choice A is incorrect. Descriptive abstracts and progress updates would not appear between headings and subheadings, so choices B and C can be eliminated.
Which type of graph is based on a line graph? a. Subdivided bar graph b. Multi-column graph c. Deviation graph d. Area graph
The correct answer is D. Area graphs, which stem from line charts, show how quantities change over time. Subdivided bar graphs, multi-column graphs, and deviation bar graphs illustrate numerical information that has been presented in columns, which eliminates choices A, B, and C.
A corporation that needs to provide instructions to employees about installing a software update would most likely provide instructions in a a. manual b. test report c. press release d. reference card
The correct answer is D. Both manuals and reference cards are formats used to convey instructions, but manuals are lengthy and include warnings and troubleshooting advice. For a simple software update, a brief reference card that lists the installation steps would be most appropriate.
Directions: Below the following sentence, you will find four ways of phrasing it. The first choice, A, repeats the original; the other three choices are different. If you think the original sentence is better than any of the alternatives, choose answer A. Otherwise, choose one of the others. In choosing answers, pay attention to grammatical correctness, appropriate word choice, and smoothness and effectiveness of sentence construction. After working diligently on the grant proposal, the funding would be received by the professor within eight weeks. a. After working diligently on the grant proposal, the funding would be received by the professor within eight weeks. b. After working diligently on the grant proposal for eight weeks, the funding would be sent to the professor in eight weeks. c. After working diligently on the grant proposal, the funding would arrive within eight weeks to the professor. d. After working diligently on the grant proposal, the professor learned that the funding would arrive within eight weeks.
The correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the wording suggests that the "funding" worked "diligently on the grant proposal." Choice D clearly conveys to the reader that the "professor worked diligently on the grant proposal."
Directions: Below the following sentence, you will find four ways of phrasing it. The first choice, A, repeats the original sentence; the other three choices are different. If you think the original sentence is better than any of the alternatives, choose answer A. Otherwise, choose one of the others. In choosing answers, pay attention to grammatical correctness, appropriate word choice, and smoothness and effectiveness of sentence construction. The manager assembled a meeting, reviewed the new policy, outlined a schedule, and answers questions from subordinates. a. The manager assembled a meeting, reviewed the new policy, outlined a schedule, and answers questions from subordinates. b. The manager assembled a meeting to review the new policy, outlined a schedule, and will answer questions from subordinates. c. The manager assembles a meeting, reviews the new policy, outlines a schedule, and answered questions from subordinates. d. The manager assembled a meeting, reviewed the new policy, outlined a schedule, and answered questions from subordinates.
The correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C have errors in parallelism in which verbs are not expressed in the same tense. Choice D corrects the problem by changing "answers" to "answered" to correspond with the other past tense verbs in the sentence.
Which of the following is LEAST likely to help chunk information in a technical document? a. Sequencing b. Shading c. White space d. Index
The correct answer is D. Chunking refers to dividing information into manageable pieces so that the document is easier for readers to follow and understand. Writers use sequencing methods and elements of page design, such as shading and white space, to chunk information in a document.
A definition is most likely to hinder the flow of a document if it is in a. the margin b. a footnote c. a hyperlink d. the text
The correct answer is D. Definitions placed within the text interrupt the flow of the document because readers cannot avoid seeing them. Placing a definition in the margin, in a footnote, or in a hypertext document allows readers to skip the definition if they already understand the term, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.
Which of the following will most likely be submitted as a formal report? a. Directives b. Incident reports c. Meeting minutes d. Feasibility reports
The correct answer is D. Directives, incident reports, and meeting minutes are typically written as informal reports, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Feasibility reports are formal reports that require writers to evaluate and present multiple courses of action.
Which of the following is characteristic of most feasibility reports? a. Minimal details b. Comparative tables c. Foreword and preface d. Specific recommendations
The correct answer is D. Feasibility reports include the specific recommendations of the author as well as enough details to support the recommendations. Feasibility reports may include tables, forewords, and prefaces, but not in all cases, which eliminates choices B and C.
Which of the following occurs when members of a collaborative writing project avoid conflict by failing to question and criticize poor ideas? a. Stereotyping b. Rationalizing c. Transparency d. Groupthink
The correct answer is D. Groupthink sometimes occurs during collaborative projects when group members favor harmony over critical thinking. The result of groupthink may be an inferior document. Choices A, B, and C do not fit the definition given in the question stem.
Which of the following page design elements helps readers know their location within a document? a. Glossaries and indexes b. Footnotes and endnotes c. Widows and orphans d. Headers and footers
The correct answer is D. Headers and footers help readers know their location within a document by providing information such as chapter, section, and page number. The index enables readers to find specific information, while glossaries, footnotes, and endnotes provide additional details to interested readers.
All of the following are types of expanded definitions used in technical writing EXCEPT a. negative definition b. definition by cause c. definition by analogy d. sentence definition
The correct answer is D. Negative definition, definition by cause, and definition by analogy are methods of expanding definitions in a technical document. Expanded definitions range from a paragraph to several pages. However, a sentence definition explains the meaning of a term in less than two sentences and is not a type of expanded definition.
Special instructions written for group members to help them perform a task in a coordinated manner are known as a. flowcharts b. policy statements c. section transitions d. procedures
The correct answer is D. Procedures are instructions that act as guidelines to help people perform a task in the same manner every time. Flowcharts offer a visual rather than a written explanation of a procedure, so choice A is incorrect. Policy statements and transitions do not provide step-by-step instructions, so choices B and C are incorrect.
Which of the following helps readers understand the steps of a complex event? a. Procedures b. Product description c. Progress reports d. Process description
The correct answer is D. Process descriptions explain the steps of complex events, while product descriptions explain how to use a device, which means choice B is incorrect. Procedures are guidelines intended to help people perform a task the same way each time, so choice A is incorrect.
The purpose of a progress report is to provide information about the a. methods for training new employees b. market conditions for a product c. qualifications of project vendors d. status of a long-term project
The correct answer is D. Progress reports provide information about a project's status, especially regarding schedule and budget issues. Progress reports are primarily written for lengthy projects that involve multiple steps. Progress reports are less likely to cover training methods, market conditions, and vendor qualifications.
The primary purpose of a refusal letter is to a. deny liability b. counter a claim c. request a refund d. convey bad news
The correct answer is D. Refusal letters convey negative messages, such as denying a proposal or a promotion. Individuals write claim letters to request refunds for poor products or services, so choice C is incorrect. Denying liability and countering claims are less likely goals of refusal letters.
All of the following are effective graphics for illustrating numerical data EXCEPT a. tables b. pictographs c. pie charts d. logic trees
The correct answer is D. Tables, pictographs, and pie charts are commonly used in technical documents to illustrate numerical information. Logic trees illustrate multiple paths to follow and are useful when describing processes, so choice D is the best answer.
Which of the following has the LEAST relevance when determining the best tone for a technical document? a. Audience b. Purpose c. Subject d. Scope
The correct answer is D. The audience, purpose, and subject of a document determine whether the tone should be informal, moderately formal, or highly formal. The scope of a document, or its depth and length, is less relevant to determining the appropriate level of formality, so the best answer is choice D
The conclusion of a feasibility report serves the purpose of a. providing background information b. reviewing budgetary guidelines c. describing methods and procedures d. explaining possible options
The correct answer is D. The conclusion of a feasibility report explains possible options and suggests which one is most appropriate. The introduction provides background information, methods, and procedures, so choices A and C are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the body of a feasibility report includes information about budget constraints.
The function of a conclusion in a progress report is to a. recommend changes to a project b. compare methods used in a project c. evaluate the purpose of a project d. summarize the status of a project
The correct answer is D. The conclusion of a progress report should evaluate whether a project is proceeding well or poorly and summarize the project's overall status. Recommendations, methods, and purpose would be discussed in other sections of a progress report, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.
The primary audiences of technical documents are typically persons who a. advise managers about using a document b. need to remain aware of a project's progress c. experience the results of a document's proposal d. use a document as a guideline for making a decision
The correct answer is D. The primary users of a document are typically the ones who request a document for the purpose of making a decision or taking action. Secondary audience members are individuals who provide advice to decision makers, carry out a project described in a document, want to stay abreast of a project's progress, or experience the effects of a decision addressed in a document.
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be conveyed by the title of a technical report? a. Tone b. Scope c. Purpose d. Findings
The correct answer is D. The title of a technical report should convey the document's tone, scope, topic, and purpose. A writer's findings and recommendations would most likely be revealed at the end of a report rather than in the title, so the best answer is choice D.
Information gathered from a survey is most likely valid if a. results can be duplicated b. random errors are caught c. questions are subjective d. responses are truthful
The correct answer is D. The validity of a survey depends on honest responses from participants. A survey is reliable but not necessarily valid if findings can be duplicated, so choice A is incorrect.
Which of the following should be avoided when using the classification method of development? a. Using only one basis of categorization b. Arranging categories spatially c. Including all categories d. Overlapping categories
The correct answer is D. Writers should avoid overlapping categories; one item should not be placed in more than one category. Categories should be arranged logically, which may be spatially, chronologically, or any other way that makes sense, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.
