DSST Technical Writing II

Which of the following sentences is written correctly? a. During each session of teambuilding, the group gained valuable insights about conflict resolution. b. The accounting program was inadequate however there was no time to order new software. c. The company's profits improved over the quarter nonetheless; shareholders remained unconfident. d. After five weeks of management training the new head of sales was ready to lead the team.

The correct answer is A. A comma is needed after introductory clauses, so choice D is incorrect. Choice B is missing a semicolon before the word "however" and a comma following "however." Similarly, choice C is missing a semicolon before "nonetheless" and a comma following "nonetheless."

Well-written instructions are characterized by the use of a. active voice sentences b. lengthy sentences c. numerous pronouns d. past tense verbs

The correct answer is A. Clear, concise instructions use active voice and present tense, so choice D is eliminated. Long sentences and excessive pronouns confuse readers, so choices B and C are incorrect.

Which of the following is an example of secondary research? a. Journal articles b. Interviews c. Observations d. Surveys

The correct answer is A. Interviews, direct observations, and surveys are tools for collecting primary research. Journal articles, books, and reports are types of secondary research. Secondary research is information compiled by someone other than the writer.

In most formal reports, the glossary is placed a. before the table of contents b. in the bibliography c. after the appendices d. in the index

The correct answer is C. Glossaries are typically included in the back matter of a formal document and placed after any appendices. Bibliographies and indexes are elements of back matter, but they do not include lists of definitions. A very brief glossary may be placed in the front matter after the table of contents, but not before it.

Which of the following would most likely help a technical writer communicate effectively with a multicultural audience? a. Using jargon and slang b. Using the passive voice c. Keeping sentences brief d. Providing minimal details

The correct answer is C. When writing for a multicultural audience, authors should keep sentences short and avoid using jargon and slang. Non-native English speakers usually understand active rather than passive voice, so choice B is incorrect. The amount of details to include in a document depends on whether audience members are from low-context or high-context cultures, so choice D is incorrect.

Which body of law relates to plagiarism issues and intellectual property rights? a. Contract law b. Liability law c. Trademark law d. Copyright law

The correct answer is D. Copyright laws protect an individual's intellectual property in the form of written material, photos, and music. According to copyright laws, only the person that owns the work may copy it. Trademark laws protect corporate names and logos, contract laws relate to contractual agreements, and liability laws relate to product usage.

Which of the following questions is LEAST likely to be answered by the introduction of a solicited proposal? a. How is the proposal organized? b. What is the scope of the proposal? c. What is the purpose of the proposal? d. What is the task schedule of the proposal?

The correct answer is D. Task schedule information will most likely be included in an appendix in the form of a table or a chart. The introduction of a proposal will address organization, scope, and purpose, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

Which of the following parts of a letter ensures that a specific department within a firm receives the correspondence? a. Distribution notation b. Subject line c. Postscript d. Attention line

The correct answer is D. Writers use attention lines when correspondence needs to be sent to a specific division within a company, such as marketing or accounting. The distribution notation indicates if copies of the letter went to other people, so choice A is incorrect. Subject lines and postscripts do not indicate the intended recipient of a letter, so choices B and C are incorrect.

The purpose of writing a directive is to a. persuade readers to purchase a product b. explain why readers need to follow a policy c. describe how a long-term project is proceeding d. summarize the methods and results of an investigation

The correct answer is B. Directives are written to explain a policy or a procedure that readers need to follow. A directive usually explains a problem and presents persuasive reasons for adhering to a policy or a procedure that will solve the problem.

Which of the following refers to the people who read but will not respond to a technical document? a. Unskilled users b. Primary audience c. Secondary audience d. Subject matter experts

The correct answer is C. A primary audience reads and acts upon a document, while the secondary audience only reads a document to stay abreast of a project or development. Depending on the document, unskilled users and subject matter experts may be members of the primary or secondary audience.

Which of the following organizational patterns would be appropriate to use when describing an object? I. Functional II. Spatial III. Cause and Effect a. I only b. III only c. I and II only d. I, II, and III

The correct answer is C. Functional and spatial patterns are most commonly used to describe objects and mechanisms. Cause-effect patterns are more likely to be used for process descriptions, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

Prose tables are appropriate visuals for presenting all of the following types of information EXCEPT a. explanations b. instructions c. numerical values d. verbal descriptions

The correct answer is C. Prose tables organize explanations, instructions, and descriptions. Numerical tables illustrate numerical values, which means choice C is the best answer.

Which of the following is a netiquette guideline for writing business related e-mails? a. Emphasize words with boldface b. Use all uppercase letters c. Avoid spaces between paragraphs d. Write specific subject lines

The correct answer is D. Business e-mails should include specific, informative subject lines to help the reader determine whether to read the message. E-mail writers should avoid using all uppercase letters that suggest the writer is yelling, and boldface type may not convert well in the reader's e-mail software. Spacing between paragraphs makes e-mails easier to read, so choice C is incorrect.

The major difference between informational reports and analytical reports is that analytical reports a. provide results b. compare options c. develop solutions d. draw conclusions

The correct answer is D. Informational reports provide results, but analytical reports provide results and draw conclusions based on those results. Recommendation reports such as feasibility reports compare different options and propose solutions, so choices B and C are incorrect.

All of the following are types of short, analytical reports EXCEPT a. recommendation reports b. justification reports c. feasibility reports d. activity reports

The correct answer is D. Recommendation reports, justification reports, and feasibility reports require writers to collect and analyze information. Activity reports track an employee's progress on a project and require no analysis.

Which organizational pattern is typically used for justification reports? a. Chronological b. Indirect c. Spatial d. Direct

The correct answer is D. The direct organizational pattern is commonly used with justification reports. An author of a justification report states both the problem and recommendations in the opening paragraph. Chronological and spatial structures are commonly used in other types of reports, so choices A and C are incorrect.

The industrial specifications for a jet engine will most likely include all of the following information EXCEPT a. theories used to develop the engine b. procedures for testing the engine c. physical dimensions of the engine d. methods for installing the engine

The correct answer is A. A specification is a highly detailed and precise statement that describes the materials and dimensions for building a product. Specifications also include testing procedures and installation methods. The theories used to develop a product are less likely to be included in a specifications document, so the best answer is choice A.

Directions: In items 83-87, some part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined. Beneath each 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. Each of the sale team members were responsible for writing one section of the proposal. a. Each of the sale team members were responsible b. Each of the sale team members was responsible c. Each, of the sale team members, were responsible d. Each, of the sale team members, was responsible

Analysis: The correct answer is B. The subject and verb do not agree in the original sentence. "Each" is an indefinite subject pronoun that takes a singular verb, so choice B is correct. Commas should not surround prepositional phrases, so choices C and D are incorrect.

What is the most important aspect of a proposal? a. Defining the problem b. Providing skilled staff c. Maintaining a budget d. Explaining key terms

The correct answer is A. A convincing proposal begins with a clear understanding of the problem; readers will most likely reject any proposal that fails to meet their needs. Having skilled employees and staying within budget ensures that a project runs smoothly once a proposal has been accepted. Defining terms is less important in a proposal than explaining the problem or opportunity.

The major difference between an annotated bibliography and a bibliography is that an annotated bibliography includes a(n) a. evaluation of the content b. hyperlink to the document c. review from the author d. library reference number

The correct answer is A. Annotated bibliographies include the same information about a source as bibliographies, but they also include a brief evaluation of the content in the work. The annotation provides readers with additional information about a source and may include online resources, but it is unlikely to include hyperlinks, reviews from the author, or library reference numbers.

Which of the following guidelines applies to appendices in technical documents? a. Arrange appendices in the order that they are mentioned in the document. b. Provide appendices for material that is essential to primary readers. c. Use Roman numerals to identify each separate appendix. d. Place two appendices on one page when possible.

The correct answer is A. Appendices should be arranged in the order that they are mentioned in a document and labeled with letters instead of Roman numerals. Each appendix should start on a separate page, so choice D is incorrect. Appendix material should be limited to information relevant to secondary readers; information essential to primary readers should be included in the main report.

Which of the following two elements are best at helping readers decide whether to read a technical document? a. Title and abstract b. Charts and headings c. Footnotes and appendices d. Recommendations and conclusion

The correct answer is A. Both titles and abstracts provide readers with enough information to help them decide whether to read a technical document. Graphics, headings, footnotes, and appendices are useful elements of technical documents, but they provide specific details rather than a general idea, as do the title and abstract. The conclusion and recommendations section will most likely not make sense to an audience that has not read the entire report, so choice D is incorrect.

Before writing a sales proposal, an author most likely needs to a. determine a customer's needs b. create appealing graphics c. review a customer's budget d. prepare a list of references

The correct answer is A. Determining the needs of a potential customer is the first task in developing a persuasive sales proposal. A potential customer's budget will most likely be unknown until an agreement is made, so choice C is incorrect. Graphics and references are important elements in sales proposals, but establishing the problems or needs of a customer must occur first.

Which of the following types of visual is best for showing the internal parts of a small engine? a. Drawing b. Flowchart c. Photograph d. Picture graph

The correct answer is A. Drawings are best for showing internal elements of equipment and the spatial relationship between various parts. A photo would be appropriate for the external parts of an engine, but it would be difficult to capture the internal parts with a photo. Flowcharts show the steps in a process, and graphs convey numerical data, so choices B and D are incorrect.

The purpose of a Gantt chart is to illustrate the a. schedule of a project b. hierarchy of an organization c. geographic features of an area d. responsibilities of individual workers

The correct answer is A. Gantt charts depict schedules by indicating the beginning and ending dates of different phases of a project. An organizational chart illustrates the chain of command in a business and may include employee responsibilities, so choices B and D are incorrect. Geographic features are best depicted with maps, so choice C is incorrect.

What is the most common method for expanding a definition in a technical document? a. Providing a graphic b. Including a glossary c. Using sub-headings d. Explaining the etymology

The correct answer is A. Graphics are common tools for expanding a definition in a technical document when a writer needs to elaborate about either a physical object or a concept. Writers expand on the etymology, or origin, of words infrequently in technical documents, so choice D is incorrect. Glossaries contain lists of terms and brief definitions, so choice B must be eliminated.

Headings that begin with "how to" are best for which type of technical document? a. Manuals b. Feasibility reports c. Process descriptions d. Laboratory reports

The correct answer is A. Manuals and other instructional documents frequently include "how to" headings to help guide readers to the information they need. "How to" headings would likely be too informal for documents such as feasibility reports and lab reports. Headings that begin with gerunds work best for process descriptions, so choice C is incorrect.

The problem-methods-solution organizational pattern is most appropriate for a. proposals b. incident reports c. investigative reports d. process descriptions

The correct answer is A. Most proposals begin with a description of a problem followed by methods and solutions for correcting the problem. Solutions are not aspects of incident reports, investigative reports, or process descriptions, so choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

Which of the following terms refers to a word on a line by itself at the end of a column? a. Orphan b. Footer c. Widow d. Serif

The correct answer is A. Orphans are words or short lines that are alone at the end of a column. Widows are single words or short lines carried over to the top of a page or column. Footers appear at the bottom of a page and typically include page numbers, so choice B is incorrect. Serif is a typeface term, so choice D is incorrect.

Which type of definition clarifies the meaning of an unfamiliar word with a synonym or brief phrase? a. Parenthetical b. Expanded c. Sentence d. Process

The correct answer is A. Parenthetical definitions explain the meaning of a word by inserting a synonym or a brief phrase in parentheses after the unfamiliar term. Expanded definitions and sentence definitions are lengthier than a word or phrase, so choices B and C are incorrect.

The primary difference between progress reports and activity reports is that progress reports focus on a. significant workplace projects b. revised positioning statements c. improved product guidelines d. multi-departmental structures

The correct answer is A. Progress reports provide readers with information about major projects, such as whether a project is on schedule or within budget. Activity reports describe the work of individual employees, so choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

A short quotation taken from a document and displayed in a larger type size within a text box is known as a a. pull quote b. page grid c. direct quote d. marginal gloss

The correct answer is A. Pull quotes are short quotations pulled out of a document and highlighted with large type size and a text box. Pull quotes attract reader attention and are frequently used in newspapers, newsletters, and brochures. Marginal gloss is information, such as definitions, that appears in the margins of a document.

An article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association would most likely be written in language that is a. highly technical b. semi technical c. non-technical d. subjective

The correct answer is A. Readers of Journal of the American Medical Association are most likely health professionals, so the article would be written in highly technical language. Semi technical language is best for informed readers but not experts. Nontechnical language is appropriate when writing for laypersons, which eliminates choice C.

Which of the following includes data interpretation and a suggested course of action based on an investigation into a problem? a. Recommendation report b. Progress report c. Activity report d. Trip report

The correct answer is A. Recommendation reports draw conclusions, interpret facts, and recommend specific steps to take after a problem has been studied. Progress reports provide information on the status of a multi-step project, while activity reports usually focus on an individual employee's tasks. Trip reports outline events that occurred on a business trip.

Question 72 refers to the following group of numbered sentences. 1. Dave Longaberger, the founder of the firm, learned the craft of basket making from his father and established the business in 1973 after noticing the popularity of imported baskets. 2. Consultants host Longaberger parties in their homes where they discuss the artisanship of the company's products and earn commissions for selling the wares. 3. Since 1997, a seven-story replica of a wooden basket has housed corporate-level employees at the company's Ohio headquarters, which also serves as a local landmark and tourist attraction. 4. The Longaberger Company manufactures and sells handcrafted wood baskets as well as other home decorating accessories. 5. The family owned and operated company employs over 40,000 independent home consultants to sell its line of products through a direct marketing method. If the sentences are arranged into a paragraph, which sequence will be the most coherent? a. 4-1-5-2-3 b. 1-5-2-3-4 c. 4-3-2-5-1 d. 3-4-2-1-5

The correct answer is A. Sentence 4 is the topic sentence of the paragraph because it provides a brief description of the Longaberger Company, so choices B and D are incorrect. Information about the firm's founder should come before a description of the headquarters, which is a minor detail, so choice A is correct.

Which of the following organizational patterns used in product descriptions describes how users view an item? a. Spatial sequence b. Functional sequence c. Chronological sequence d. Reverse chronological sequence

The correct answer is A. Spatial sequencing presents information in a product description in the order in which users view the product, such as from top to bottom or left to right. A product description in a functional sequence describes the order in which parts operate, so choice B is incorrect. Chronological sequence describes products by the order in which parts are assembled, so choices C and D are also incorrect.

Paragraphs included in the recommendations section of a report would most likely be written using the a. emphatic sequence b. chronological sequence c. effect-to-cause sequence d. problem-solving sequence

The correct answer is A. Technical writers often use emphatic sequence to support an opinion or make a recommendation. Reasons are arranged in either decreasing or increasing order of importance to emphasize a point. Chronological order follows a sequence of events, which is unnecessary in a recommendations paragraph. Problem-solution sequencing explains how a problem was solved rather than how a problem could be solved if certain recommendations were followed.

Which of the following would most likely be written as a memo or a letter? a. Test report b. Grant proposal c. Sales proposal d. Laboratory report

The correct answer is A. Test reports are routine, informal reports that are often presented as memos or letters. Laboratory reports are formal reports that convey information gained from lab testing and major investigations. Sales proposals and grant proposals are formal, lengthy documents.

Which of the following is the most effective way to divide a long paragraph? a. Make a bulleted list b. Revise the heading c. Create an appendix d. Provide a line graph

The correct answer is A. The best way to divide a long paragraph is to convert the information into a bulleted or numbered list, which makes the information more accessible and visually appealing. An appendix is appropriate for supplemental information but not essential information, so choice C is incorrect.

Which of the following condenses the primary points of a proposal and is included in a document's front matter? a. Executive summary b. Feasibility report c. Process description d. Recommendations

The correct answer is A. The executive summary condenses the main points of a document and appears at the front of the document. Recommendations and process descriptions would not be included in the front matter of a document. Feasibility reports may contain executive summaries, but choice B is incorrect.

Which of the following types of technical documents would a writer most likely organize with the chronological method of development? I. Trip report II. Memo III. Proposal a. I only b. II only c. II and III only d. I, II, and III

The correct answer is A. Trip reports, lab reports, and work schedules are appropriate documents to write in chronological order. Memos and proposals would probably be written in the order-of-importance method of development rather than in a chronological pattern, so choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

The major difference between an invitation for bids (IFB) and a request for proposals (RFP) is that an IFB is a. typically released by government agencies b. always used for customized products c. usually published in trade journals d. generally flexible about standards

The correct answer is A. Unlike RFPs, IFBs are usually released by government agencies, which have specific standards that are not flexible. Both RFPs and IFBs are published in trade journals and on Web sites, so choice C is incorrect. IFBs are common for standard products and services, while RFPs are for customized items.

Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate place for a visual in a technical document? a. Before the text being clarified b. After the text being clarified c. Beside the text being clarified d. In an appendix

The correct answer is A. Visuals should be placed as close as possible to the text being clarified but not before the text, as this may confuse readers. A large visual belongs in an appendix at the end of the document, so choice D is incorrect.

The introduction of instructions usually includes a. working definitions b. safety evaluations c. follow-up suggestions d. troubleshooting guidelines

The correct answer is A. Working definitions are placed in the introduction of instructions so that readers understand terms used throughout the document. Troubleshooting tips and follow-up advice are included in the conclusion, so choices C and D are incorrect. Warnings and safety tips are included in the introduction as well as throughout the body of the document as needed, so choice B is eliminated.

The front matter of a formal report serves all of the following functions EXCEPT to a. provide an overview of the report b. expand on specific ideas in the report c. show where information can be found d. provide an idea of the report's purpose

The correct answer is B. Abstracts, tables of contents, and forewords are in the front matter of most reports. These elements give readers an idea of the report's purpose and direction and indicate where information can be found. Any expansion of specific ideas in a report will most likely be found in an appendix, which is back matter.

Using language in a technical document that is unnecessarily formal and technical is known as a. cliché b. affectation c. euphemism d. connotation

The correct answer is B. Affectation occurs when writers are overly formal, technical, and ostentatious in order to sound more authoritative. Euphemisms are inoffensive replacements for unpleasant words, such as "downsize" instead of "lay off," so choice C is eliminated. Connotation is the associations a word has for different readers, so choice D is incorrect.

Which of the following terms refers to a formal argument submitted within a firm to request funding or changes that would benefit the firm? a. Solicited proposal b. Internal proposal c. Feasibility report d. Trouble report

The correct answer is B. An internal proposal is submitted within an organization for the purpose of requesting money, changing policies, or conducting research. Solicited proposals are external to an organization. Trouble reports describe problems, such as job site accidents or equipment failures. Feasibility reports are internal reports that present information about the practicality of a suggested project, so an internal proposal may lead to a feasibility report.

What is the function of a conclusion in most technical documents? a. Explain tables and charts b. Summarize main points c. Expand definitions d. Present new evidence

The correct answer is B. As with other types of documents, the conclusion of a technical document should summarize main points and findings, and in some cases, make recommendations. Writers should not use the conclusion to explain graphics, expand definitions, or present new evidence, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Which of the following questions would be LEAST useful when developing an audience profile for a laboratory report? a. What specifically does the audience need to know about the subject? b. What graphics would be most persuasive for the secondary audience? c. What does the primary audience already know about the subject? d. What is the technical background of the secondary audience?

The correct answer is B. Before writing any technical document, the author needs to know the technical background and basic knowledge of the primary and secondary audience members. The writer also needs to understand the needs of the audience. Graphics are important in documents, but laboratory reports are not primarily persuasive.

When compiling the index of a technical document a writer should a. sort sub-entries in reverse alphabetical order b. refer to pages where a topic is fully discussed c. format entries in a single column of block letters d. use verbs and adjectives for main index entries

The correct answer is B. Being selective is the key to compiling an index, so writers should choose passages from the text where a topic is fully discussed rather than briefly mentioned. Main and sub-entries should be listed alphabetically, and entries should be formatted in double columns in lowercase letters. Nouns rather than verbs and adjectives should be used for main index entries, so choice D is incorrect.

Which of the following transitional words is best for contrasting information in a paragraph? a. Earlier b. Therefore c. Although d. Moreover

The correct answer is C. "Although," "but," and "however" are transitional words that help contrast ideas. Chronological paragraphs might include phrases like "earlier," "next," and "then." "Therefore" and "because" illustrate a cause and effect relationship, so choice B is incorrect. Writers use "moreover" when making additional points, so choice D is incorrect.

Directions: In items 83-87, some part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined. Beneath each 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. After providing the necessary documentation, the bank will review the applicant's information and contact him. a. After providing the necessary documentation, the bank will review the applicant's information and contact him. b. After reviewing the necessary documentation, the bank will contact the applicant. c. The bank will review the applicant's information by contacting him and providing the necessary documentation. d. The bank that provided the necessary documentation will review his information.

The correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D suggest that the bank rather than the applicant provided the documentation. Choice B corrects the dangling modifier and clarifies the process.

Which of the following would most likely appear in a tractor repair manual? a. Organizational chart b. Exploded diagram c. Multiple-line graph d. Band graph

The correct answer is B. Exploded diagrams illustrate how parts of an item are assembled, so they are commonly found in maintenance and repair manuals. Multiple-line graphs and band graphs display numerical relationships and are unlikely to be included in a repair manual. An organizational chart shows a firm's management structure, so choice A is incorrect.

The primary purpose of an inquiry letter is to a. complain about a service b. ask about a product c. apply for a promotion d. request an interview

The correct answer is B. Inquiry letters are written to learn more about a product or service. The purpose of an inquiry letter is to gather information rather than to complain about a service, apply for a promotion, or obtain an interview, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Which of the following visuals is best for presenting trends, distributions, and cycles? a. Tables b. Graphs c. Diagrams d. Flowcharts

The correct answer is B. Line graphs, pie graphs, and bar graphs are better at illustrating movements, distributions, and cycles than tables. Diagrams and flowcharts are best for showing steps in a process or system relationships, so choices C and D are incorrect.

Which of the following enables a technical writer to plan the placement of text, graphics, and white space in a document? a. Text box b. Page grid c. Screen shot d. Marginal gloss

The correct answer is B. Page grids serve as maps for technical writers to help them determine the placement of text, graphics, and white space. Marginal glosses are notes or definitions in the margin of a document, so choice D is incorrect.

All of the following are likely to establish a firm's legal liability for damage or injury due to faulty product instructions EXCEPT a. poorly displayed warnings b. ineffectively placed charts and photographs c. inadequate list of possible product misuses d. insufficient explanation of proper product usage

The correct answer is B. Poorly written instructions can create legal liability for firms if warnings are not clearly displayed, product misuses are not explained, and proper product usage is not clarified. Visuals like charts and photographs benefit users, but their location in a document is less likely to establish legal liability.

Which of the following guidelines applies to writing coherent paragraphs? a. Use passive voice b. Repeat key terms c. Provide footnotes d. Use long noun strings

The correct answer is B. Repeating key terms in a paragraph enables readers to follow the writer's ideas more effectively. Long noun strings create confusion, and active voice is preferable to passive voice. Footnotes provide supplemental information and have little effect on the readability of a paragraph, so choice C is incorrect.

The first step in the process of writing any technical document is to a. set a schedule b. asses the audience c. analyze the purpose d. conduct primary research

The correct answer is B. The first step in writing a technical document involves analyzing the audience and determining who will be the primary readers—experts, laypersons, technicians, or managers. After identifying the audience, a writer needs to analyze the purpose of the document, set a schedule, and conduct research, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Which word best combines the following pair of sentences? 1. Blood tests revealed an abnormally low level of magnesium in the patient. 2. The patient may have kidney disease or an overactive thyroid gland. a. Yet b. Thus c. Next d. Namely

The correct answer is B. The second sentence draws a conclusion based on the first sentence, so "thus" is the best transition. "Yet" is used for contrasting, "next" is used for a series, and "namely" is used for examples, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

The tone of a technical document establishes a writer's a. attention to minor details b. attitude about a subject c. knowledge about a subject d. ability to be persuasive

The correct answer is B. Tone indicates a writer's attitude about both the audience and the subject matter. Details, knowledge, and persuasive abilities are less likely to be indicated through tone, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

When editing a technical document for conciseness, a writer should eliminate a. all transitional words and phrases b. extra prepositional phrases c. all technical terminology d. most short paragraphs

The correct answer is B. Unnecessary prepositional phrases create clutter, so choice B is correct. Transitions improve the flow of a document, and paragraphs of two or three sentences are often more effective than lengthy paragraphs. Technical terms cannot be completely eliminated from a document, but they should be defined or simplified depending on the audience.

Which of the following terms refers to using visual patterns to indicate different types of information? a. Contrasting b. Filtering c. Queuing d. Chunking

The correct answer is B. Using visual patterns to indicate different types of information is known as filtering. Queuing involves using headings and alignment to indicate the level of importance of information in a document, so choice C is incorrect.

Which of the following sentences is written correctly? a. The new grocery store which opened last week will increase traffic congestion in the area. b. To earn a promotion employees must complete a training class and receive a recommendation. c. Although the intern was intelligent, she lacked the creativity needed to work in our advertising firm. d. Our organization Patterson Healthcare provides affordable insurance to over one million people.

The correct answer is C. A comma is needed after introductory clauses, so choice C is correct. Commas are necessary before "which" and after "week" to set off the clause in choice A. A comma should be inserted after "promotion" in choice B to indicate the beginning of the main sentence. "Patterson Healthcare" is an appositive explaining "organization," so commas are needed around the name of the company in choice D.

Which of the following will most likely lead to unity in a technical document? a. Appropriate formality b. Precise title c. Logical outline d. Concise sentences

The correct answer is C. A logical outline that develops a single idea is the best way to achieve unity in a document. Precise titles and concise sentences benefit technical documents but they do not drive the central purpose of a document, which means choices B and D are incorrect. Formality and unity are not directly related, so choice A is incorrect.

The purpose of a note within a set of instructions is to a. warn against a potential hazard b. identify an immediate danger c. emphasize an important point d. prevent a dangerous mistake

The correct answer is C. A note within a set of instructions explains or emphasizes important information. The terms "caution," "warning," and "danger" indicate potentially dangerous problems to ensure users remain safe, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

A technical writer should include an overview at the beginning of a manual to explain the a. steps of the process b. legal aspects of the procedure c. benefits of the procedure d. terminology of the process

The correct answer is C. An overview at the beginning of a manual should address the purpose and benefits of the procedure to encourage readers to learn and retain the material. Procedure specifics such as steps, legal issues, and terminology would be included in other sections of a manual, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

Which of the following sentences is written correctly? a. The human resources department sent out a memo about a payroll change that was useless. b. While entering data into the spreadsheet, the building experienced a temporary power loss. c. The shareholders scheduled a meeting for Monday, which happens to be a federal holiday. d. A marketing assistant arranges press conferences and writes copy, as well as handling public relations tasks.

The correct answer is C. In choice A, "that was useless" is a misplaced modifier, so the reader does not know if the memo or the change is useless. Choice B suggests that the building was entering data rather than a person. Choice D contains an error in parallelism.

A technical writer who wants to illustrate sales trends over a five-year period will most likely use a a. Gantt chart b. flowchart c. line graph d. PERT chart

The correct answer is C. Line graphs illustrate changes over time and would be most appropriate for depicting sales trends. Gantt charts and PERT charts are useful tools in project management, while flowcharts are used to show the steps in a process.

What purpose do memos serve in most organizations? a. Analyzing research findings b. Corresponding with major clients c. Documenting decisions and actions d. Administering external questionnaires

The correct answer is C. Memos provide a record of internal requests, instructions, and policy announcements, which is why firms frequently use them. Memos help firms trace managerial decisions, monitor employee responsibilities, and assess project progress. Since memos are for internal correspondence, choices B and D are incorrect.

The primary purpose of most technical writing is to a. share complex information with expert audiences b. convey information to multicultural audiences c. help readers perform tasks and make decisions d. provide readers with supplemental details

The correct answer is C. Most technical writing helps readers make decisions and perform tasks. Manuals, proposals, reports, and Web sites are forms of technical writing that convey useful information to readers from all cultures and backgrounds.

Which of the following visuals would be appropriate for illustrating the percentage that each car model contributed to an auto manufacturer's total annual sales? I. Pie graph II. Column graph III. Double-line graph a. I only b. III only c. I and II only d. I, II, and III

The correct answer is C. Pie graphs and column graphs, which are also called 100-percent bar graphs, indicate the value of all the parts that equal a whole. In this case, a writer could show the percentage that each type of vehicle contributed to annual sales with either a pie graph or a column graph. Double-line graphs illustrate relationships between two variables rather than parts of a whole, so choices B and D are incorrect.

Which of the following sentences is written correctly? a. The shortage of qualified applicants have increased the demand on HR specialists. b. In the building is stored extra office furniture, closed customer files, and old computers. c. Each of the documents contains a budget analysis, recommendation, and bibliography. d. Decreased productivity, higher insurance costs, and limited resources has lowered corporate profits.

The correct answer is C. Problems with subject-verb agreement exist in choices A, B, and D. In choice A, "have" should be "has" to agree with "shortage." The inverted sentence in choice B needs "is" changed to "are." The plural subject in choice D requires "have" instead of "has."

The major difference between process descriptions and product descriptions is that process descriptions lack which of the following? a. Descriptions of steps and stages b. Visuals, photos, and headings c. Descriptions of physical objects d. Definitions of special terms

The correct answer is C. Process descriptions explain the steps and stages of a process while product descriptions describe physical objects. Both types of descriptions include definitions of visuals and headings and definitions of terms, so choices B and D are incorrect.

Which of the following would most likely be inappropriate for a grant proposal? a. Topic headings b. Decimal headings c. Question headings d. Statement headings

The correct answer is C. Question headings are considered too conversational for formal reports and proposals. Topic, decimal, and statement headings would be most appropriate for a grant proposal, so choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

The general-to-specific method of development is particularly useful for readers who are a. subject matter experts b. multi-lingual readers c. unfamiliar with a topic d. skeptical about an idea

The correct answer is C. Readers who are unfamiliar with the topic of a document will most likely benefit from a general-to-specific development pattern because the structure provides broad concepts before moving toward details. Writers who need to persuade skeptical readers should use the specific-to-general method of development to build a convincing argument.

Research for a technical document is considered reliable if a. respondents are the same gender b. results vary with sample size c. findings can be reproduced d. cognitive bias exists

The correct answer is C. Reliable research generates findings that are consistent and reproducible. Reliable research does not necessarily stem from respondents of the same gender or with similar sample sizes, so choices A and B are incorrect.

Question 73 refers to the following group of numbered sentences. 1. Dave Longaberger, the founder of the firm, learned the craft of basket making from his father and established the business in 1973 after noticing the popularity of imported baskets. 2. Consultants host Longaberger parties in their homes where they discuss the artisanship of the company's products and earn commissions for selling the wares. 3. Since 1997, a seven-story replica of a wooden basket has housed corporate-level employees at the company's Ohio headquarters, which also serves as a local landmark and tourist attraction. 4. The Longaberger Company manufactures and sells handcrafted wood baskets as well as other home decorating accessories. 5. The family owned and operated company employs over 40,000 independent home consultants to sell its line of products through a direct marketing method. If Sentence 5 was followed by Sentence 2, which of the following would be most appropriate to add to the beginning of Sentence 2? a. Moreover b. In addition c. Specifically d. Just as

The correct answer is C. Sentence 2 explains the information in Sentence 5, so a transition for indicating examples is most appropriate. "Specifically" tells the reader that Sentence 2 is providing additional detail to explain Sentence 5.

Which of the following topics requires the most current information? a. Business ethics b. Workplace trends c. Nanotechnology d. Marketing techniques

The correct answer is C. Technology topics require the most current information because changes occur rapidly. Business ethics, workplace trends, and marketing techniques are topics related to people rather than technology, so information is less likely to change as rapidly, which means choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

The back matter of a long proposal will most likely include a a. cost analysis b. delivery schedule c. glossary of terms d. letter of transmittal

The correct answer is C. The back matter of long proposals includes the glossary, bibliography, and any appendices. The letter of transmittal is part of the front matter, so choice D is incorrect. Choices A and B are eliminated because cost analyses and delivery schedules are part of the body in most proposals.

Which of the following sentences needs revision because of a shift in voice? a. The university's computer system crashed before Professor Barnes saved the latest version of the research proposal. b. Although the firm outsources many administrative tasks, it plans to build a new manufacturing facility in the U.S. c. The test was performed by the chemist, and she determined that the building was free of mold and safe for inhabitants. d. After relocating to Brazil, the executive learned that the firm would be closing all South American facilities within one year.

The correct answer is C. The first clause in choice C is written in the passive voice, and the second clause is written in the active voice. Choices A, B, and D are each written in a single voice.

Which group would most likely be observed during usability testing for a sewing machine user's manual? a. Technicians b. Experts c. Laypersons d. Staff persons

The correct answer is C. The purpose of usability testing is to determine how real users interpret instructional information. If a general user is able to assemble a product or accomplish a specific task, then the instructions are probably well written. Technicians and experts are not the intended audience of a sewing machine user's manual, so choices A and B are incorrect.

Which of the following does NOT need revision to correct an error in parallel structure? a. Arthritis typically occurs from joint trauma, infection, or becoming old, and the resulting pain prevents many individuals from working and exercising. b. The new intern works hard and asks intelligent questions, as well as helping with administrative tasks around the office. c. The human resources department plans to post the job on the firm's Web site and to interview candidates for the position next week. d. The bank president stated that the fraud charges were false and says there is no substantial evidence.

The correct answer is C. The sentence in choice C is written correctly. In choice A, "becoming old" creates imbalance. Choice B is incorrect because the first and second parts of the sentence are not written in the same structure. The verbs "stated" and "says" are different tenses, so choice D has an error in parallelism.

Directions: In items 83-87, some part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined. Beneath each 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. Everyone in the chemistry class have been studying for the final exam for two weeks. a. Everyone in the chemistry class have been studying b. Everyone in the chemistry class have studied c. Everyone in the chemistry class has been studying d. Everyone in the chemistry class are studying The correct answer is C. The subject and verb do not agree in choices A, B, or D. "Everyone" is an indefinite subject pronoun that takes a singular verb, so choice C is correct.

The correct answer is C. The subject and verb do not agree in choices A, B, or D. "Everyone" is an indefinite subject pronoun that takes a singular verb, so choice C is correct.

Editing for completeness requires determining whether a document has a. integrated effective graphics b. established the correct tone c. persuaded skeptical readers d. fulfilled the needs of readers

The correct answer is D. A complete document is one that has achieved its main purpose and fulfilled the needs of primary readers. Appropriate graphics may be necessary to achieve a purpose, but graphics do not determine the completeness of a document. Tone and persuasiveness are important elements, but they are less relevant to completeness.

Which of the following documents should be written in the most formal tone? a. Company newsletter b. Assembly instructions c. E-mail to colleague d. Shareholders report

The correct answer is D. A report for shareholders demands formality from the writer because the purpose of the document is serious. Company newsletters, assembly instructions, and e-mails are less formal than reports, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

Directions: In items 83-87, some part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined. Beneath each 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. In the soil sample tested by the lab, we found: aluminum, iron, manganese, sulfur, and nitrogen. a. we found: aluminum, b. we found, aluminum, c. we found; aluminum, d. we found aluminum,

The correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the text preceding a colon should be able to stand on its own. A semicolon needs complete thoughts on both sides, so choice C is incorrect. A comma is unnecessary after "found," so choice D is the best option.

Which of the following statements is the most concise and clear? a. The advice was not inaccurate. b. We need to conduct a test of the drug. c. I believe that our budget is too strict. d. Please submit the proposal tomorrow.

The correct answer is D. Choice D is the most clearly and concisely written statement. Choice A should be phrased positively, and choice C should eliminate the qualifier, "I believe." "We need to test the drug" would be the best revision for choice B.

Directions: In items 83-87, some part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined. Beneath each 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 manager indicated after the team meeting the training would begin. a. The manager indicated after the team meeting the training would begin. b. The team meeting would begin after the training the manager indicated. c. The manager after the team meeting indicated that the training would begin. d. The manager indicated that the training would begin after the team meeting.

The correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C have misplaced modifiers that create confusion for the reader. Choice D clarifies when the training will occur and who provided that information.

Which type of abstract includes results and recommendations? a. Descriptive b. Indicative c. Topical d. Informative

The correct answer is D. Descriptive, indicative, and topical abstracts include only the purpose, scope, and methods used for a report, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Informative abstracts expand upon descriptive abstracts by also summarizing the results and recommendations of a study.

The supervisor of a contracting company needs to know the timetable, developments, and budget status of multiple work crews assigned to various projects. Which of the following types of report would be most beneficial to the supervisor? a. Annual feasibility report b. Monthly research report c. Weekly formal report d. Daily progress report

The correct answer is D. Firms that send crews of employees to work on various projects need daily progress reports to stay apprised of time and money issues. Feasibility reports are usually written prior to a project beginning. Research reports and formal reports are major reports that would not benefit a manager on a daily basis, so choices B and C are incorrect.

When developing lists to include in a technical document, it is most important to a. use creative graphics and bright colors b. punctuate the lead-in with a semicolon c. punctuate each line with a period d. write items in parallel format

The correct answer is D. Items presented in a list should be in the same parallel structure to improve readability. Bullets or numbers are enough to set off lists, so graphics are not necessary. If a list contains only phrases, then periods are not needed, so choice C can be eliminated. Lead-in statements are usually followed by colons instead of semicolons, so choice B is incorrect.

Which of the following will most likely improve the readability of a technical document if used correctly? a. Sections of italics b. All uppercase letters c. In-text citations d. Left-justified margins

The correct answer is D. Left-justified margins are easier to read than full-justified margins, which include irregular spaces. Long sections of italics, uppercase letters, and in-text citations can slow down the flow for readers, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

The primary purpose of a claim letter is to a. relay positive information b. request legal assistance c. gather information about a company d. complain about a product or service

The correct answer is D. People write claim letters to complain about products or services. Although the tone of most claim letters is polite rather than angry, the correspondence does not convey good news, which eliminates choice A. Inquiry letters make requests or gather information, so choices B and C are incorrect.

Which of the following should most likely be included in the education section of a recent college graduate's resume? a. Skills, interests, and college accomplishments b. Grades for all required college course work c. Description of college jobs and positions d. City and state where college is located

The correct answer is D. The city and state where the college is located should be included in the education section of a resume, since employers may not be familiar with the location of all institutions. Include the GPA for courses related to a major or an overall GPA if it is above average, but it is unnecessary to include the grades for all required classes. Special college accomplishments or awards would be appropriate for the education section, but skills, interests, and jobs belong in other resume sections.

Which of the following in-text documentation systems encloses citation numbers in square brackets? a. MLA b. APA c. CMS d. IEEE

The correct answer is D. The documentation system of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is primarily used for technical documents related to scientific and mathematical fields. The IEEE system uses bracketed numbers—[1]—that correspond to complete citations in the bibliography. The Modern Language Association (MLA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) use parentheses for in-text citations that include some combination of the author's last name, publication date, and page number.

Which resume organizational structure is most commonly used to illustrate a pattern of job experience and career development? a. Targeted b. Functional c. Topical d. Reverse chronological

The correct answer is D. The reverse chronological order resume lists an applicant's most recent experience first and then moves backward through an applicant's job history. Functional resumes stress a person's skills and abilities rather than job history, so choice B is incorrect. Choices A and C are not resume formats.

Which organizational pattern would be most appropriate when describing a new hospital wing? a. Comparison b. Sequential c. Definition d. Spatial

The correct answer is D. The spatial method of development is best for describing the physical appearance of a place or a device. A writer would describe the new wing from top to bottom, inside to outside, or in some other directional manner. Comparison, sequential, and definition organizational patterns would be less appropriate methods for describing a building, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

What is the most likely disadvantage of using topic headings in technical documents? a. Complexity b. Informality c. Wordiness d. Vagueness

The correct answer is D. Topic headings, which usually consist of single words or phrases, may be too vague for some technical documents. Topic headings are used when a writer wants to increase the formality of a document, so choice B is incorrect.

Paragraph unity is created when all sentences and phrases in a paragraph support the a. title b. outline c. heading d. topic statement

The correct answer is D. Topic sentences and topic statements establish the main idea of a paragraph, and unity is created when all words, sentences, and phrases support the topic statement. Titles and headings tell readers what a document is about and where to locate information, so choices A and C are incorrect. The outline guides the writer, which eliminates choice B.

A laboratory report should include specific details about the equipment and procedures used in a study for the purpose of a. meeting government standards b. gathering sample materials c. summarizing information d. duplicating the test

The correct answer is D. With laboratory reports, it is very important to describe the equipment and procedures used in the study because the experiment may need to be duplicated or the data may need to be checked for accuracy. Meeting standards, gathering samples, and summarizing information are less likely reasons for being specific, so choices A, B, and C are incorrect.