21st-Century Skills: Career and College Applications Practice and Quiz

How can a document's format assist you in understanding how to fill it out?

Documents that are well designed will use graphic features such as boxes, headings, and shading to lead the reader to important information and sections to be filled out. Boldface type and capital letters or underlining may also be used to add emphasis and help a reader navigate through a document. It is important to pay attention to these visual cues as you complete an application.

How might the tip, "Read through the entire application before beginning to complete the form," prove useful in completing an application efficiently?

It allows you to gather everything you will need ahead of time.

Analyze the employment application below and answer the question that follows. Source: "Employment Application." Jobs.state.ak.us. Alaska Job Center Network, 22 Oct. 2009. Web. 1 Nov. 2010. Since there is no specific place to list volunteer experience, where would it fit best?

It should be included under "Employment History."

__________ is the reader's response to the writing and the writer.

Mood

Which short narrative would be the most appropriate style and tone for the personal essay section of a college application?

Ever since my grandfather had a heart attack three summers ago, I have volunteered my afternoons and weekends at the local hospital.

Why should you read through your application again before you submit it? I. to make sure there are no blanks II. to be sure you have no misspelled words III. to check for accuracy and completeness

I, II, and III

Analyze the employment application below and answer the question that follows. Source: "Employment Application." Jobs.state.ak.us. Alaska Job Center Network, 22 Oct. 2009. Web. 1 Nov. 2010. You intend to become certified as a computer technician over the summer. Where should you list that information?

Listing it would be considered misrepresentation and could be grounds for dismissal if hired.

Read the employment application below and answer the question that follows. Source: "Generic Employment Application." Mt.gov: Montana's Official State Website. Department of Labor and Industry, Aug. 2006. Web. 1 Nov. 2010. How would you describe the format and structure of this document? Discuss features designed to make the document user friendly.

The document is an online form using "fill-in-the-blank" structure. The designer has created shaded areas and used graphic boxes, all caps, and boldface type to call attention to the various sections of the document. The directions at the top include checkmarks designed to call attention to important information.

Analyze the excerpt from the Federal Student Aid website and answer the question that follows. Source: "Student Aid on the Web." FSA Portals. United States Department of Education, n.d. Web. 29 July 2011. Which statement describes the clarity and tone of this document best?

The document is clear with a matter-of-fact tone.

What is the difference between the tone and the style of a document?

Tone is the writer's attitude toward the subject and audience; style is the way something is written.

Why is it a good idea to read through an application before starting to fill it out?

You may discover that you need to gather more information or materials before you can complete the application. It is easier to do that before you start rather than starting and stopping and possibly losing information along the way.

Analyze the employment application below and answer the question that follows. Source: City of Los Angeles. "Employment Application." LA County Online. Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources, n.a. Web. 1 Nov. 2010. You are applying for a position with this company and have held four jobs and volunteer for two different groups. What is the best way to list your work experience?

You should include all jobs and volunteer work by attaching another page.

What writing style should you use in filling out a short-answer section on a job or college application?

You should use a style similar to the one used in the application unless the question prompt suggests a more casual style. You want to show some personality, but it needs to be appropriate for the situation.

Why should you begin applying to colleges the summer before your senior year?

You will have more time then to do a careful job.

What should be included on your "fact sheet" when creating your resume?

Your fact sheet should include your education and employment history with dates of employment, names of supervisors, and their contact information. It should also include the names and contact information for at least three references not related to you. You may add any other information about special circumstances, training, or certifications that are relevant to the application you will be completing.

Analyze the excerpt from the Federal Student Aid website and answer the question that follows. Source: "Student Aid on the Web." FSA Portals. United States Department of Education, n.d. Web. 29 July 2011. What is the structure of this document?

checklist

If an application form does not provide a specific place to include volunteer experience, what should you do?

include it as work experience

Which writing style should be used in filling out a job or college application?

one similar to the style of the application

"Tone" refers to __________.

the writer's attitude toward the writing and audience

Analyze the employment application below and answer the question that follows. Source: "Generic Employment Application." Mt.gov: Montana's Official State Website. Department of Labor and Industry-Workforce Services Division, Aug. 2006. Web. 1 Nov. 2010. Look at the sections labeled 1, 2, and 3. What is the purpose of these sections?

to call attention to different sections and important information