Deck 3: Persuading Your Audience

Question 1

Automated spell checkers and grammar checkers can identify when

A)correctly spelled words are used incorrectly.
B)a word is spelled incorrectly.
C)passive voice is used appropriately.
D)sentences are too long.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Chapter 3 defines "single sourcing" as

A)finding and using a single source as the basis for a document's information and conclusions
B)using one document source to produce multiple outputs on multiple formats
C)choosing a particular software package to produce all of one's documents
D)choosing a consistent approach to researching a given topic

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Using detailed, well-planned outlines has the following main advantage

A)once an outline has been created, the writer no longer has to insert transitional phrases or paragraphs.
B)detailed outlines help writers save time at each stage of the writing process.
C)outlines provide a fixed structure, so that no new material can accidentally be inserted.
D)detailed outlines provide the structure that allows technical writers to be creative.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Writing with a word processor has the following advantage

A)a word processor helps identify errors in spelling and grammar.
B)word processing software can automatically convert a list of topics into a cluster diagram.
C)word processing software automatically evaluates clarity and conciseness.
D)word processing software automatically arranges the chosen content into a logical outline.

Question 5

Efficient technical writers

A)use a discovery process that involves many re-writes.
B)rely more on brainstorming than on pre-planning.
C)use an organized step-by-step process that focuses on one task at a time.
D)never use outlines because they waste extra time.

Question 6

At work, writing efficiently is just as important as

A)getting to work on time.
B)producing documents that meet reader's needs and expectations.
C)the writer's technical expertise.
D)knowing where to place illustrations.

Question 7

Writers of proposals

A)can productively use the same writing process as technical report writers.
B)do not have to plan their documents because templates dictate content and structure.
C)usually take a long time to produce even short proposals because the phrasing must be so precise and persuasive.
D)must work in collaborative teams to produce effective proposals.

Question 8

The detailed content of technical documents can usually be based on

A)similar documents produced by the writer's organization.
B)technical notes, research notes, field notes, or project notes.
C)a pre-set structure for such documents.
D)the writer's feelings about the subject.

Question 9

In the writing process described in Chapter 3, cluster diagrams suit writers who

A)like to make neat lists of ideas and information.
B)like to draw rather than write.
C)think visually and are used to following hypertext links on the internet.
D)any of a, b, or c.

Question 10

Writing in an unplanned, impromptu manner wastes time because

A)unplanned writing often leads to badly-constructed sentences and paragraphs.
B)revising the content of a free-written draft takes more time than revising a list of topics and details.
C)re-writing the order of sections or paragraphs is time-consuming.
D)any or all of the above.

Question 11

Technical writers and essay writers

A)both frequently engage in free-writing to discover the content of their documents.
B)both rarely engage in free-writing to discover the content of their documents.
C)essentially are both engaged in writing narratives.
D)usually use quite different methods of generating content.

Question 12

Single sourcing has the following important advantage

A)its complete range of features can be realized with Microsoft Word
B)writers no longer have to plan documents
C)reusing content saves time and money
D)single sourcing software can automatically edit unclear or wordy phrasing

Question 13

Brainstorming works best when a writer of a technical document

A)has all the required data available in notes and test results.
B)needs to generate some or all of the content to be included in the document.
C)wants to use a creative writing style.
D)has an archived document available to use as a template for the new document.

Question 14

A technical or business writer can be productive within 30 seconds of starting, by

A)using an audience/purpose profile to determine the document's opening sentence, which forms the basis for the remaining document.
B)plugging into a proven structure for a report or proposal.
C)writing the conclusion section first.
D)writing the Executive Summary first.

Question 15

Using an organized outline to create the first draft of a document usually

A)saves the writer significant composition time.
B)wastes time because a task is repeated.
C)constrains the writer from adding material that isn't in the outline.
D)restricts the writer's ability to think laterally.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of single sourcing?

A)a technical report is automatically restructured as a business proposal
B)a report is sent to several recipients
C)a writer revises a manual's phrasing so that its descriptions and instructions can be understood by a wide range of technical and non-technical readers
D)a PDF version of a technical description is converted from a Word file and then automatically re-formatted for a company website