Question 1

How is the following definition flawed: "In a bankruptcy action, a nonsecured debt is a debt that is not secured"?

Accepted Answer

The definition "In a bankruptcy action, a nonsecured debt is a debt that is not secured" is flawed because it is tautological and lacks explanatory depth. It essentially repeats the term within the definition without providing any meaningful information about what nonsecured debt actually is or how it differs from secured debt.

To improve the definition, one should explain the characteristics of nonsecured debt. Here is a more informative definition:

"In a bankruptcy action, a nonsecured debt, also known as unsecured debt, is a type of obligation that does not have specific property (like real estate or personal property) serving as collateral for the repayment of the debt. This means that the creditor does not have a lien on any particular asset of the debtor. In the event of a bankruptcy, nonsecured creditors typically have lower priority for repayment compared to secured creditors, who have legal rights to seize the collateralized property if the debt is not paid. Examples of nonsecured debts include credit card debt, medical bills, and unsecured personal loans."

This definition provides clarity by explaining what nonsecured debt is, how it functions in relation to the debtor's assets, and its priority status in bankruptcy proceedings. It also contrasts nonsecured debt with secured debt, helping to contextualize its place within the broader framework of debt types.

Question 2

According to Chapter 20, many companies are uneasy about using instructional videos and so prefer to rely on printed documentation instead.

Accepted Answer

Chapter 20 actually suggests that many companies are increasingly incorporating instructional videos into their training and support materials, recognizing their effectiveness in engaging learners and conveying complex information more clearly than printed documentation alone.

Question 3

The partitioning technique for creating an extended definition often appears in tandem with one or more other techniques.

Accepted Answer

The partitioning technique can be used in combination with other techniques such as comparison/contrast, examples, and analysis.

Question 4

According to Chapter 20, there is no absolute distinction between a set of instructions and a manual.

Accepted Answer

Chapter 20 states that there is no clear distinction between a set of instructions and a manual, as both may consist of lists of steps or procedures to follow.

Question 5

It is important to revise, edit, and proofread instructions to ensure that readers will be able to complete the task described safely.

Accepted Answer

Revising, editing and proofreading instructions will ensure that they are clear, accurate and easy to understand, which can help readers avoid potential safety hazards while completing tasks.

Question 6

What are the four signal words commonly used to indicate the levels of seriousness in comments?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the four signal words commonly...

Question 7

What are the three types of descriptions discussed in Chapter 20?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the three types of descriptions...

Question 8

A set of instructions is a type of definition.

Accepted Answer

A set of instructions is a sequence of steps or guidelines to accomplish a task, while a definition explains the meaning of a term or concept.

Question 9

A conventions section explains to readers how a manual uses typography to signify different kinds of information. One example is using the Courier typeface for text the reader is supposed to type.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the purpose of a conventions section in a manual and gives an example of how typography can be used to convey specific types of information to the reader.

Question 10

According to Chapter 20, the safety of your company's products (and the effectiveness of your company's instructions) is a matter of contract law.

Accepted Answer

According to Chapter 20, the safety of your company's products (and the effectiveness of your company's instructions) is a matter of tort law, not contract law.

Question 11

The introduction to a set of instructions should answer six questions, one of which is "Why should the reader carry out this task?" According to Chapter 20, what is one other question?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The introduction to a set of instructions...

Question 12

Placing definitions directly in the text is a common practice. According to Chapter 20, what are two other logical locations for definitions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Placing definitions directly in the text is...

Question 13

Descriptions are rarely incorporated into longer documents; instead, they usually appear as separate documents.

Accepted Answer

Descriptions are often incorporated into longer documents as part of the overall content, providing detailed information about specific aspects, items, or processes relevant to the document's purpose.

Question 14

How is the following definition flawed: "Booting a computer is when you turn it on"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is the following definition flawed: "Booting...

Question 15

What technique is used in the following definition: "RADAR originally stood for 'radio detection and ranging,' but these days it is rarely used as an acronym and instead appears as the noun radar"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What technique is used in the following...

Question 16

Chapter 20 lists three steps in writing definitions. One is analyzing the writing situation. What are the other two steps?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chapter 20 lists three steps in writing...

Question 17

What is the function of a conventions section?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the function of a conventions...

Question 18

Part of the challenge of deciding where to put a definition lies in the fact that a writer has several viable options.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. There are different options a writer can consider while deciding where to put a definition.

Question 19

What technique is used to clarify the term inflammable in the following definition: "An inflammable substance is not a substance that cannot catch fire; on the contrary, an inflammable substance catches fire quite easily"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What technique is used to clarify the...

Question 20

Step-by-step instructions should be written in the imperative mood.

Accepted Answer

Step-by-step instructions should be written in the imperative mood to form clear and concise commands for the reader to follow.

Quiz 20: Writing Definitions, Descriptions, and Instructions