Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Descriptions can be incorporated into longer documents, such as reports or proposals, as a section providing details about a specific topic or item. However, they can also appear as separate documents, such as product specifications or instructions.

Question 2

How long should an instructional video be?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Placing definitions directly in the text is a common practice. According to Chapter 14, what are two other acceptable locations for definitions?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

In what way is the definition "Booting a computer is when you turn it on" flawed?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

According to Chapter 14, many companies are uneasy about using instructional videos and rely on printed documentation instead.

Accepted Answer

There is no specific information in Chapter 14 that states companies are uneasy about using instructional videos and prefer printed documentation.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Depending on the context and purpose of the definition, different sections or parts of a document or text may be appropriate for its placement.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

According to Chapter 14, there is no absolute distinction between a set of instructions and a manual.

Accepted Answer

Chapter 14 explains that both a set of instructions and a manual can include information on how to use a product or perform a task and can have similar formats, making it difficult to draw a clear distinction between the two. Therefore, there is no absolute distinction between them.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the purpose of a conventions section in a manual, which is to explain the meaning of different typographic elements used in the text, including the use of Courier font to indicate text to be typed by the reader.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Step-by-step instructions should be written in the imperative mood as it gives clear and concise directions.

Question 12

What is the function of a conventions section?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

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 14, what is one other question?

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Question 14

A set of instructions is a type of definition.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

The partitioning technique for creating an extended definition is often used in tandem with another technique.

Accepted Answer

The partitioning technique is often used in conjunction with the technique of providing examples, explanations, or comparisons to develop a thorough understanding of the term being defined. This combination helps to clarify the concept being defined and provide a comprehensive definition.

Question 16

In what way is the definition "In a bankruptcy action, a nonsecured debt is a debt that is not secured" flawed?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What technique is used in the 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

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Question 18

What are the three types of descriptions discussed in Chapter 14?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

According to Chapter 14, the safety of your company's products (and the effectiveness of your company's instructions) is a matter of contract law.

Accepted Answer

Product safety and the effectiveness of instructions are typically governed by tort law, specifically product liability, rather than contract law.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Revising, editing, and proofreading instructions helps to identify any mistakes or unclear language that could result in readers misunderstanding the task or even putting themselves in danger. It is essential for ensuring that instructions are clear, concise, and accurate.

Quiz 14: Writing Definitions, Descriptions, and Instructions