Question 1

Chapter 1 states that technical communicators use design to increase readability and make their documents more effective. Which of the following is an example of a design feature?

Accepted Answer

Typography is a design feature, as it involves the arrangement of typefaces, font sizes, colors, and other elements to make a document visually appealing and easy to read. A, C, and D are important components of effective technical writing, but they are not design features.

Question 2

Chapter 1 states that effective technical communication is honest. The chapter then presents three reasons it is important to be honest when communicating. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons listed in Chapter 1?

Accepted Answer

If readers bring your dishonesty to the attention of your supervisor, your career may be negatively affected is not a reason listed in Chapter 1 for why it is important to be honest when communicating.

Question 3

Which of these is a quality shown by a successful workplace communicator?

Accepted Answer

Displaying emotional intelligence is a quality shown by a successful workplace communicator. This includes being aware of your own emotions and those of others, using that information to manage relationships effectively, and communicating in a way that is clear and respectful. The other options (keeping new information to yourself, prioritizing your own needs, and sharing proprietary information) are not qualities that lead to successful communication or relationships in the workplace.

Question 4

Which of these activities is NOT essential as you prepare to communicate technical information?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these activities is NOT essential...

Question 5

The engineering firm you work for is submitting a proposal to create an amphitheater at a state park. Proposals must be submitted in three-ring binders. You are in charge of assembling the binders. You decide to put section divider tabs and an index into each proposal binder. Which measure of excellence in technical communication does this decision reflect?

Accepted Answer

Including section divider tabs and an index enhances the accessibility of the information, making it easier for the reader to navigate and find specific sections within the proposal.

Question 6

Which of these abilities is NOT likely to help you as a workplace communicator?

Accepted Answer

Deflecting attention is not likely to help you as a workplace communicator, as it can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of transparency. The other abilities listed (performing research, solving problems, speaking and writing clearly) are all essential skills for effective workplace communication.

Question 7

Which two things must you clearly understand in order to communicate successfully?

Accepted Answer

To communicate successfully, you need to understand your audience - who you are communicating with - and your purpose - what you want to achieve through your communication. Understanding your proposal, documentation, software, and hardware may also be important depending on the context, but they are not as fundamental as understanding your audience and purpose.

Question 8

Which of these is a document-related factor you must consider when communicating on the job?

Accepted Answer

The level of formality required in the final product is a document-related factor that must be considered when communicating on the job.

Question 9

Which of these is a measure of excellence in technical communication?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy is a crucial measure of excellence in technical communication. Technical documents must convey information correctly and without error to ensure the safety and reliability of products or services. Terseness, plainness, and celerity may also be important in technical communication, but accuracy is the most essential factor.

Question 10

Which statement best explains how the concept of company branding is related to technical communication?

Accepted Answer

Company branding is about creating a consistent image and message for the company. Technical communicators play a key role in creating and maintaining that image through the documents they produce. The documents they create should reflect the company's brand in terms of design, tone, and messaging. This helps to reinforce the company's brand and ensure that it is accurately represented in all communication materials.

Question 11

people who are good at communicating in the workplace possess four skills and abilities, including the abilities to write clearly, solve problems, and analyze information. Which of the following is the fourth ability?

Accepted Answer

The answer of people who are good at communicating in...

Question 12

Chapter 1 identifies three sets of factors to consider when communicating technical information. Which of the following is on this list?

Accepted Answer

Purpose-related factors are one of the key considerations when communicating technical information, as they help determine the goals and objectives of the communication.

Question 13

most technical communication has six characteristics. One characteristic is that technical communication helps readers solve problems. Which of the following is another characteristic of technical communication?

Accepted Answer

Technical communication is often used to reflect an organization's goals, values, and culture to its employees, customers, and stakeholders. It is important that technical communication is crafted with an understanding of these factors in mind to better communicate with the intended audience. Technical communication may also reflect the industry or field in which it is used.

Question 14

When creating a technical document, you often have to make compromises. Which of these is an example of a compromise related to communication?

Accepted Answer

In this scenario, the compromise is related to communication because the writer would prefer separate instruction sheets in separate languages, which would be clearer for the audience. However, to save on printing costs, they have combined both languages onto one sheet, which may make communication slightly more difficult for some readers.

Question 15

Which of the following is involved in creating technical communication?

Accepted Answer

All of the above options involve some form of technical communication. A company secretary writing a letter to a customer, an electrical engineer filling out a standardized form, a webmaster revising a company web page, and a manager preparing an oral presentation all require skills in technical communication.

Question 16

Chapter 1 identifies common reasons for creating technical documents. Which reason in the following list is NOT mentioned in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

The reason "to establish common knowledge in the marketplace" is not mentioned in Chapter 1. The other three reasons (A, B, and D) are specifically mentioned as common reasons for creating technical documents.

Question 17

Chapter 1 identifies eight measures of excellence in technical communication. Which pair in the following list might seem contradictory?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensiveness and conciseness might seem contradictory as comprehensiveness involves providing complete and thorough information while conciseness involves doing so in a brief and clear manner. However, the key is striking the right balance between the two so that the information provided is both comprehensive and easy to comprehend.

Question 18

Chapter 1 defines technical communication as a process encompassing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Chapter 1 defines technical communication as a process that involves documents and activities, which can include tasks such as researching, writing, editing, testing, and delivering various types of technical documentation to a specific audience.

Question 19

Which quality in the list below is evident in the revised version of the following paragraph?
Original: During our monthly meeting last month, we all came to the conclusion that overtime procedures are inadequate and that new procedures need to be initiated. I discussed this problem with our chief accountant, who was sympathetic and agreed to consider any changes we would like to make to the present procedures. Please bring your suggested changes to this month's departmental meeting scheduled for 2:30 P.M. next Wednesday afternoon.
Revision: During last month's meeting, we concluded that our overtime procedures need revision. Our chief accountant has agreed to consider any changes we would like to make to the present procedures. Please bring your suggested changes to this month's departmental meeting scheduled for 2:30 P.M. next Wednesday.

Accepted Answer

The revised version is more concise than the original paragraph. It conveys the same information in fewer words, making it clearer and easier to understand.

Question 20

Chapter 1 identifies skills and qualities shared by successful workplace communicators. Which of the following is NOT on this list?

Accepted Answer

The ability to write code is not a skill or quality typically associated with successful workplace communication. The other options - ability to perform research, ability to analyze information, and ability to solve problems - are all important qualities for successful workplace communicators.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Technical Communication