Exam 1: Introduction to Technical Communication

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?

For most employers, communication skills are less important than technical knowledge.

Technical communication involves knowing where to find trustworthy information.

Most technical documents are produced by professional technical communicators working alone.

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

What is a technical communicator?

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

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

As used in Chapter 1, what does correctness mean?

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?

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.

When you are communicating technical information on the job, your audience tends to be the same every time.

Which of the following is involved in creating technical communication?

Chapter 1 lists eight measures of excellence in technical communication. For example, excellent technical communication is honest. What are three other measures of excellence?

One basic purpose of design features is to create a positive impression with a document. What is one other purpose mentioned in Chapter 1?

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?

Generosity and honesty are characteristics of effective technical communicators.

Chapter 1 cites three reasons for ensuring that technical communication is honest. The first is that being honest is the right thing to do. What is one other reason?

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?

Chapter 1 lists six defining characteristics of technical communication. One characteristic is that technical communication addresses particular readers. What are three other characteristics mentioned in the chapter?