Deck 16: Résumés and Other Job-Search Materials

Question 1

Transitional phrases such as "next," "meanwhile," "finally," and "simultaneously"

A)only clutter up a set of instructions.
B)are totally unnecessary because instructions tend to be presented in numbered lists.
C)provide useful bridges that help readers understand the step-by-step sequence.
D)don't provide a useful function but they don't do any harm, either.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Instructions need to include examples of actions and results, so that

A)direct orders can occasionally be softened by third-person descriptions.
B)readers can occasionally take a breather before resuming the series of required actions.
C)readers will find pages easier to navigate.
D)readers can confirm their understanding of the phrased instructions.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following phrases is an example of affirmative phrasing?

A)Confirm that your computer is not vulnerable to spyware intrusions.
B)Check that your computer is not bogged down by too much software.
C)Protect your computer from spyware intrusions.
D)Investigate the possibility that your computer is not protected by anti-spyware software.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

The writer of a process analysis first needs to divide the process into its parts or principles, because

A)most processes contain random stages.
B)readers of process analysis want to know how and why the process occurs.
C)a process cannot be explained in its entirety, only in stages.
D)the writer needs to determine the level of detail to include.

Question 5

Instructional steps should be numbered because

A)numbers are easier to follow than bullets.
B)numbers help show the interrelations and sequence of actions.
C)numbers provide apparent proof that the instructions are logical.
D)numbers make the instructions look professional.

Question 6

Of all technical writing, instructions have the greatest need of clarity because they

A)can be misinterpreted by busy, distracted readers.
B)use a combination of words and visuals.
C)lead to immediate action.
D)need to name parts, locations, positions, measurements, and weights.

Question 7

The terms instructions and procedure

A)are interchangeable terms for the same thing.
B)refer to directives aimed at readers who have somewhat different reasons for reading those directives.
C)have no connection whatsoever.
D)are variations of the term, process analysis.

Question 8

Process analysis is written in objective third person because

A)processes always involve people.
B)process analysis emphasizes the process itself, not a reader's role in generating that process.
C)the third person is easier to phrase than the first person.
D)first-person phrasing would make the instructions read like a story.

Question 9

Instructions often include visuals in order to

A)provide visual interest and variety.
B)attract reader attention to particular instructions, cautions, or warnings.
C)minimize the number of words required.
D)clarify exact techniques or locations.

Question 10

When choosing the detail to include in a set of instructions, follow this guideline:

A)Give everything the reader needs to know, so the instructions can stand alone.
B)Focus on the product ("How does it work?").
C)Assume an intelligent, well-informed reader.
D)For each instruction, explain why this step must be performed at this stage.

Question 11

In a set of instructions

A)there's no need to use conventional paragraphs.
B)paragraphs should be used to present detailed instructions and cautions.
C)paragraphs are useful if they exceed 60 words.
D)paragraphs are useful for providing introductory material and explanations.

Question 12

Process description emphasizes

A)how to make a process occur in a particular fashion.
B)the process itself, not the reader's role in making the process happen.
C)the general principles of a related series of actions, not the detailed aspects of the process.
D)the mechanism or environment in which the process happens.

Question 13

Most processes depend on

A)defined specifications and requirements for the process.
B)the physical or environmental conditions that cause and confine them.
C)defined outcomes for the process.
D)constraints imposed by time and space.

Question 14

Any visual in a set of instructions should be placed

A)in a box that has heavy margin lines.
B)in an appendix, so as not to interrupt the steps.
C)right beside or right after the step that the visual illustrates.
D)any one of a, b, and
C)

Question 15

Instructions should be formatted

A)entirely in paragraphs.
B)entirely in numbered point form.
C)in a series of boxes.
D)in a combination of paragraphs and numbered points.

Question 16

Warnings or notes in instructions or procedures should appear

A)in boxes.
B)in footnotes at the bottom of the page.
C)in paragraphs that are accompanied by dramatic headings.
D)in the margin.

Question 17

Readers injured because of incomplete, misleading, or inaccurate instructions

A)are themselves responsible for the safe use and operation of products, whether they read instructions or not.
B)are responsible for rewriting the instructions.
C)can sue the writer of those instructions.
D)can not sue the writer of those instructions.

Question 18

Phrase all instructions

A)in the passive voice and imperative mood.
B)in the active voice and imperative mood.
C)in the active voice and the indicative mood.
D)using extremely forceful language.

Question 19

Tutorials are instructions that

A)require the user to have a tutor present when learning the instructions.
B)emphasize the learning of required tasks described in the instructions.
C)are accompanied by appropriate explanations, illustrations, and self-tests.
D)are used in laboratory settings.

Question 20

When writing instructions, write for a general audience and

A)provide extensive background information.
B)include enough detail, so readers know exactly what to do.
C)include a visual illustration for each step of the instructions.
D)indicate the exact amount of time each step should take.

Question 21

Procedures differ from instructions in that the reader of the procedure

A)already knows how to perform the tasks outlined in the procedure.
B)needs detailed performance instructions.
C)knows the order in which to complete tasks, or how to coordinate with other members of a work team.
D)works as a member of a task-oriented team.

Question 22

Many tutorials use

A)a stream-of-consciousness narrative pattern.
B)a question-answer structure.
C)a sequential breakdown.
D)a cluster diagram to show how the stages relate to one another.

Question 23

Instructional designer Laurie Izgerean says that video is the preferred online training medium because video

A)provides the best medium for entertainment.
B)allows for interaction with the audience.
C)doesn't have to explain training points.
D)has the best potential for reaching a busy, diverse audience from different backgrounds.