Question 1

Visual distortion in graphs can be avoided by

Accepted Answer

A)  compressing the scale in a graph so that the graph can dramatize the writer's main point.
B)  beginning the vertical scale at zero.
C)  omitting data points that clutter the graph with too much detail.
D)  using a data table. B

Question 2

Graphs are useful because they

Accepted Answer

A)  depict relationships without having to use a coordinate system.
B)  translate numbers by plotting two or more data sets on a coordinate system.
C)  help break up blocks of boring text.
D)  make numbers interesting. B

Question 3

Several visual alternatives may be possible to illustrate a particular point, but

Accepted Answer

A)  usually it's better to stick to text and tables of data.
B)  usually one type of visual is superior for a given purpose and reader.
C)  visuals should be placed in a separate section, such as an appendix.
D)  there should be only one visual per page. B

Question 4

Chapter 12 offers this guideline for incorporating visuals within the text

Accepted Answer

A)  place the visuals at the beginning of each section, to introduce that section
B)  place visuals in an appendix, so that they don't interfere with the flow of information.
C)  do not refer to visuals in the text.
D)  position each visual on the page for balance.

Question 5

Visuals enhance understanding by

Accepted Answer

A)  using bright colours that attract attention.
B)  displaying abstract concepts in concrete, geometric shapes.
C)  reducing detailed data to simple concepts .
D)  providing another way of thinking about detailed data.

Question 6

Colour or shading can enhance technical documents by

Accepted Answer

A)  making a document more visually entertaining.
B)  making a document look expensive.
C)  drawing and directing reader attention to particular elements and sections.
D)  acting as a substitute for bolding or italics.

Question 7

Exploded diagrams show

Accepted Answer

A)  the results of using explosives in a confined area.
B)  only the important parts of a device or installation.
C)  how the parts of an item are assembled.
D)  only the moving parts of an object or device.

Question 8

Expert readers of technical documents

Accepted Answer

A)  tend to prefer numerical tables, flowcharts, or diagrams they can interpret for themselves.
B)  tend to prefer basic tables, flowcharts, or diagrams that direct their focus and that interpret key points in the data.
C)  require very few visuals.
D)  are not at all interested in visuals.

Question 9

The main purpose of tables is to display data

Accepted Answer

A)  in random order.
B)  that cannot be presented in paragraph form.
C)  in rows and columns for comparison.
D)  so that trends over time can be detected.

Question 10

Line graphs are useful for

Accepted Answer

A)  displaying data in order of importance.
B)  displaying data whose value changes over time.
C)  displaying positive and negative values.
D)  tracing a process or procedure from beginning to end.

Question 11

Block or schematic diagrams

Accepted Answer

A)  present the conceptual functional elements of a principle, process, or system.
B)  present the outward appearance of process or system.
C)  show the wiring diagrams of electronic devices.
D)  block out details that would draw attention away from key elements.

Question 12

Relative to text, visuals are

Accepted Answer

A)  more important than text in all technical documents.
B)  equally important in documents such as manuals and tutorials.
C)  much less important in technical documents.
D)  important because they help readers process information.

Question 13

Simple bar graphs are better than pie charts for

Accepted Answer

A)  depicting the percentages or proportions of the parts that make up a whole.
B)  showing how two or more trends have developed.
C)  comparing specific quantities of things.
D)  comparing the relative sizes of parts of the whole.

Question 14

Gantt charts are particularly useful for

Accepted Answer

A)  showing the hierarchy of an organization.
B)  showing the relationships between an organization's structure and its ability to react to new developments.
C)  tracking the tasks and stages of a project.
D)  predicting future revenues and expenses.

Question 15

Tables should be

Accepted Answer

A)  introduced in the document's text.
B)  able to stand on their own, although parts of a table may be discussed in the text.
C)  placed in an appendix, where they won't interfere with a document's development.
D)  explained at length, because readers cannot be trusted to see all the pertinent details.

Question 16

Gantt charts

Accepted Answer

A)  depict progress as a function of time.
B)  show only the beginning and completion dates for a project.
C)  are too confusing for non-technical readers to grasp.
D)  were developed originally for military campaigns.

Question 17

Cutaway diagrams

Accepted Answer

A)  show only the important parts of a device or installation.
B)  eliminate outer layers to reveal the inner workings of a device.
C)  show only the moving parts of an object or device.
D)  show internal and external views of a mechanism.

Question 18

A line graph's horizontal axis should display

Accepted Answer

A)  intervals within a time period.
B)  values of items that have changed over time.
C)  no more than three or four pieces of data.
D)  a minimum of five pieces of data.

Exam 12: Designing Visual Information