Deck 11: Technical Definitions and Descriptions

Question 1

A parenthetical definition is a phrase squeezed into a sentence with parentheses, commas, or ________.

A) dashes
B) slashes
C) semicolons
D) asterisks

Answer 1

A

Question 2

If you have a lot of terms to define, you should place them ________.

A) in the margin
B) at the beginning of each section
C) in a footnote
D) in a glossary

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a reason to use parentheses?

A) to provide a quick explanation
B) to provide an extended definition
C) to introduce an acronym the first time you use it
D) to define an acronym your audience may not be familiar with

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Formal definitions are also known as ________ definitions.

A) sentence
B) complete
C) extended
D) phrasal

Question 5

In the sentence "The island chain has several haul-out sites for Steller sea lions, but only one rookery, a haul-out site reserved for breeding," the underlined phrase is a(an) ________.

A) extended definition
B) parenthetical definition
C) formal definition
D) sentence definition

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a component of a formal definition?

A) term
B) family
C) class
D) distinction

Question 7

In the sentence "Conservation of energy is the principle that energy can neither be destroyed nor created," the underlined phrase is the ________.

A) qualifier
B) family
C) class
D) distinction

Question 8

When terms have different meanings in different disciplines or are used in very specific ways for particular documents or situations you should use a(n) ________.

A) circular definition
B) extended definition
C) qualifier
D) alternative definition

Question 9

In the sentence "In automotive applications, mechanical efficiency is the ratio of the brake horsepower to the indicated horsepower," the underlined phrase is the ________.

A) distinction
B) class
C) parenthetical definition
D) qualifier

Question 10

In the sentence "A cycle is a complete process or series of processes that ends in the same state or condition as it began," the underlined phrase is the ________.

A) qualifier
B) family
C) class
D) distinction

Question 11

Exemplification, etymology, and operating principles are all examples of ________.

A) parenthetical definitions
B) extended definitions
C) qualifiers
D) formal definitions

Question 12

The underlined sentence in the following passage is an example of ________.
A zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between species. Rabies, for example, can be contracted by humans when bitten by infected animals.

A) exemplification
B) etymology
C) parenthetical definition
D) comparison/contrast

Question 13

The sentence "A hydrometer consists of a clear glass tube with a rubber bulb on one end" is an example of a(n) ________.

A) extended definition
B) formal definition
C) process description
D) procedure

Question 14

The sentence "Because of its rotary cycle, the Wankel engine has lower vibration than a reciprocating engine" is an example of a ________.

A) parenthetical definition
B) mechanism description
C) comparison/contrast
D) operating principle

Question 15

The underlined sentence in the following passage is an example of ________.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The term is derived from the ancient Greek cephalus, meaning head.

A) exemplification
B) function/purpose
C) comparison/contrast
D) etymology

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a type of extended definition?

A) function/purpose
B) mechanism
C) history
D) operating principle

Question 17

A system of parts designed to work together for a common purpose is known as a ________.

A) mechanism
B) process
C) function
D) schematic

Question 18

If you were to describe the life cycle of salmon to someone, you would be providing a ________.

A) flowchart
B) process description
C) mechanism description
D) procedure

Question 19

A description of parts that focuses on each part's appearance, function, and relation to other parts is known as a ________.

A) mechanism description
B) process description
C) extended definition
D) procedure

Question 20

In terms of process descriptions, ________ processes that follow cause-and-effect sequences will often be written in the active voice.

A) mechanistic
B) task-oriented
C) sequential
D) natural

Question 21

In terms of process descriptions, ________ processes that an individual could conceivably follow are generally written in the passive voice.

A) mechanistic
B) task-oriented
C) sequential
D) natural

Question 22

A mechanism description does NOT concern itself with ________.

A) location
B) procedure
C) weight
D) smell

Question 23

An explanation of how silicon wafers are manufactured is a ________.

A) procedure
B) cause-and-effect sequence
C) mechanism description
D) task-oriented process description

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT included in the introduction to a process description?

A) definition
B) list of components
C) purpose or outcome
D) list of steps

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT included in the overview for a mechanism description?

A) definition
B) purpose
C) overall description
D) list of tools and materials

Question 26

In a mechanism description, it is okay for the components to be described in random order.

Question 27

Task-oriented processes that an individual could conceivably follow are generally written in the active voice.

Question 28

Formal definitions are typically written as paragraphs.

Question 29

The following is an example of an effective technical definition: "'Zoonosis' can be transferred between species as an infectious disease."

Question 30

Process descriptions are broken down according to their component parts.

Question 31

Circular definitions are occasionally effective or necessary.

Question 32

Linguistic derivations of terms are helpful in humanities and social sciences but not in technical writing.

Question 33

Technically complex definitions can always be made audience appropriate.

Question 34

Natural processes that follow cause-and-effect sequences will often be written in the active voice.

Question 35

An effective extension of a technical definition might include the writer's opinion.

Question 36

Technical descriptions are sometimes an end in themselves.

Question 37

A toothpick is a mechanism.

Question 38

Mechanism descriptions typically conclude with a description of one full operational cycle.

Question 39

Procedures and process descriptions are synonymous.

Question 40

Process descriptions are always broken down into chronological steps.

Question 41

What is a parenthetical definition and when should it be used?

Question 42

What is a formal definition?

Question 43

Describe the structure of a formal definition.

Question 44

What is a qualifier? Provide an example.

Question 45

Describe what is meant by "audience-appropriate definition."

Question 46

What is an extended definition? Be sure to list all the potential extension devices in your explanation.

Question 47

What is a mechanism?

Question 48

Explain how to write a mechanism description.

Question 49

What is the difference between a procedure and a process description?

Question 50

In terms of voice (or writing style), what is the difference between a process description of a natural process and a process description of a task-oriented process?

Question 51

Compare and contrast a properly structured mechanism description and a properly structured process description. Why are these structures effective?

Question 52

Based on what you know about audience and purpose, compare the different potential uses of different types of technical definitions.

Question 53

Referring to the attributes of technical writing discussed in Chapter 1, explain the role that technical definitions and descriptions play in effective technical writing.