Deck 1: An Introduction to Technical Communication

Question 1

To communicate successfully, you must adapt to different channels of communication.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

The textbook provides various reasons why technical communication is important. From an employer's perspective, which of the following is most important?

A) Technical and business writing differ from other types of writing.
B) This type of writing costs and earns money.
C) Technical and business writing depend on factual documentation.
D) Your purpose is determined by your audience.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2006), the most important quality/skill employers want is

A) analytical skills.
B) strong work ethic.
C) communication skills.
D) computer skills.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Electronic conferencing tools are one type of groupware used for collaboration in virtual teams. Such electronic tools include

A) message and discussion boards.
B) videoconferences and teleconferences.
C) instant messaging and e-mail.
D) All of these answers are correct.
E) A and B only

Question 5

When team members from varied disciplines provide their input, it is called collaboration.

Question 6

The top five skills employers want include communication skills, honesty/integrity,
internship/co-op experience, strong work ethic, and teamwork.

Question 7

Collaboration is more important than silo building in the workplace.

Question 8

Technical communication uses two main types of communication channels. Sometimes the channels can overlap. Which type of channel(s) would be best suited for initially
Informing an employee of a forthcoming layoff?

A) Written.
B) Oral.
C) Either A or B.
D) Both A and B.

Question 9

Diverse teams consist of

A) people with different areas of expertise, such as engineers, accountants, technical communicators, and graphic artists.
B) people with different academic credentials, such as a GED, high school diploma, or some college coursework.
C) people who represent different cultures, ages, genders, and races.
D) All of these answers are correct.
E) A and C

Question 10

How can you use a Wiki in your dispersed team?

A) to create a Web site and to track group projects
B) for group authoring, editing, and reviewing older versions of text
C) for e-mailing and instant messaging
D) All of these answers are correct.
E) A and B

Question 11

Oral communication channels in the field of technical communication include

A) a corporate Web site.
B) training sessions.
C) online help screens.
D) blogs.
E) instant messaging.

Question 12

The reason(s) dispersed teams may be used by a corporation is (are)

A) employees are located across time and space.
B) employees work in different cities, states, or countries.
C) employees work different shifts.
D) All of these answers are correct.
E) A and B

Question 13

Knowing how to communicate in the workplace will help you influence people.

Question 14

Technical writing focuses on products and services.

Question 15

Which of the following is a guideline for establishing teamwork?

A) Establish a team leader.
B) Hold yourself responsible for how well your audience understands your message.
C) Watch for cultural biases.
D) Avoid shun words.

Question 16

In communication, smartphone technology has an impact on

A) availability of messaging.
B) workplace professionalism.
C) audience awareness in writing.
D) size, speed, and tone of correspondence.

Question 17

HPI can be used to solve problems in teamwork.

Question 18

Written communication channels include which of the following?

A) memos, letters, reports, and essays
B) brochures, proposals, resumes, and journal entries
C) e-mail, letters, newsletters, and Web sites
D) letters, reports, poetry, and memos

Question 19

A Wiki can be used to

A) create Web sites.
B) collaborate on peer review.
C) group author documents.
D) All of these answers are correct.

Question 20

Some mobile apps that are helpful for writing are

A) Quickoffice Mobile.
B) Documents To Go.
C) BlogWriter.
D) All of these answers are correct.
E) A and B only

Question 21

Discuss how you would use a Wiki in your dispersed team? Provide specific examples along with justifications for its use.

Question 22

Google Documents is a collaborative writing tool. By using this tool, you can

A) edit Word documents.
B) post documents to a blog.
C) add new team members and delete writers.
D) edit HTML files.
E) All of these answers are correct.

Question 23

HPI lists 10 possible causes of conflict in collaborative projects. Identify at least five of these causes and discuss the problems that come from each one; include examples of your own or from the textbook.