Deck 15: Instructions, User Manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures

Question 1

Hazard messages can be emphasized by using colors. What color is typically used for the word "warning"?

A)yellow
B)black
C)orange
D)red

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Effectively organized instructions must follow a chronological sequence.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Which of the following is the definition used in instructions for a "note"?

A)important information
B)the potential for serious injury
C)the potential for damage or destruction of equipment
D)the potential for death

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Always use bullets for each instructional step.

Question 5

Which of the following is the definition used in instructions for a "caution"?

A)the potential for damage or destruction of equipment
B)the potential for death
C)important information
D)the potential for serious injury

Question 6

Is it good to personalize instructions by using pronouns?

A)yes
B)no
ESSAY. Write your answer in the space provided or on a separate sheet of paper.

Question 7

An effective introduction promotes good customer-company relationships.

Question 8

Warranties protect

A)the manufacturer.
B)the customer.
C)the customer and the manufacturer.

Question 9

Unlike other types of writing, sexist language is acceptable in instructions.

Question 10

If you are writing a step correctly, it will begin with a verb.

Question 11

The title page of your instruction should consist of a

A)topic.
B)purpose.
C)graphic.
D)All of these answers are correct.
E)A and B are correct.

Question 12

Sequencing your steps correctly is best accomplished through a prewriting technique called

A)drafting.
B)reporter's questions.
C)brainstorming.
D)flowcharting.

Question 13

Limit the information within each step by separating distinct, small items into their own steps.

Question 14

SOPs are used to help ensure

A)accurate job performance.
B)product quality.
C)that laws and regulations are followed.
D)All of these answers are correct.

Question 15

Which of the following is the definition used in instructions for a "warning"?

A)important information
B)the potential for damage or destruction of equipment
C)the potential for serious injury
D)the potential for death

Question 16

The textbook suggests a hierarchy of definitions for hazard alert messages. Which of the following words means "The potential for death"?

A)caution
B)danger
C)note
D)warning

Question 17

The best audience for usability testing would be a

A)representative group of high-tech people with knowledge of the item.
B)group of people who have limited knowledge of the item.
C)group of people with no knowledge of the item.
D)representative sampling of people with differing levels of expertise.

Question 18

User manuals and SOPs contain exactly the same components.

Question 19

Highlighting techniques are particularly important

A)in the introduction.
B)in the conclusion.
C)if the writer will also be the end user.
D)when presenting warnings and cautions.
E)All of these answers are correct.

Question 20

As well as helping your readers, graphics in your instructions also make the document more visually appealing.

Question 21

You have a friend visiting from a distant, foreign land. He speaks some English, but has never had what Americans call a "sandwich." You must leave and go to classes before he gets up. Provide written directions for him to make a ham and cheese sandwich. Remember, he does not know anything about making a sandwich. Follow the rules for well-written directions that you have learned from this chapter.

Question 22

Discuss the ways in which the key components of SOPs differ from those of user manuals. Why are they different?