Question 1

Which quality in the list below is evident in the revised version of the following paragraph?
Original: During our monthly meeting last month, we all came to the conclusion that overtime procedures are inadequate and that new procedures need to be initiated. I discussed this problem with our chief accountant, who was sympathetic and agreed to consider any changes we would like to make to the present procedures. Please bring your suggested changes to this month's departmental meeting scheduled for 2:30 P.M. next Wednesday afternoon.
Revision: During last month's meeting, we concluded that our overtime procedures need revision. Our chief accountant has agreed to consider any changes we would like to make to the present procedures. Please bring your suggested changes to this month's departmental meeting scheduled for 2:30 P.M. next Wednesday.

Accepted Answer

The revised version of the paragraph is more concise than the original version. The unnecessary repetition of words has been eliminated in the revised version.

Question 2

most technical communication has six characteristics. One characteristic is that technical communication helps readers solve problems. Which of the following is another characteristic of technical communication?

Accepted Answer

Technical communication must reflect an organization's goals and culture, as it is often produced by and for members of a specific organization or field. The use of technical vocabulary and entertaining elements may be present in technical communication, but they are not defining characteristics. Additionally, technical communication can be aimed at a specific or general audience, depending on the purpose and context of the communication.

Question 3

Which of these is a measure of excellence in technical communication?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy is a crucial measure of excellence in technical communication because it ensures that the information being conveyed is reliable and trustworthy.

Question 4

Chapter 1 identifies six characteristics of a technical document. Which of these is one of those characteristics?

Accepted Answer

The characteristic identified in Chapter 1 is that a technical document reflects the goals and culture of the organization that produced it. This means that the document should align with the values and messaging of the organization, and may use specific terminology or formatting to meet those goals. The other options listed, using a minimum number of words and writing for the general reader, are not necessarily characteristics of technical documents and may not always be applicable. Applying accessibility to create translatable text is important but is not a defining characteristic of technical documentation.

Question 5

When creating a technical document, you often have to make compromises. Which of these is an example of a compromise related to technical communication?

Accepted Answer

The compromise in this scenario involves choosing to create one instruction sheet in both English and Spanish to save on printing costs, instead of creating separate sheets for each language. This compromise balances the need to provide instructions in both languages with the cost considerations of printing and distributing the document.

Question 6

Chapter 1 identifies common reasons for creating technical documents. Which reason in the following list is NOT mentioned in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

The chapter identifies three common reasons for creating technical documents: to help others carry out a task, to help others make a decision, and to change attitudes about a technology or an issue. Establishing common knowledge in the marketplace is not mentioned as a reason in the chapter.

Question 7

Which of these is a document-related factor you must consider when communicating on the job?

Accepted Answer

All of the options are important document-related factors to consider when communicating on the job. The amount of time you have to complete a document determines the level of detail and complexity you can afford to include, while the level of formality required in the final product affects the language and tone you use. Finally, the type of document you need to produce will determine the structure, purpose, and format you choose.

Question 8

Chapter 1 identifies skills and qualities shared by successful workplace communicators. Which of the following is NOT on this list?

Accepted Answer

The ability to write code is not included in the list of skills and qualities shared by successful workplace communicators. The other options, including the ability to perform research, analyze information, and solve problems, are all important skills for effective workplace communication.

Question 9

Chapter 1 identifies three sets of factors to consider when communicating technical information. Which of the following is on this list?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chapter 1 identifies three sets of factors...

Question 10

Chapter 1 defines technical communication as a process encompassing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Chapter 1 of the textbook defines technical communication as a process that encompasses both documents and activities. It explains that technical communication involves creating, designing, and distributing information in a variety of forms to help people understand and use technology. Therefore, choice A is the best answer.

Question 11

Which of these is a quality shown by a successful workplace communicator?

Accepted Answer

Displaying emotional intelligence is crucial for effective workplace communication as it involves empathy, active listening, and understanding others' perspectives. Prioritizing your own needs or sharing proprietary information openly can be detrimental to communication and the overall success of the workplace. Keeping new information to yourself can also hinder collaboration and progress.

Question 12

Which of these activities is NOT essential as you begin to prepare communicating technical information?

Accepted Answer

Writing is not an essential activity in the initial stages of preparing to communicate technical information. Listening, reading, and speaking are all essential activities for gathering and understanding the information that will be communicated.

Question 13

Chapter 1 states that technical communicators use design to increase readability and make their documents more effective. Which of the following is an example of a design feature?

Accepted Answer

Typography refers to the design and arrangement of text, such as font style, size, and spacing. The other options are not design features but rather elements of content or structure.

Question 14

Which of these abilities is NOT likely to help you as a workplace communicator?

Accepted Answer

Deflecting attention is not a useful ability for a workplace communicator as it can hinder effective communication and problem-solving. The other three abilities listed (performing research, solving problems, and speaking and writing clearly) are important for effective communication in the workplace.

Question 15

people who are good at communicating in the workplace possess four skills, including the abilities to speak and write clearly, solve problems, and analyze information. Which of the following is the fourth skill?

Accepted Answer

The ability to perform research is essential for effective communication in the workplace as it allows individuals to gather relevant and accurate information to support their ideas and proposals. This skill also enables individuals to anticipate potential challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. While leadership, punctuality, and efficiency are all important qualities in the workplace, they are not specific to effective communication.

Question 16

The engineering firm you work for is submitting a proposal to create an amphitheater at a state park. Proposals must be submitted in three-ring binders. You are in charge of assembling the binders. You decide to put section divider tabs and an index into each proposal binder. Which measure of excellence in technical communication does this decision reflect?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The engineering firm you work for is...

Question 17

Which two things must you understand clearly in order to communicate successfully?

Accepted Answer

Understanding your audience and purpose is crucial for effective communication. Knowing who you are speaking to and why you are speaking to them can help you tailor your message in a way that resonates with them and achieves your intended goal. Option B, C, and D are all incorrect as they do not address the essential components of understanding your audience and purpose.

Question 18

Chapter 1 states that effective technical communication is honest. The chapter then presents three reasons it is important to be honest when communicating. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons listed in Chapter 1?

Accepted Answer

Dishonesty does not directly lead to readers getting hurt.

Question 19

Chapter 1 identifies eight measures of excellence in technical communication. Which pair in the following list might seem contradictory?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensiveness suggests that all necessary information must be included and be made clear to the reader. Conciseness, however, requires that the information is presented in a clear, brief and concise manner. These two measures may seem contradictory, but the challenge of technical writing is to strike a balance between these two measures.

Question 20

Which statement best explains how company branding is related to technical communication?

Accepted Answer

Company branding is concerned with the image that a company presents to the world, which includes its documents. Technical communicators should ensure that their documents align with the company's brand image and values, which can include using specific fonts, colors, and language. This helps to maintain a consistent and cohesive brand image across all communication channels.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Technical Communication