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  • DTP Success Team
    • Jan 8, 2022
    • 2 min read

DSST Technical Writing Study Guide

Updated: Aug 18



Military students and online adult learners now have the opportunity to take the DSST Technical Writing exam.


Our study guide outlines what you can expect on the test, from the basics of grammar and style to creating various technical documents.


Table of Contents

  1. Theory and Practice of Technical Writing

  2. Purpose, Content, and Organizational Patterns of Common Types of Technical Documents

  3. Information Design

  4. Technical Editing

  5. Conclusion

  6. Student Resources

  7. References


1. Theory and Practice of Technical Writing


DSST Technical Writing Exam Outline. Theory and Practice of Technical Writing (19% - 21%).
Theory and Practice of Technical Writing (19% - 21%)

  • Understanding Contexts and Exigence: It is necessary to conduct research and make sure that the information you give the reader is valid.


  • Stakeholder Analysis: You need to test it to ensure it is understandable and the instructions given are understandable and doable to the reader.


  • Establishing the Appropriate Voice: The technical writer must know their audience early in the writing process.



DSST Technical Writing Trivia Question #334



2. Purpose, Content, and Organizational Patterns of Common Types of Technical Documents


DSST Technical Writing Exam Outline. Purpose, Content, and Organizational Patterns of Common Types of Technical Documents (29% - 31%).
Purpose, Content, and Organizational Patterns of Common Types of Technical Documents (29% - 31%)

  • Informing: Reports communicate information compiled through research, data analysis, and issues.


  • Collaborating, Performing, and Persuading.


3. Information Design


DSST Technical Writing Exam Outline. Information Design (29% - 31%).
Information Design (29% - 31%)

  • Elements of Information Design: Graphics, report supplements, and other page design elements.


  • Information Design Strategies: The page design covers a wide range of reader aids, including white space, bullets or numbering, indentation, underlining, boldfacing, capitalization, headings, subheadings, and visual aids.



DSST Technical Writing Trivia Question #218



4. Technical Editing


DSST Technical Writing Exam Outline. Technical Editing (19% - 21%).
Technical Editing (19% - 21%)

  • Revising: Assure the accuracy of the information and that all elements are covered correctly and concisely.


  • Editing: Ensure they are complete and the reader can understand the simple instructions.


  • Assessing: Important not to assume the reader thinks like the author of the technical document.


5. Conclusion: DSST Technical Writing


Are you planning to take the DSST Technical Writing exam?


Our course modules can assist you in preparing for it by measuring your comprehension of technical writing theory and practice.


Join us today to study and access the most detailed DSST prep course, allowing you to pass your Technical Writing exam with ease!


6. Student Resources


7. References


DSST Technical Writing Fact Sheet

DSST Technical Writing Fact Sheet
.pdf
Download PDF • 250KB

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