Technical Writing

[loripayakovich]

I am studying for this exam now. It is my second to last test to graduate. I've worked in an office for 6 years so Im hoping some of my knowledge will help me with this test. I am familiar with typing letters and what not. I heard this test has alot of sentence structure questions. Do you have to know placement of semicolons, colons, commas and stuff like that? Is it alot of grammar based questions? I am hoping this is not a difficult exam, but I didn't think A&I would be difficult, but I failed by 5 points and ran out of time...Im a little apprehensive about taking anymore tests, but I really want my degree soon.
Also, is there anymore exams that have a really good pass rate? I was thinking about taking Intro to Ed psychology for my last 3 credits....
Thanks!

Taken and passed:
Environment and Humanity
Substance Abuse

[jluyt]

Lori,

I took this test (Technical Writing) 2 days ago and passed it. All things considered, I will say passed it barely - 46 needed and I got 51. I used the Pass Your Class guide and studied the 100 questions they have very well. Then I did the DSST evaluation tests about 4 times, figuring out which ones I had wrong and what "they" wanted as an answer.

I did not get too many questions in my exam about fixing grammer or sentences - about 20% I will say. If you worked in an office for 6 years already your common sense will help you alot. I have been in a business environment myself for 15 years and some of those questions definitely were answered directly from my experience and not from any of the sources I used.

I wish IC had a test, but... Pass Your Class + DSST practice exams + common sense will get you through this exam.

Good luck!

[Ruddigore]

I wish IC had a test, but... Pass Your Class + DSST practice exams + common sense will get you through this exam.

Frankly, I would dispense with the overpriced Pass Your Class guide. I took the exam without buying anything (unless you count the Specific Exam Feedback) and passed with a 67. Granted, I love grammar like a best friend, but this exam is still among the handful where I don't think buying anything is necessary.

The Specific Exam Feedback Thread is amazing. If you have access to it, eat up all the information there. It was instrumental in my scoring as well as I did. Also, examine some of the online textbook for Tech Writing:

Online Technical Writing: Online Textbook--Contents

Take a look at one of each type of example document with commentary, read about the important types of technical documents, and you should be ready to go.

Also: Make sure you read the questions on the test very carefully. A fair number of questions on there are worded to be tricky.

Hope it goes well,
R.

[clep3705]

Here are some free flashcards:

Technical Writing - DSST

These flashcard questions don't really match the exam, but they do cover the terms that are tested on the exam. Review the flashcards and look up any terms you're not familiar with.

You can use this free textbook Online Technical Writing: Contents to learn more about terms you're not familiar with.

[burbuja0512]

I used this site: Writing Guide: Engineering Technical Reports along with the specific feedback. I found the test to be very easy, so with the forum advice plus these links and your office experience, you'll do fine. Don't sweat it!

[clep3705]

Go here Free Practice Clep Tests! and follow the instructions for accessing Peterson's online for free. Go to the DSST section. On one of the pages, on the right, there is a download for a free 400 page prep guide for DSST exams including technical writing. All you need to do is use that guide and take the practice test, then go take the real one.

[blu2blu]

Your biggest hurdle on this test will be your lack of confidence. It is an EASY test. Study the exam specific feedback that should be plenty.