Technical Writing

[fish2011]

I am looking for the best resource to use to study for the Technical Writing test. There isn't anything on this site for it.

Any suggestions are warmly welcomed.

Thank you!

[burbuja0512]

The specific feedback forum has some great comments. I didn't like one of the technical writing sites that a lot of people used as I felt like it was a little out of date.

The one I found and liked was a CSU site: Writing Guide: Engineering Technical Reports

I know some other people also buy books, but the CSU site was the best resource for me.

I didn't do a lot of studying because I've been writing business letters, resumes, etc for a long time. It's not a tough test, depending on your background.

[aggie16]

Imo it was a very easy test!! I got a copy of The Handbook of Technical Writing from my local library and skimmed through it one time taking notes on topics listed in the specific feedback forum... Passed with a 68. Here is a link to the book i used... You ought to be able to get it through your library.

Amazon.com: Handbook of Technical Writing, Ninth Edition (9780312575120): Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, Walter E. Oliu: Books

[clep3705]

I am looking for the best resource to use to study for the Technical Writing test. There isn't anything on this site for it.

There's plenty on the site. Use search. You can find instructions on how to get the free Peterson's guide. It's a very easy test.

[bllyshrs]

If you have ever written a company email, this test is cake. The Peterson’s practice tests (and online book) also give plenty of info. I use the DOD Peterson’s site, which gives you free access to the Peterson’s online book as well. Tech Writing is in there and gives you everything you need for a pass. The Purdue OWL isn’t bad either, but you must click through the links to get to all the content; a bit laborious for my taste.

once I typed that I realized how ridiculously lazy I sound. Nonetheless, Peterson’s or Purdue should provide you all you need.

[Deliberatelyliz]

I used the following materials for this test:

The Elements of Technical Writing - Gary Blake, Robert W. Bly
The Elements of Style - William Strunk & E.B. White
Technical Writing and Professional Communication - Olsen, Huckin

They were all very informative, educational and very helpful for this DSST, but you don't really *need* the last two books on the list to pass this test - they're very useful, but have a lot of overlap and more in depth technicalities than the first one. Study The Elements of Tech Writing and you'll be good to go!

I recommend that you supplement the handbook with The Purdue Owl's informative and fun website on technical and professional. They make optional quizzes available to users every time they finish reading a section! :mrgreen: I really enjoyed using this tool to study for the test. The Purdue OWL: Professional, Technical Writing

[STG]

It's always interesting to see that the distant learners use the same books and sites that I use for college

[Deliberatelyliz]

It's always interesting to see that the distant learners use the same books and sites that I use for college

I agree! I always find that to be pretty cool. Although originally, I received all those book recommendations and the site recommendation from another forum. I enjoy using them and then passing these things on.

[Westerner]

Has anyone used this study guide for the Tech Writing DSST? I got 86% on its PT. Is it similar to the real thing? Thanks!

[Lady Grace of Pemberley]

Has anyone used this study guide for the Tech Writing DSST? I got 86% on its PT. Is it similar to the real thing? Thanks!

Yes, I took that and it's pretty similar to the real thing, if I remember correctly. Great score - you should do very well on the test! Good luck! Oh, btw, don't forget to study the part about headings (first, second, third, etc.) in that study guide -- there was a question about that part that was kind of confusing on the test. :/