Test Bank Chapter 11 Technical Definitions And Descriptions

Chapter 11

Technical Definitions and Descriptions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. A parenthetical definition is a phrase squeezed into a sentence with parentheses, commas, or ________.
   1. dashes
   2. slashes
   3. semicolons
   4. asterisks
2. If you have a lot of terms to define, you should place them ________.
   1. in the margin
   2. at the beginning of each section
   3. in a footnote
   4. in a glossary
3. Which of the following is NOT a reason to use parentheses?
   1. to provide a quick explanation
   2. to provide an extended definition
   3. to introduce an acronym the first time you use it
   4. to define an acronym your audience may not be familiar with
4. Formal definitions are also known as ________ definitions.
   1. sentence
   2. complete
   3. extended
   4. phrasal
5. In the sentence “The island chain has several haul-out sites for Steller sea lions, but only one rookery, a haul-out site reserved for breeding,” the underlined phrase is a(an) ________.
   1. extended definition
   2. parenthetical definition
   3. formal definition
   4. sentence definition
6. Which of the following is NOT a component of a formal definition?
   1. term
   2. family
   3. class
   4. distinction
7. In the sentence “Conservation of energy is the principle that energy can neither be destroyed nor created,” the underlined phrase is the ________.
   1. qualifier
   2. family
   3. class
   4. distinction
8. When terms have different meanings in different disciplines or are used in very specific ways for particular documents or situations you should use a(n) ________.
   1. circular definition
   2. extended definition
   3. qualifier
   4. alternative definition
9. In the sentence “In automotive applications, mechanical efficiency is the ratio of the brake horsepower to the indicated horsepower,” the underlined phrase is the ________.
   1. distinction
   2. class
   3. parenthetical definition
   4. qualifier
10. In the sentence “A cycle is a complete process or series of processes that ends in the same state or condition as it began,” the underlined phrase is the ________.
    1. qualifier
    2. family
    3. class
    4. distinction
11. Exemplification, etymology, and operating principles are all examples of ________.
    1. parenthetical definitions
    2. extended definitions
    3. qualifiers
    4. formal definitions
12. The underlined sentence in the following passage is an example of ________.

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between species. Rabies, for example, can be contracted by humans when bitten by infected animals.

• 1. exemplification
  2. etymology
  3. parenthetical definition
  4. comparison/contrast

1. The sentence “A hydrometer consists of a clear glass tube with a rubber bulb on one end” is an example of a(n) ________.
   1. extended definition
   2. formal definition
   3. process description
   4. procedure
2. The sentence “Because of its rotary cycle, the Wankel engine has lower vibration than a reciprocating engine” is an example of a ________.
   1. parenthetical definition
   2. mechanism description
   3. comparison/contrast
   4. operating principle
3. The underlined sentence in the following passage is an example of ________.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The term is derived from the ancient Greek cephalus, meaning head.

• 1. exemplification
  2. function/purpose
  3. comparison/contrast
  4. etymology

1. Which of the following is NOT a type of extended definition?
   1. function/purpose
   2. mechanism
   3. history
   4. operating principle
2. A system of parts designed to work together for a common purpose is known as a ________.
   1. mechanism
   2. process
   3. function
   4. schematic
3. If you were to describe the life cycle of salmon to someone, you would be providing a ________.
   1. flowchart
   2. process description
   3. mechanism description
   4. procedure
4. A description of parts that focuses on each part’s appearance, function, and relation to other parts is known as a ________.
   1. mechanism description
   2. process description
   3. extended definition
   4. procedure
5. In terms of process descriptions, ________ processes that follow cause-and-effect sequences will often be written in the active voice.
   1. mechanistic
   2. task-oriented
   3. sequential
   4. natural
6. In terms of process descriptions, ________ processes that an individual could conceivably follow are generally written in the passive voice.
   1. mechanistic
   2. task-oriented
   3. sequential
   4. natural
7. A mechanism description does NOT concern itself with ________.
   1. location
   2. procedure
   3. weight
   4. smell
8. An explanation of how silicon wafers are manufactured is a ________.
   1. procedure
   2. cause-and-effect sequence
   3. mechanism description
   4. task-oriented process description
9. Which of the following is NOT included in the introduction to a process description?
   1. definition
   2. list of components
   3. purpose or outcome
   4. list of steps
10. Which of the following is NOT included in the overview for a mechanism description?
    1. definition
    2. purpose
    3. overall description
    4. list of tools and materials

True or False Questions

1. In a mechanism description, it is okay for the components to be described in random order.
2. Task-oriented processes that an individual could conceivably follow are generally written in the active voice.
3. Formal definitions are typically written as paragraphs.
4. The following is an example of an effective technical definition: “‘Zoonosis’ can be transferred between species as an infectious disease.”
5. Process descriptions are broken down according to their component parts.
6. Circular definitions are occasionally effective or necessary.
7. Linguistic derivations of terms are helpful in humanities and social sciences but not in technical writing.
8. Technically complex definitions can always be made audience appropriate.
9. Natural processes that follow cause-and-effect sequences will often be written in the active voice.
10. An effective extension of a technical definition might include the writer’s opinion.
11. Technical descriptions are sometimes an end in themselves.
12. A toothpick is a mechanism.
13. Mechanism descriptions typically conclude with a description of one full operational cycle.
14. Procedures and process descriptions are synonymous.
15. Process descriptions are always broken down into chronological steps.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a parenthetical definition and when should it be used?
2. What is a formal definition?
3. Describe the structure of a formal definition.
4. What is a qualifier? Provide an example.
5. Describe what is meant by “audience-appropriate definition.”
6. What is an extended definition? Be sure to list all the potential extension devices in your explanation.
7. What is a mechanism?
8. Explain how to write a mechanism description.
9. What is the difference between a procedure and a process description?
10. In terms of voice (or writing style), what is the difference between a process description of a natural process and a process description of a task-oriented process?

Long Answer Questions

1. Compare and contrast a properly structured mechanism description and a properly structured process description. Why are these structures effective?
2. Based on what you know about audience and purpose, compare the different potential uses of different types of technical definitions.
3. Referring to the attributes of technical writing discussed in Chapter 1, explain the role that technical definitions and descriptions play in effective technical writing.