Style and Tone Flashcards
6 cards from real Technical Writing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Style and Tone flashcards as text
What is nominalization in technical writing?
Answer: Turning verbs into nouns
Nominalization (e.g., 'make a decision' instead of 'decide') weakens clarity and should be minimized.
Which term describes unnecessary words that add length without meaning?
Answer: Deadwood
Deadwood refers to filler words or phrases that clutter technical writing without adding value.
What is the recommended sentence length for clear US technical writing?
Answer: 15–20 words on average
Sentences averaging 15–20 words are easier for readers to process in technical contexts.
Which style guide is most commonly used in US software documentation?
Answer: Microsoft Writing Style Guide
The Microsoft Writing Style Guide is the dominant reference for US software and tech product documentation.
What does 'hedging language' mean in technical writing?
Answer: Vague language that avoids commitment
Hedging language uses words like 'may,' 'might,' or 'could' to weaken statements unnecessarily.
When writing error messages in US software documentation, which tone is recommended?
Answer: Helpful and non-blaming
Error messages should be constructive and non-blaming, guiding the user to a solution without frustration.
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