Technical Writing Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which rule governs the use of 'which' versus 'that' in technical writing?
- Use 'that' for restrictive clauses and 'which' for nonrestrictive clauses (Correct answer)
- Use 'which' for restrictive clauses and 'that' for nonrestrictive clauses
- Both words are interchangeable in formal writing
- Use 'that' only when referring to inanimate objects
Correct answer: Use 'that' for restrictive clauses and 'which' for nonrestrictive clauses
'That' introduces a restrictive clause (essential to meaning) while 'which' introduces a nonrestrictive clause (adds extra information, set off by commas).
Question 2: According to the plain language rule, what is the preferred sentence structure in technical documents?
- Complex sentences with multiple subordinate clauses
- Active voice with subject-verb-object order (Correct answer)
- Passive voice to maintain objectivity
- Nominalized verbs for professional tone
Correct answer: Active voice with subject-verb-object order
Plain language guidelines favor active voice and direct subject-verb-object structure because it is clearer and easier to read.
Question 3: What rule applies when numbering items in a list where order matters?
- Use bullet points for emphasis
- Use numbered lists to show sequence or priority (Correct answer)
- Use letters to avoid confusion with page numbers
- Use dashes instead of numbers for formal documents
Correct answer: Use numbered lists to show sequence or priority
Numbered lists are used when sequence or rank matters; bullet points are for unordered items.
Question 4: The Oxford comma rule in technical writing refers to:
- A comma placed before the final item in a series of three or more (Correct answer)
- A comma used after introductory phrases
- A comma that separates two independent clauses
- A comma required before 'however' or 'therefore'
Correct answer: A comma placed before the final item in a series of three or more
The Oxford (serial) comma is placed before the conjunction in a list of three or more items to prevent ambiguity.
Question 5: Which rule dictates how to handle units of measurement in technical documents?
- Always spell out units in full to avoid confusion
- Use abbreviations consistently and follow a recognized standard such as SI (Correct answer)
- Mix spelled-out and abbreviated forms for variety
- Avoid units entirely and use relative comparisons
Correct answer: Use abbreviations consistently and follow a recognized standard such as SI
Technical writing standards require consistent use of abbreviations aligned with recognized systems like SI (International System of Units).
Question 6: What is the rule for capitalizing job titles in technical documents?
- Always capitalize all job titles
- Capitalize job titles only when they precede a person's name (Correct answer)
- Never capitalize job titles in body text
- Capitalize job titles only in headings
Correct answer: Capitalize job titles only when they precede a person's name
Style guides generally require capitalizing titles when they directly precede a name (e.g., Director Jane Smith) but not when used generically.
Question 7: The '7±2 rule' in technical writing documentation relates to:
- The maximum number of words per sentence
- The ideal number of items a reader can process in a list or menu (Correct answer)
- The recommended number of sections per document
- The acceptable word count deviation between drafts
Correct answer: The ideal number of items a reader can process in a list or menu
Miller's Law suggests humans can hold approximately 7 (±2) chunks of information in working memory, informing how lists and menus should be structured.
Technical Writing Rules 2
Which rule governs the use of 'which' versus 'that' in technical writing?