Technical Writing Rules 4

Question 1

What rule governs the use of em dashes in technical documents?

Accepted Answer

Em dashes set off an interruption or amplifying phrase—without spaces in US style

Answer

In US technical style, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information or abrupt breaks, and they are written without surrounding spaces.

Question 2

Which formatting rule applies to the first word after a colon in US technical writing?

Accepted Answer

Capitalize the first word if a complete sentence follows the colon

Answer

Most US style guides (e.g., Chicago) capitalize the first word after a colon only when a complete sentence follows.

Question 3

What is the rule for using passive voice in technical writing?

Accepted Answer

Passive voice is acceptable when the agent is unknown or irrelevant

Answer

Passive voice is appropriate when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or when emphasizing the action or result rather than the agent.

Question 4

The '5 Cs' rule in technical writing states that content should be:

Accepted Answer

Concise, Correct, Complete, Clear, and Consistent

Answer

The 5 Cs of technical writing are Concise, Correct, Complete, Clear, and Consistent—foundational principles for effective documentation.

Question 5

Which rule applies when writing step-by-step procedures in a technical manual?

Accepted Answer

Begin each step with an imperative verb and limit each step to one action

Answer

Procedure steps should start with a command verb (e.g., 'Press', 'Select') and contain a single action so users can follow without confusion.

Technical Writing Practice Test