Online Technical Writing: Chapter Quiz--Classification

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  1. Which of the following best explains the difference between the two types of classification discussed in this chapter?
    One type divides a topic into categories; the other places a thing in one of several categories.
    One type defines a topic by its purpose; the other places a thing in one of several categories.
    One type defines a topic by its purpose; the other divides a topic into categories.

  2. Which of the following is the name for the most common type of classification practiced in writing courses?
    Division
    Multiplication
    Comparison
    Extended definition

  3. Which of the following best explains this chapter recommends for planning the content of a classification?
    Divide the topic into parts, characteristics, or components; and discuss each one of them separately.
    Divide the topic into steps, tasks, phases, or events; and discuss each one one of them separately.
    Divide the topic into types or classes; and discuss each one one of them separately.
    Select from tools such as description, process, comparison, and cause-effect; and combine them.

  4. Which of the following best explains what a principle of classification is and how it functions in a discussion of categories?
    It lists the categories that belong to that topic; it gives the reader an overview of them before they are discussed individually.
    It is the logic by which the topic is divided into categories.
    It defines the topic as a whole to better enable readers to understand the individual categories into which that topic will be divided.

  5. Which of the following best illustrates a topic, its categories, and the basis of classification used to create that list?
    Clouds: stratus, cumulus, cirrus; their altitude
    Clouds: altitude, shape, weather associated with them; their characteristics
    Clouds: rain clouds, storm clouds, funnel clouds; shape and severity of weather associated with them

  6. How do you explain which category an item belongs in?
    Use comparison.
    Use extended definition.
    Use process discussion.

  7. Which of the following best explains the role that classification plays in reports?
    They are useful primarily in the introduction to these types of reports.
    They are useful in primarily planning and structuring one or more body sections of such reports.
    They are useful primarily in constructing the overview statement that should occur at the beginning of each major section of such reports.

  8. Which of the following sets include synonyms for the type of classification commonly practiced in writing classes?
    Classes, classification principle, types, categories, sorts, or groups
    Classes, kinds, types, categories, sorts, or groups
    Term, category, characteristics

  9. Which of the following is the most important ingredient in helping readers understand and distinguish between the categories discussed in a division-style classification?
    Examples
    Step-by-step instructions
    Comparison

  10. In an extended classification several pages in length, how you would expect to find the discussion of the individual categories?
    All in the introduction or overview section of the document
    All in the conclusion section of the document
    All in a background section of the document
    Each category in its own paragraph or group of paragraphs

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