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English Technical Writing — LET Practice Questions

This English Technical Writing section of the LET English Major exam covers 7 expert-reviewed practice questions. Each question has a plain-English explanation and notes on why the wrong answers are wrong.

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Sample questions with answers and explanations

Sample 1

Which is NOT a characteristic of a technical report?

Answer: C

Technical reports are based on facts. They need to be objective (no opinion), concise (short), and clear (easy to follow). Subjectivity means personal opinion — which does NOT belong in a technical report. So C is the odd one out.

Tip: Two opposite words in the option list (objectivity / subjectivity) — one of them is the wrong-fit answer.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Objectivity IS a key feature of technical reports.
  • B. Conciseness IS expected in technical writing.
  • D. Clarity IS essential — readers need to understand fast.

Sample 2

What is a common error in technical writing?

Answer: D

Technical writing must be exact. Vague language like 'a few,' 'soon,' or 'significant' makes the reader guess, which causes mistakes in real-world tasks like running a machine or following a procedure. Active voice is actually GOOD; complex terms are sometimes needed; personal pronouns vary by style. Vagueness is the universal error.

Tip: Tech writing = precise; vague words like 'some,' 'soon,' 'a lot' are red flags.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Complex terms can be necessary in specialized tech writing.
  • B. Active voice is preferred, not an error, in tech writing.
  • C. Personal pronouns are sometimes acceptable depending on style guide.

Sample 3

What is an appropriate way to write recommendations?

Answer: C

Good recommendations tell the reader EXACTLY what to do, not just 'improve things.' Specific and actionable means someone can read it and immediately know the next step — like 'Hire two more teachers by June.' Note: A is also correct (data-backed) — both A and C are best practices. C is what the key chose.

Tip: Recommendations = clear, doable next steps the reader can act on.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Also a correct trait, but the key chose C; both are valid in real practice.
  • B. Impractical recommendations are useless and a clear error.
  • D. Skipping recommendations defeats the report's purpose.
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