Question

select the correct answer.

read this list of writing samples in a portfolio for an entry-level technical writer:

• product user guide for an eyewash station
• instructions for proper lab equipment sanitation
• product user guide for a sterilization machine
• instructions for using genetics analyzer software

what would be the best addition to the list of samples to make the portfolio stronger?

o greater quantity
o more content variety
o more technical terms
o fewer options
o external references

Explanation:

Analyze the current portfolio list

The current list contains:

• Product user guide for an eyewash station (User Guide / Manual)
• Instructions for proper lab equipment sanitation (Instructions / Procedures)
• Product user guide for a sterilization machine (User Guide / Manual)
• Instructions for using genetics analyzer software (Instructions / Procedures)

All four samples are limited to two very similar formats (user guides and instructions) within a narrow scientific/laboratory domain.

Evaluate the options for strengthening the portfolio

• greater quantity: Adding more of the same types of documents does not demonstrate a broader range of skills.
• more content variety: A strong portfolio should showcase a diverse range of writing types (e.g., white papers, API documentation, proposals, release notes) to prove versatility.
• more technical terms: Technical writing aims for clarity and simplicity, not unnecessary jargon or complexity.
• fewer options: Reducing the number of samples would make the portfolio weaker, not stronger.
• external references: While references are useful, they do not improve the quality or breadth of the writing samples themselves.

Determine the best addition

Increasing content variety is the most effective way to demonstrate versatility and strengthen a professional writing portfolio.

Answer:

• greater quantity
• more content variety (Correct answer)
• more technical terms
• fewer options
• external references