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?

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

Explanation:

Analyze the existing portfolio samples

The current list of writing samples includes:

• Product user guide for an eyewash station (Medical/Lab hardware)
• Instructions for proper lab equipment sanitation (Medical/Lab procedure)
• Product user guide for a sterilization machine (Medical/Lab hardware)
• Instructions for using genetics analyzer software (Medical/Lab software)

All four samples are heavily concentrated in the medical, laboratory, and life sciences domain.

Identify the portfolio weakness

Using the Technical Writing Portfolio knowledge point, a strong entry-level portfolio should demonstrate versatility across different industries, formats, or audiences to appeal to a broader range of employers. Currently, the samples lack diversity in subject matter.

Evaluate the options

Using the Portfolio Elements knowledge point, we evaluate the choices:

• greater quantity: Having four solid samples is already a standard size; adding more of the same type does not show new skills.
• more content variety: Adding samples from other fields (like software APIs, consumer electronics, or financial documentation) would show versatility.
• more technical terms: Technical writing values clarity and simplicity over dense jargon.
• fewer options: Four is an appropriate number; reducing it would make the portfolio too sparse.
• external references: While useful, they do not improve the strength of the writing samples themselves as much as showing diverse writing capabilities.

Therefore, increasing content variety is the best addition.

Answer:

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