CIS 3311: DESKTOP PUBLISHING

DRAFT EXAM FOR DECEMBER 2019

YEAR THREE, SEMISTER ONE EXAMINATION FOR BACHEROR OF INFORMATION
SCIENCCE

QUESTION ONE – (30 MARKS)

a) Define the following term as used in Desktop Publishing studies (8 marks)
i. Orientation
ii. Proof reading
iii. Image
iv. Color mode
b) State six features of DTP software (3 marks)
c) Distinguish between the following types of desktop publications (6 marks)
i. Pamphlets and posters
ii. Catalogues and newsletters
iii. Cards and certificates
d) Explain the difference design concepts as used in DTP: Graphic Design verses Page Layout Design. Give
examples (4 marks)
e) List and explain five modern hardware devices that make desktop publishing process efficient other than
computers and printers (4 marks)
f) Define the term Master Page and explain how it is used in the design of multi-page document using a page
layout-based DTP program (5 marks)

QUESTION TWO – (20 MARKS)

a) Differentiate between the following terms as used in DTP (6 marks)
i. A5 and A0 paper sizes
ii. Vector images and Bitmap Images
iii. Photoshop and gimp image editors
b) Successful desktop publishing process requires a combination of various publishing skills. Briefly explain
four such necessary skills (4 marks)
c) Discuss five challenges of desktop publishing profession (10 marks)

QUESTION THREE – (20 MARKS)

a) The desktop publishing process today involves a number of software. Two major categories of Some
software are graphic design based while others are page layout based software. Briefly describe any six
examples of each category (12 marks)
b) Discuss four benefits that a learning institution could accrue by setting up a DTP department
(8 marks)
QUESTION FOUR – (20 MARKS)
a) When creating a document in a desktop publisher, a number of settings apply. Explain the following settings
(10 marks)
i. Resolution
ii. Background
iii. Color mode
iv. Orientation
v. Size

b) Microsoft Publisher is a template-based desktop publishing program that lets a designer edit and modify
various design publications. Explain five disadvantages of using MS Publisher (10marks)

QUESTION FIVE – (20 MARKS)

For effective communication in desktop publishing, a typesetter ought to be knowledgably in typography
a) Define the term (10 marks)
i. Typography
ii. Serif Fonts
iii. X-Height
iv. Indentation
v. Ascender
b) Explain five factors to consider in order for the application of typography in the design of a publication to
be effective (10 marks)
 CIS 3311: DESKTOP PUBLISHING
DRAFT SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM FOR DECEMBER 2019
YEAR THREE, SEMISTER ONE EXAMINATION FOR BACHEROR OF INFORMATION
SCIENCCE

QUESTION ONE – (30 MARKS)

a) Define the following term as used in Desktop Publishing studies (10 marks)
i. Graphic design
ii. Printing
iii. Margins
iv. layout
v. Sketching
b) Explain five key factors to consider during the brief formation stage of DTP Process (10 marks)
c) Discuss the principles of art and design (10marks)

QUESTION TWO – (20 MARKS)

a) Discuss the steps that a design using Ms. Publisher to design a calendar follows from the beginning of the
process to the end (10 marks)
b) Discuss the reasons where a designer would prefer to use Ms. Publisher to design the publication above
instead of using standard desktop publisher (10 marks)

QUESTION THREE – (20 MARKS)

a) You have been contracted by Meru University’s communications department to design for them a
graduation booklet. Discuss the various phases of DTP process (20 marks)

QUESTION FOUR – (20 MARKS)

a) Discuss e-publishing and the role that desktop publishing has played in establishment of this new form of
publishing (20 marks)

QUESTION FIVE – (20 MARKS)

a) Explain five advantages and five disadvantages of print publishing in the modern society (20 marks)