View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part III: Chapter 18 Writing About the Arts: Critics and Columnists.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is a requirement for good literary criticism?
(a) Frequenting the theatre often.
(b) Subscribing to arts magazines.
(c) Having a comparitive literature degress.
(d) Knowing the subject that the writer wants to write about.

2. What trap do journalists and editors fall into often?
(a) Usin too many dashes.
(b) Using cliches and made up words.
(c) Using too many commas.
(d) Not doing grammar checks.

3. Does Zissner believe in the journalism model for good writing?
(a) Yes, it saves space and uses modern words.
(b) No, journalism is dead and the writing is poor.
(c) No because journalists use cheap words and buzz words.
(d) Yes, it is efficient and catchy.

4. What does reading aloud do for the writer?
(a) It helps the writer compare their work to others.
(b) Catches simple mistakes and clumsy constructions.
(c) It is a therapeutic process signifying the end of a story.
(d) It allows writers to understand their own writing.

5. Do criticism writers need to take a stance on a show?
(a) Yes, but they should mind their wording to not offend those in the show.
(b) Opinions should always be left out of writing.
(c) Absolutely. They have the power to make or break a show.
(d) No, that should be left up to the audience.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do interviews do for the writer?

2. Why should interview questions be written before the interview?

3. What is Zinsser's preferred method for interviewing?

4. Why is it important for writers to read constantly?

5. What is another important characteristic of a writer?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 401 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample