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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I: Chapter 7 Usage.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

2. What is an example of a dead language?
(a) Spanish because its roots are disintegrating.
(b) Latin is dead because nobody speaks it anymore.
(c) Italian because there is only one country that speaks it.
(d) Chinese because it never changes.

3. How does Zinsser approach unusual words?
(a) He accepts some, but not all.
(b) He is modern when it comes to English, but would rather keep it simple.
(c) He is very conservative and will never cross a proper word line.
(d) He is very welcoming of a transforming English language.

4. How rigid are the lines between proper and improper English usage?
(a) There is a grey area, though the need for proper English is most important.
(b) They are very rigid and one cannot cross the line.
(c) They are very soft, and not rigid at all.
(d) There are no lines at all. Every writer has a poetic license to do with words what he or she pleases.

5. What group of people does the author think has the worst type of writing?
(a) Teachers.
(b) Musicians.
(c) Politicians.
(d) Toddlers.

Short Answer Questions

1. Do good writers decorate their writing?

2. What is one task that a good writer constantly does?

3. Why is the above a problem?

4. Where should the writer find his or her words?

5. Why do Americans have trouble writing?

(see the answer key)

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