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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I: Chapter 4 Style.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is the above a problem?
(a) Writers need to start at the end and work their way up.
(b) Writers end up editing too much.
(c) Usually the first two or three paragraphs of a piece can be cut.
(d) Writers don't put enough effort into their writing.

2. Do good writers decorate their writing?
(a) No, good writers dont need ornamentation.
(b) No, only bad writers do this to sell more copies.
(c) Yes, always with lots of extra words.
(d) Yes, with good punctuation.

3. Can a writer's style be affected to the reader?
(a) Yes, so long as the writing is filled with rich prose.
(b) No, it has to be manipulated.
(c) No, it has to be genuine.
(d) Yes, so long as the writing is really dense.

4. Why do journalists need to perfect uncluttered writing?
(a) People only pay attention to short articles.
(b) It make their writing easier to read.
(c) They have a limited number of column inches and word limits.
(d) It is easier to sell.

5. Where should the writer find his or her words?
(a) From a dictionary.
(b) From modern euphanisms that people can relate to.
(c) From within the subconscious to the writing consciousness
(d) From a thesaraus.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the author talking to at the beginning of the book?

2. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?

3. What group of people does the author think has the worst type of writing?

4. What does Zissner think of gimmicky writing?

5. Why do Americans have trouble writing?

(see the answer key)

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