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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part III: Chapter 11 Nonfiction as Literature.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is consistency in verb tense so important?
(a) It is important for the development of characters, and to set up a plot.
(b) It is important so that verbs don't get confused with nouns.
(c) It is important for slower readers to follow along.
(d) Very tense consistency is important so that the reader does not become lost in the timing of events.

2. What does Zissner think of gimmicky writing?
(a) It is the secret to selling a book.
(b) It never works.
(c) It is worth a try to sell a book or article.
(d) It is what gets writers through the door.

3. Why doesn't he simply cross out clutter?
(a) Because it uses too much ink to cross out than to bracket.
(b) Because underlining is easier on the eyes.
(c) Because highlighting is easier to see.
(d) So that his students will learn to recognize clutter.

4. What is the problem with American writing?
(a) It is too complex.
(b) The writing is too sloppy.
(c) It isn't complex enough.
(d) Americans are bad at fact checking.

5. What ability do great authors have?
(a) The ability to write whenever they want.
(b) The ability to get an inside on reading trends.
(c) The ability to ignore rules of grammar.
(d) The ability to write perfectley grammatical pieces.

Short Answer Questions

1. What should the lead in the first sentence do for a reader?

2. What is an example of a dead language?

3. Why doesn't Zissner provide examples of these writers he admires?

4. How does a thesaurus help with brainstorming?

5. What is the main thing required to being a good writer?

(see the answer key)

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