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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part IV: Chapter 20 The Sound of Your Voice.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Do readers generally like knowing about athletes' personal lives?
(a) Only when it pertains to athletes' outlooks on the sport.
(b) Yes, they want all the information out there.
(c) No, they just want to see the athletes play their game.
(d) Either way, it doesn't really matter.

3. What do people forget about writing?
(a) It is a science that is hard to understand.
(b) It is easy and anyone can do it.
(c) It is a craft and it can be learned.
(d) It is a gift that only certain people have.

4. Why does Zissner advise his clients to worry about the marketplace last?
(a) Because the marketplace never changes.
(b) Because the marketplace always needs books and will take anything.
(c) Writing a good piece for the marketplace is easy when they know what sells.
(d) Because nobody knows what is going to sell.

5. What method of writing does Zissner use?
(a) Old Journalism.
(b) New Journalism.
(c) Bold paragraph approach.
(d) Cluster writing.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does a Thesaurus help a writer with, besides finding alternate words?

2. How many people are in the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel?

3. What is a common problem with nonfiction writers?

4. What are some limitations of perfect grammar?

5. How much research does Zinsser recommend for an article?

(see the answer key)

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