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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Good writing is ______________.

2. Can good writing be taught?

3. Does the author believe good writing is the result of an inherent talent?

4. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?

5. What is a major job of a nonfiction writer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are thesauri so good for brainstorming?

2. Why does Zinsser advise against using exclamation points for astonishment?

3. What are some examples of bad writing that has to be read?

4. What does Zinsser make of this distinction of fiction versus nonfiction in the literary world?

5. In what point of view should a writer start writing? Why?

6. What is unity in writing?

7. What does the craft of writing consist of?

8. Do gimmicks usually work in good writing?

9. Writers are told to study the market before submitting pieces. Why is this advice irrelevant?

10. Who is the real audience in a piece of writing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you think about Zinsser's point of view on the audience? Who does he feel is more important? Do you agree that a writer should ignore their potential audience and focus solely on pleasing themselves first? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What is clutter within an article and how does Zinsser suggest writers cut it out? Are there times when clutter would be a good think to have within a sentence or paragraph? Was it hard for you to recognize clutter within your own writing?

Essay Topic 3

What do you think about Zinsser's attitude towards writing, especially in terms of his reaction to the doctor that loves to write at the beginning of the book? At times it feels as though he is all business and no fun. Do you find writing a chore or a pleasure?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 717 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample