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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. If used correctly, King believes that dialogue could be what object for a writer?
(a) The least important tool in the writer's toolbox.
(b) A strong tool in the writer's toolbox.
(c) A helpful tool like a monologue.
(d) A clever device used by the writer when necessary.

2. According to King, what should dialogue represent?
(a) Speech written as we hear it, i.e. Whatcha ya doin'?
(b) Normal speech.
(c) Conversation between characters.
(d) Dialogue should stress the best conversational ability of the characters.

3. What does King say about adverbs?
(a) To use colorful adverbs to make the writing more vivid.
(b) To use them to intensify meaning.
(c) To limit their use.
(d) To include them when characters are being emotional.

4. What action does King believe a writer should take with respect to grammar?
(a) To thoroughly read a well-known grammar text.
(b) To research the writer's specific doubts on the Internet.
(c) To ask teachers about things which confuse the writer.
(d) To ignore grammar and let editors correct any obvious mistakes.

5. However, King does believe _______ to be essential to a writer's vocabulary.
(a) Wisdom.
(b) Cleverness.
(c) Beauty.
(d) Honesty.

6. What are King's feelings on grammar study?
(a) Grammar should be studied at length.
(b) Grammar should be learned intuitively.
(c) Lengthy grammar study is unnecessary.
(d) Grammar should be studied only through high school.

7. King has been called a hack over the years. What is a hack?
(a) A literary drudge.
(b) A writer of trivial matter.
(c) An excellent writer.
(d) A writer with no talent.

8. What kind of verbs does King recommend be used when writing?
(a) Verbs in the active voice, present tense.
(b) Verbs in the passive voice, past tense.
(c) Verbs in the active voice.
(d) Verbs of vivid action.

9. According to King, what characteristics should all characters possess?
(a) Characteristics which make them seem perfect.
(b) Endearing qualities.
(c) Evil characteristics as well as good ones.
(d) Characteristics that make the reader sympathetic.

10. Another belief of King is that writers have a special need. What is this need?
(a) An office equipped with a computer and internet access.
(b) A modern computer with Skype and YouTube accounts.
(c) A telephone.
(d) A specific space in which to write.

11. How could the object King's uncle inherits be described?
(a) Big but light.
(b) Large and hard to carry around.
(c) Small and light.
(d) Large and open.

12. From whom does King's uncle inherit something?
(a) From his brother.
(b) From his grandfather.
(c) From his father, King's grandfather.
(d) From his mother.

13. What kind of material should a writer read in order to learn the most from his reading?
(a) In the same genre that he writes.
(b) Bad prose.
(c) Action drama.
(d) Poetry.

14. What lesson does the experience with his uncle teach King?
(a) He learns to appreciate physical labor.
(b) He always remembers the advice and learned to be prepared.
(c) He learns to have the toolbox handy and ready for odd jobs around the house.
(d) He learns the importance of having the right tool for the job.

15. What does King's uncle take with him when he works?
(a) Usually his screwdriver, a hammer, a few nails and screws.
(b) The specific tools needed for the job.
(c) Only a couple of his favorite tools.
(d) His entire toolbox.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does King use theme in his novels?

2. On certain occasions, King believes that grammar rules _________ .

3. Which genre does King feel Misery will belong to when he begins to write the story?

4. King also suggests limiting speaker attributes. What are speaker attributes?

5. What does King's uncle inherit?

(see the answer keys)

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