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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does King feel that plotting out a novel is not wise?
(a) He wants his characters to be free to act.
(b) He believes it would be dishonest to the characters.
(c) He likes for his story to develop, and then he tries to mold the plot when necessary.
(d) He feels that the story creates the plot.

2. According to King, what three things are the bases of all stories?
(a) Characterization, dialogue and theme.
(b) Narration, dialogue, and description.
(c) Narration, dialogue, and characterization.
(d) Dialogue, theme, and description.

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

4. King claims he works on all of the following days except one. Which day does King not work?
(a) New Year's Day.
(b) His birthday.
(c) Thanksgiving Day.
(d) Easter.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In addition to comments on paragraphs, King mentions one other feature of the page. What is it?

2. How does King use this advice from his uncle?

3. What does King believe about writers who are too busy to read?

4. Which speaker attributes does King find acceptable for the majority of dialogue?

5. According to King, what goes in the top of the writer's toolbox?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the second most important tool according to King?

2. How would some of King's other beliefs about writing increase a reader's pleasure? Explain in your own words.

3. What evidence can you find to support King's claim that plot is less necessary than many would have the writer believe?

4. Explain the significance of King's statement that a good writer can become an excellent writer, but a bad writer will always be a bad writer according to King in On Writing.

5. Why does King believe that adverbs, especially those ending in -ly are unnecessary?

6. What are some of the most important aspects of grammar that an aspiring writer should observe according to King?

7. In the chapter, On Writing, King says characters should be multi-dimensional. What motive is there for trying to give all characters evil, as well as good, characteristics?

8. Why do you think King stresses the importance of writing a lot in On Writing?

9. In the chapter, On Writing, King says some critics of his work claim that he is a hack. What is a hack and what evidence can you find to support the statement that King is a hack?

10. King also said 'to not write in fear'. What do you think he means by this statement? Explain in your own words.

(see the answer keys)

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