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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Oftentimes, what part of Dillard's work must be edited out?
(a) The typos and misspellings.
(b) The best-written part.
(c) The opening paragraph.
(d) The dialogue.

2. When Dillard is watching symbols move on her monitor, which sends back numbers to her, what is it her job to do?
(a) Go for a drive.
(b) Hold her breath.
(c) Translate the numbers.
(d) Stop immediately.

3. What do experienced writers urge young men and women to learn, according to Chapter 1?
(a) How to spell.
(b) A useful trade.
(c) Shakesperian plays.
(d) Word definitions.

4. To what does Dillard compare writing a book?
(a) Learning to walk via crawling.
(b) Climbing a long ladder.
(c) Running a marathon.
(d) A reality television show.

5. What do television and films do to the body's senses, according to Dillard?
(a) Make connections.
(b) They make the writer sense the need to write.
(c) Numb them.
(d) Stimulate them.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which insect is discussed in the book as part of an entomological experiment?

2. Who does Dillard say that she believes to be one of the most prolific writers who has ever lived?

3. Who said a long poem takes between five and ten years to write?

4. What does Dillard say that she feels a writer must do about feeling one's work in progress is either magnificent or abominable?

5. How does Dillard describe the process of writing a book?

(see the answer key)

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