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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. How does Anne wish she could write all the time?

2. What other writing skill did Anne use to write her letter to Sam?

3. What is Henry James' classic line about a writer looking for his glasses which were atop his head?

4. Before she sends copies to her editor or agent, who reads Anne's drafts for her?

5. When you start thinking like a writer, where does Anne suggest you get your material?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Annie Dillard and Anne say about giving to your work?

2. What does Anne say one's own broccoli can tell them?

3. What additional benefit results from Anne calling around in search for the name of the wire thing topping champagne bottles?

4. In dealing with our characters, what is moral material, according to Anne?

5. According to Anne, how can having a writing group affect you and your work as a writer?

6. What two books did Anne write as gifts and why?

7. How did Anne's article about being a lifelong Giants fan originate?

8. How does Anne suggest jealousy can be beneficial for a writer?

9. How does Anne say someone reading your material can help you?

10. Why does Anne have index cards all over her house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Section 4, Part 2, Finding Your Voice Anne talks about how, in the beginning, her students will emulate the voice of other writers they admire. How does a writer find their true inner voice? Why can the truth of your experience only come through your own inner voice? What does it take to get to your truth, and what must happen with the damage inside you?

Essay Topic 2

Anne is encouraged to read all types of writing, such as plays and poetry, as well as all the good books she can get her hands on. How can reading all types of writing expand your material as a writer?

Essay Topic 3

In Part 2, The Writing Frame of Mind, Section 1, Looking Around, Anne says that writing is about "learning to pay attention and communicate what is going on."

Part 1) Anne's father taught the prisoners of San Quentin to pay attention and write down their thoughts. At this time Anne was a young child, and thought it easier for her to write down what was going on. Why was it easier for her?

Part 2) How is the writer like the cheese in "The Farmer in the Dell?"

Part 3) As a writer, how should we look at the people around us in order to honestly recognize who they are?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 970 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample