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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. What does Knight describe as being the end of conflict?

2. What was Knight unable to do as a teenager?

3. What does Knight describe as being the force that compels the writer to write a story?

4. According to Knight, what does fiction require to be believable?

5. What is the first stage of a developing writer?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can a writer get out of the first stage of the developing writer?

2. How can one learn to empathize?

3. What kinds of courses does Damon Knight teach?

4. What elements are crucial in creating an interesting character?

5. Describe the quadrangle that Knight introduces.

6. What tips does Knight give to writers about viewpoints?

7. What makes good dialogue?

8. What are some ways for a writer to get inspiration?

9. Why is the second person perspective awkward?

10. What is tone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Knight tells writers to write what they know. What does this mean? Why should a writer only write what he or she knows? What does Knight suggest a writer do if he or she wants to write about a topic they don't know about?

Essay Topic 2

What is Knight's definition of a story? How does this differ from the definition you have known? What are the characteristics and qualities of a story?

Essay Topic 3

Evaluate Knight's instructions regarding how to write. How do you know that you can trust Knight's instructions?

(see the answer keys)

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