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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 was Tolstoy known for having?

2. Which of the following does Knight not say a writer must learn to do when writing a story?

3. What does Knight claim can be used to summarize a theme?

4. What is a story comprised of?

5. What stage of the developing writer will the writer get out of if he or she develops the main character?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a theme?

2. What is meaning in a story?

3. According to Knight, what sparks an idea for a story?

4. What are the advantages of having a surprise ending?

5. What is mood?

6. Why is the second person perspective awkward?

7. What is the writer's job, according to the author?

8. What conclusion did Knight come to about teaching students how to write?

9. How can a writer create tension?

10. What do many new writers mistakenly rely on to raise interest?

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

Knight reveals to the reader some of his weaknesses as a young writer. Why do you think he reveals weaknesses? What effect does this have on you as a reader? Why? Was this Knight's purpose?

Essay Topic 3

According to Knight, how can a writer get ideas? What are some common sources of inspiration for writers, including Knight?

(see the answer keys)

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