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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1: Chapter 1, "The Structure of Nonaction Information" through Chapter 4, "The Parts You Don't Read".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," what does Foster say is true of the sports section?
(a) It excludes features.
(b) It contains primarily editorial columns.
(c) Its box scores are an example of soft news.
(d) It contains every type of writing found in a newspaper.

2. According to "The Building Blocks of Arguments," what purpose do warrants serve?
(a) Warrants link claims and grounds.
(b) Warrants are like conclusions.
(c) Warrants explain counterclaims.
(d) Warrants provide evidence.

3. What definition of "lede" does Foster give In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere"?
(a) A brief summary of or tease for the event described in an article.
(b) A counterclaim to the main argument.
(c) A news item that also contains opinion.
(d) A short introductory piece of writing by an author who is not the author of the longer piece that follows.

4. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," what does Foster say is the point of having a variety of media sources?
(a) Appealing to different readers.
(b) Accuracy.
(c) Depth of coverage.
(d) Time.

5. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," Foster calls an expression a "bromide." What is he saying about this expression?
(a) It is boring and mean-spirited.
(b) It is clever and concise.
(c) It is unoriginal and unimportant.
(d) It is insightful but wordy.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 1, "The Structure of Nonfiction Information," what does Foster say is the purpose of the "four Ps?"

2. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," Foster calls a certain kind of reader the "cognoscenti." What kind of a reader is her referring to?

3. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," what does Foster call the "second draft of history"?

4. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," where does Foster say editorial content can usually be found in the newspaper?

5. In Chapter 1, "The Structure of Nonfiction Information," what are the "four Ps" that Foster discusses?

(see the answer key)

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