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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 2: Chapter 5, "It May Just Be Me, But..." through Chapter 8, "Bringing the News".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 1, "The Structure of Nonfiction Information," what does Foster say the first job of the writer is, on page one?
(a) To tell the truth.
(b) To be clear and concise.
(c) To get the reader to page two.
(d) To create a personal bond with the reader.

2. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," where does Foster say editorial content can usually be found in the newspaper?
(a) In its own section.
(b) At the very end of the last section.
(c) Throughout most sections.
(d) The last page or pages of the front section.

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

4. In Chapter 6, "Source Code," what does Foster say is an advantage of using data as evidence?
(a) It can be manipulated to make it say what the author wants it to say.
(b) It is one of the only sources that people still believe in.
(c) The reader often isn't aware of whether the data is real or not.
(d) It exists independent of our will and beliefs.

5. In Chapter 3, "The Power of the Prologue," Foster mentions a "squib." What is a squib, in this context?
(a) A non-magical person born to wizards.
(b) A short, satirical piece of writing.
(c) A miniature explosive device.
(d) The misfire of a gun due to insufficient force.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," Foster notes that the expectation for a writer to be engaging does not apply to which types of writing?

2. According to "The Building Blocks of Arguments," what purpose do warrants serve?

3. In Chapter 4, "The Parts You Don't Read," what advice does Foster give about the copyright page?

4. In Chapter 5, "It May Just Be Me, But..." what does Foster say about disclaimers like "I don't dislike soccer" (52)?

5. In Chapter 6, "Source Code," what does Foster say about the proliferation of online sources?

(see the answer key)

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