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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 4: Chapter 13,"On the Stump" through Chapter 15, "Reading Internet Sources".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

2. Based on Chapter 14, "The Universe of Ideas/Ideas of the Universe," what would Foster call a journalist writing about a biologist and her discoveries?
(a) Expert testimony.
(b) Amateur profiles.
(c) Journalistic compilation.
(d) Interrogation of text.

3. In Chapter 7, "All in How You Look at Things," Foster uses the Latin expression in media res. What does this expression mean?
(a) In the form of a circle.
(b) In strict chronological order.
(c) In narrative form.
(d) In the middle of things.

4. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," Foster says that rules are determined by content, not codex. What does this mean?
(a) The rules for each form are determined by the type of writing, not the physical format that is used to convey the writing.
(b) The rules for each form are determined by subject matter, not by the medium of transmission.
(c) The rules for each form are determined by the purpose of the writing, not by traditions.
(d) The rules for each form are determined by historical precedent, not by the topic under discussion.

5. In Chapter 15, "Reading Internet Sources," Foster cites Wikipedia as the source of his information about the development of the internet. What might we reasonably call his use of Wikipedia as a source?
(a) Engaging.
(b) Careless.
(c) Scholarly.
(d) Ironic.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 14, "The Universe of Ideas/Ideas of the Universe," what criticism does Foster level against Malcolm Gladwell?

2. In Chapter 3, "The Power of the Prologue," what does Foster give as the basic meaning of "preface," "prologue," and "foreward"?

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

4. In Chapter 2, "The Ecology of the Nonfiction Biosphere," how does Foster define "specialty journalism"?

5. In "Interrogating the Text," Foster says that he himself tends to "eschew" notes. He is saying what about his use of notes?

(see the answer key)

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