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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main reason why White is still at the New Yorker in 1956?
(a) Because of the death of Gus Lobrano.
(b) Because of the income he is generating.
(c) Because he enjoys the work.
(d) Because Katharine is there.

2. How many corrections does White send to Scott Elledge for the first part of his biography?
(a) Twenty four.
(b) Eighty four.
(c) Seventy three.
(d) Fifty three.

3. How does White explain his fascination with spiders in a letter?
(a) He watched one spin a web.
(b) He saw a unique looking spider on his farm.
(c) He studied them by reading a book about spiders.
(d) He had a conversation with one.

4. Which publishing company contacts White about using his text for Strunk's book?
(a) Random House.
(b) Macmillan Co.
(c) Harper Collins.
(d) Simon & Schuster.

5. Why is Katharine hospitalized in 1952?
(a) Pneumonia.
(b) A fever.
(c) An appendix infection.
(d) A liver infection.

6. How many minor surgeries does Katharine undergo between 1966 and 1970?
(a) Eight.
(b) Ten.
(c) Twelve.
(d) Four.

7. Who does the drawings for "Charlotte's Web"?
(a) Mel Crawford.
(b) Sharon Kane.
(c) Garth Williams.
(d) Corinne Malvern.

8. How many years does White do newsbreaks for the New Yorker before retiring?
(a) Fifty six years.
(b) Twenty six years.
(c) Thirty six years.
(d) Forty six years.

9. When does White inform his publisher that he thinks "Charlotte's Web" appeals more to adults than children?
(a) In June, 1953.
(b) In October, 1953.
(c) In October, 1952.
(d) In June, 1952.

10. When does a former secretary of the New Yorker contact White about "The Elements of Style"?
(a) August, 1982.
(b) December, 1982.
(c) September, 1982.
(d) April, 1982.

11. What version of White's remembrance of Strunk is used in the final copy of "The Elements of Style"?
(a) The same version with notes included at the end of the text.
(b) The same version.
(c) An edited and shortened version.
(d) An expanded and revised version.

12. What does White write to his granddaughter about journalism?
(a) It is where he feels the least comfortable.
(b) It is the basis for all of his books.
(c) It is the foundation for most of his books.
(d) It is where he feels the most comfortable.

13. Which one of the following is not included in the advice White gives to fourth-graders in Columbus, Ohio about how to write a book?
(a) One has to want to write a book.
(b) Set aside several days for the writing process.
(c) The writer has to keep going until the end.
(d) Think of a subject and begin.

14. What is the subject of Sam Beaver's poem included in the children's concert of "The Trumpet of the Swan"?
(a) Swans.
(b) The lake.
(c) The zoo.
(d) Trumpets.

15. Which city's orchestra does White adapt "The Trumpet of the Swan" for?
(a) Allentown.
(b) Pittsburgh.
(c) Lancaster.
(d) Philadelphia.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the subject of the article that White's granddaughter, Martha, writes?

2. Of which upcoming fiction writer are the Whites fans?

3. In a memo to Harold Ross, how many inches does White say that the height of taxi cab doors are?

4. What newspaper does White write to in order to correct an editorial that attributes Thurber's fame to him?

5. In another office memo, for which James Thurber story does White offer his comments?

(see the answer keys)

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