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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 3, Gardner writes, "One hears the complaint that conferences lead to a kind of writer ____."
(a) Sniveling.
(b) Ego-stroking.
(c) Incest.
(d) Promotion.

2. Where does the manuscript of a book go after the copy editor is finished with it?
(a) Literary editor.
(b) Publisher.
(c) Typesetter.
(d) Author.

3. What does M.F.A. stand for?
(a) Master of Formal Architecture.
(b) Master of Fulton Academy.
(c) Master of Formal Academy.
(d) Master of Fine Arts.

4. What does Gardner cite as one of the most respected publishers of novels?
(a) Harper and Row.
(b) Alfred A. Knopf.
(c) Penguin.
(d) Simon and Schuster.

5. What literary magazine does Gardner publish?
(a) Reader's Digest.
(b) MRR.
(c) MSS.
(d) Writer's Weekly.

Short Answer Questions

1. What author responded to the question of why she wrote fiction, "Because I'm good at it"?

2. What is one of the great questions of the moment which is addressed in The World According to Garp?

3. Which writing teacher and author is famous for the energy and relative success with which he pushes his students' work at appropriate editors?

4. What organization does Gardner suggest for help in locating good teachers, advice on fellowships, etc.?

5. What author once remarked "the best way to become a writer is to go off and write"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Gardner open Chapter 3 with, regarding the young writer's focus on publication?

2. Describe some of the qualities of bad writing workshops in Chapter 2.

3. Why is writing usually rejected, according to Gardner?

4. Why must a teacher avoid projecting their aesthetic view on writers?

5. What does Gardner write of writers' workshops in Chapter 2?

6. What does Gardner write about rejection letters in Chapter 3?

7. What are Gardner's workshops like for writers?

8. What does Gardner say regarding the study of philosophy and psychology?

9. What does Gardner cite as the assets of having an agent in Chapter 3?

10. What does Gardner say of editors in Chapter 3? What can one do to appeal to an editor?

(see the answer keys)

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