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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did ancient poets get around means of survival, if not attaching themselves to kings?

2. In Chapter 2, what does Gardner say the world has far more than it needs?

3. Who was the first editor to take interest in Gardner's work?

4. Gardner states in Chapter 2 that an individual style is developed as much by resistance as by what?

5. In Chapter 2, Gardner states, "A writer does not become better by being ____."

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the "best" way to sustain a living as a writer, according to Gardner?

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

4. What should the successful teacher do for his writing students, according to Gardner?

5. What does Gardner say of supporting oneself as a writer in Chapter 3?

6. What does Gardner say in regard to literary dynasties and writing workshops in Chapter 2?

7. Are all good writers good teachers? What does Gardner say of this in Chapter 2?

8. How does Gardner explain the detailed letter from an editor and the author's choice of revision?

9. What does Gardner say in the beginning of Chapter 2 regarding author education and state funding?

10. What brings the author feelings of virtue in Chapter 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the author's keen sense of observation. Why is this necessary? How does it affect the author?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the career of Raymond Carver. How did he come to study with John Gardner? What does he relate of his experiences as Gardner's student?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the benefits of earning a graduate degree from a writer's workshop. In what ways can this be beneficial for the author?

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