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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. What publishing house did Gardner send Grendel to first?

2. What is one of the more reputedly good magazines that Gardner suggests publication in?

3. Which is one of the great graduate programs for writers that Gardner refers to in Chapter 2?

4. Who does Gardner suggest writing to for information on reliable agents?

5. Where is one of the oldest and best known writing workshops?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What autobiographical experiences does Gardner relate regarding editors in Chapter 3?

3. What does Gardner say of finding support for the author in Chapter 3?

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

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

6. What does Gardner remark about the loyalty of an editor?

7. What does Gardner write of the standard technique of teaching writing in Chapter 2?

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

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

10. Where does the author's manuscript go after he reviews the copywriter's corrections?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the biographical history of John Gardner. How did he come to writing? What was his childhood like? Where did he study?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the negative aspects of going for a graduate degree from a writer's workshop. What cons does Gardner cite for these programs?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the language and characterizations of Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, and John Updike. How do these authors approach character differently?

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