View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which magazine does Gardner refer to as elegant and rather timid, perfect for selling clothes and fine china?

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

3. What does Gardner say brings together groups of young writers who, even in the absence of superb teachers, can be of help to one another?

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

5. What is the name of the writer's conference where Gardner has frequently worked with writing assistants?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What are some of the qualities that should make an aspiring writer leave a program?

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

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

Discuss the differences between Melville's Onoo and Moby Dick. How does Gardner illustrate this in the text?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Gardner's feelings about the element of "theme" when writing. Where is "theme" useful? Where is it not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the exceptions that Gardner makes in reference to James Joyce, Franz Kafka, and Samuel Beckett. What in their writing differs from the traditional and still "works"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 809 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample