View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part III: Chapter 14 Writing About Yourself: The Memoir.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the old view of nonfiction?
(a) That it is only journalism which isn't a respectable form of writing.
(b) That it is all commentary that means nothing to anyone but the writer.
(c) That it is the best form of writing because it is factual and real.
(d) That it is the only respectable form of writing.

2. What is a common problem with nonfiction writers?
(a) They tend to write confusing articles that do not interest anyone.
(b) Nonfiction writers tend to want to say the last word on a subject, which covers too much ground.
(c) They want to be the final experts and turn away viable information that would change their articles.
(d) They don't research enough.

3. Which is the simplest sentence?
(a) Simplicity is the direct opposite of clutter.
(b) Simplicity is the opposite of clutter.
(c) Simplicity.
(d) Simplicity is opporite clutter.

4. What does Zinsser think about writing memoirs?
(a) He thinks memoirs are tacky writers.
(b) He encourages them and wants writers to stop being afraid about writing about themselves.
(c) He likes memoirs and reads them constantly.
(d) He is against memoirs and thinks writers should never write about themselves.

5. What is the advantage of a writer writing his or her own memoir?
(a) They are lax and impersonal.
(b) The writer does not have to pay attention to basic grammar rules.
(c) The main subject is already known.
(d) The writer does not have to do any interviews.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is it important for writers to read constantly?

2. Why is consistency in verb tense so important?

3. What is it that the bad writers mentioned above do that makes their writing terrible?

4. Why do journalists need to perfect uncluttered writing?

5. Has the period of political euphemisms improved since the Vietnam War?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 422 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample