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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I: Chapter 7 Usage.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Chapter 3 is about __________.
(a) Reducing clutter.
(b) Simplicity.
(c) Clutter.
(d) Increasing the simplicity of writing.

2. What does it convey when anyone says he can write a book if he wanted to?
(a) It shows that people are ignorant.
(b) It shows that there are many talented people in the world.
(c) It reveals the misconception that writing is easy.
(d) It reveals how easy it is to write a book.

3. What is it that the bad writers mentioned above do that makes their writing terrible?
(a) They have bad grammar.
(b) They use too many euphemisms.
(c) They don't check their facts.
(d) They lie too much.

4. How does Zinsser approach unusual words?
(a) He is very conservative and will never cross a proper word line.
(b) He accepts some, but not all.
(c) He is very welcoming of a transforming English language.
(d) He is modern when it comes to English, but would rather keep it simple.

5. What is one of Zissner's biggest pet peeves?
(a) When people write in their books.
(b) When people leave the toilet seat up.
(c) When people dog ear the pages of a book.
(d) When people say they can write a book as if it is easy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What trap do journalists and editors fall into often?

2. Where should the writer find his or her words?

3. Why do journalists need to perfect uncluttered writing?

4. What period in U.S. history does Zissner point out as a time filled with euphemisms?

5. Why doesn't Zissner provide examples of these writers he admires?

(see the answer key)

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