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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part IV: Chapter 20 The Sound of Your Voice.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How are writers like painters?
(a) Painters start with models and then learn to create in they own way. Writers use formulas then find their own voice.
(b) Writing isn't like painting at all. Neither has anything in common with the other.
(c) They both have the freedom of creativity with no rules that bind them.
(d) Writers and painters will destory their work if it is not to their expectations.

2. Why should interview questions be written before the interview?
(a) To focus the interview around a certain theme.
(b) To keep the person being interviewed on track.
(c) To avoid drawing a blank in the middle of an interview.
(d) To avoid having to do it at the interview.

3. What is a common problem writers have?
(a) Not writing at the same time every day.
(b) Starting at the true beginning.
(c) Writing too little.
(d) Writing too much at first.

4. How many people are in the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel?
(a) 10 writers.
(b) 104 writers, poets, editors, and teachers.
(c) 14 writers and poets.
(d) 1000 writers, poets, and editors.

5. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?
(a) It keeps people's attention longer.
(b) It keeps the meaning of the story clear and the prose worth the reader's time.
(c) It highlights the impotant parts of the story.
(d) It keeps books smaller and people like smaller books.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Zissner have the ability to choose words for the American Heritage Dictionary?

2. Good writing is ______________.

3. How does a thesaurus help with brainstorming?

4. What was the best advice Zinsser ever received about having opinions in writing?

5. What is different about every writer's voice?

(see the answer key)

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