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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. What is one task that a good writer constantly does?
(a) Participates in writing workshops.
(b) Reads contemporary and classic works of other writers.
(c) Sends manuscripts out like crazy.
(d) Takes writing classes often.

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

3. How is humor used in writing nonfiction?
(a) It is used to practice jokes for stand up comedians.
(b) It is used to bring out points that cannot be made in a straight forward manner.
(c) It is never used. Nonfiction should always be serious.
(d) It is used to make fun of people without them every knowing.

4. Why do Americans have trouble writing?
(a) Their minds are too cluttered.
(b) They are bad at fact checking.
(c) They are not complex enough.
(d) They do too much and slack on their writing.

5. What is Zinsser's preferred method for interviewing?
(a) He doesn't use anything. He just listens.
(b) He likes to use pencils and paper.
(c) He likes to use pens and markers.
(d) He likes audio recorders.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a requirement for good literary criticism?

2. How rigid are the lines between proper and improper English usage?

3. What is the main thing required to being a good writer?

4. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?

5. What is a dash useful for?

(see the answer key)

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