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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I: Chapter 4 Style.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is the above a problem?
(a) Writers don't put enough effort into their writing.
(b) Writers need to start at the end and work their way up.
(c) Usually the first two or three paragraphs of a piece can be cut.
(d) Writers end up editing too much.

2. Why doesn't he simply cross out clutter?
(a) So that his students will learn to recognize clutter.
(b) Because it uses too much ink to cross out than to bracket.
(c) Because highlighting is easier to see.
(d) Because underlining is easier on the eyes.

3. Why doesn't Zissner provide examples of these writers he admires?
(a) Because he has a word count limit to abide to.
(b) So that people will go to the library to discover the writers themselves.
(c) He didn't want their writing to prove better than his.
(d) Because of copyright law.

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

5. What could cause a writer to write unclear?
(a) Not taking any writing classes.
(b) Not having enough experience.
(c) Not having brainstormed enough.
(d) Not knowing what they want to say.

Short Answer Questions

1. Good writing is ______________.

2. What is a natural inclination for writers when they start a piece?

3. Why do journalists need to perfect uncluttered writing?

4. What happens when the reader loses interest in the writing?

5. What is an example of a time when bad writing HAS to be read?

(see the answer key)

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