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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. What is a natural inclination for writers when they start a piece?
(a) Writers assume readers know nothing about what they are writing about.
(b) They ramble through an unnecessary introduction.
(c) They assume the readers know what they are writing about.
(d) They don't give enough background information.

2. What is the response previous students have to his style of edits?
(a) They say they never liked the highlighting.
(b) They hated it, and have nightmares about his style.
(c) They like it much better than red pen all over a paper.
(d) They say then can still see the brackets.

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

4. Can a writer's style be affected to the reader?
(a) No, it has to be manipulated.
(b) Yes, so long as the writing is really dense.
(c) No, it has to be genuine.
(d) Yes, so long as the writing is filled with rich prose.

5. 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 leave the toilet seat up.
(c) When people write in their books.
(d) When people dog ear the pages of a book.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is another example of when a person HAS to read bad writing?

2. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?

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

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

5. Who is the author talking to at the beginning of the book?

(see the answer key)

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