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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I: Chapter 6 Words.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who are two authors that Zissner admires for solid writing and ornamentation?
(a) Normal Mailer and Virginia Wolfe.
(b) Norman Mailer and Tom Wolfe.
(c) Virginia Woolfe and Sylvia Plath.
(d) Sylvia Plath and Jane Austen.

2. Why is it important for writers to read constantly?
(a) To learn how to write.
(b) To study the market.
(c) To emulate their heroes.
(d) To learn from other writers' mistakes.

3. What is another important characteristic of a writer?
(a) To be aware of the rhythm and sound of words together.
(b) To be aware of the way words are spelled.
(c) To sound out simple syllables.
(d) To sound out simple sentences.

4. What does Zissner use to highlight clutter in his students' writing?
(a) Stars.
(b) Brackets
(c) Underlines.
(d) Highlighter.

5. What group of people does the author think has the worst type of writing?
(a) Toddlers.
(b) Politicians.
(c) Teachers.
(d) Musicians.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does a writer become better at his craft?

2. What is the problem with American writing?

3. What does the etymology of words mean?

4. What tense does Zissner recommend when starting a new piece?

5. What is it that the bad writers mentioned above do that makes their writing terrible?

(see the answer key)

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