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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part II: Chapter 9 The Lead and the Ending.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are the two components of the original Roget's Thesaurus?
(a) A list of synonyms and their definitions with pictures on one side.
(b) A dictionary listing of words, and a numberd section with synonyms arranged in broad concepts.
(c) Antonyms with very in depth definitions.
(d) A dictionary of antonyms, and one of synonyms.

2. What is an example of a time when bad writing HAS to be read?
(a) Online writing.
(b) In the newspaper.
(c) In English class.
(d) Corporate memos or technical writing.

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

4. What is one way of saving time?
(a) Learning to write over eighty words per minute.
(b) Not doing a story outline.
(c) Solely relying on grammar and spell check.
(d) Skipping spell check.

5. When should a writer choose the point of view in a piece of writing?
(a) The point of view can be determined after the writer figures out who will be the main character.
(b) It doesn't matter when the point of view is established.
(c) A writer should determine the point of view before writing a new piece.
(d) THe point of view should be determined once the writing is finished and ready for editing.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What is the problem with American writing?

3. How does Zinsser approach unusual words?

4. What are two tools every writer should use?

5. Chapter 3 is about __________.

(see the answer key)

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