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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part III: Chapter 11 Nonfiction as Literature.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does reading aloud do for the writer?
(a) It is a therapeutic process signifying the end of a story.
(b) It allows writers to understand their own writing.
(c) Catches simple mistakes and clumsy constructions.
(d) It helps the writer compare their work to others.

2. What is the main attitude that writers have today?
(a) To write literature, the way it was defined before WWII.
(b) To write modern literature and be the next best author.
(c) To be published in the New Yorker.
(d) To write well, regardless of whether it is fiction or nonfiction.

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

4. What are Zissner's feelings about writing?
(a) Writing is difficult, but with the right tools, anyone can do it.
(b) Writing is easy and anyone can do it.
(c) Writing can easily be taught.
(d) Writing is a craft that is developed over time.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Zissner have the ability to choose words for the American Heritage Dictionary?

2. What happens when a writer writes in unclear ways?

3. Why does Zissner advise his clients to worry about the marketplace last?

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

5. What does Zinsser do before submitting a piece of writing?

(see the answer key)

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