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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 should the lead in the first sentence do for a reader?
(a) It should be very basic to hook in all types of readers.
(b) It should capture the reader and force him or her to keep reading.
(c) It should tell the reader very little about the article, so he or she will continue reading.
(d) It should introduce the article informatively and let the reader know it will be a good read.

2. What has literature transformed into?
(a) Literature now includes poetry.
(b) Literature now includes nonfiction and fiction alike.
(c) Literature is still mainly novels,and very rarely includes other writing.
(d) Literature has not transformed at all.

3. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?
(a) It keeps the meaning of the story clear and the prose worth the reader's time.
(b) It keeps books smaller and people like smaller books.
(c) It keeps people's attention longer.
(d) It highlights the impotant parts of the story.

4. Does the author believe good writing is the result of an inherent talent?
(a) No, the craft always gets better with time.
(b) A good writer
(c) No, good writers have to be taught.
(d) Yes, people are born to write.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Can good writing be taught?

2. A musician must practice scales, and a writer must practice ______________.

3. Who is rivaling everything that Zissner is saying?

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

5. Why does he recommend starting in the preferred tense?

(see the answer key)

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