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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. Why do Americans have trouble writing?
(a) They do too much and slack on their writing.
(b) They are bad at fact checking.
(c) They are not complex enough.
(d) Their minds are too cluttered.

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

3. What could cause a writer to write unclear?
(a) Not taking any writing classes.
(b) Not having enough experience.
(c) Not knowing what they want to say.
(d) Not having brainstormed enough.

4. What does the etymology of words mean?
(a) The sound of words.
(b) The history of words.
(c) The biology of words.
(d) The written scripts.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is one task that a good writer constantly does?

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

3. What period of writing constantly used semicolons?

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

5. What are the best aspects of a good story?

(see the answer key)

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