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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part IV: Chapter 20 The Sound of Your Voice.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is another example of when a person HAS to read bad writing?
(a) Television captions.
(b) Instruction manuals.
(c) Political Journals.
(d) Literature anthologies.

2. Do criticism writers need to take a stance on a show?
(a) Absolutely. They have the power to make or break a show.
(b) Yes, but they should mind their wording to not offend those in the show.
(c) Opinions should always be left out of writing.
(d) No, that should be left up to the audience.

3. What advice does Zinsser give to employees who want to change business writing?
(a) Keep trying to change it and make it better.
(b) Take their concerns to the board.
(c) Complain to HR.
(d) Write the way they want regardless of what their bosses say.

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

5. Why is it important to narrow down a nonfiction piece?
(a) One person cannot write an article about every aspect of something. That is what books are for.
(b) It isn't that important. It just sells better to magazines to be focused.
(c) Articles should not drain the writer and reader. Focusing on a corner is better than redefining an entire room.
(d) It isn't important. People just want to look at pictures anyways.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a strange but effective way of proofreading to check for errors?

2. What does Zissner say is a common desire of every writer?

3. What should the lead in the first sentence do for a reader?

4. What is a common problem with nonfiction writers?

5. What are the two components of the original Roget's Thesaurus?

(see the answer key)

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