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

2. What was the best advice Zinsser ever received about having opinions in writing?
(a) It was to argue both sides of a story.
(b) To always second guess an argument and make a pro and con list.
(c) To never second guess a story.
(d) Take a stand and stick to it. One should never "go peeing down both legs."

3. Why is it important for writers to read constantly?
(a) To emulate their heroes.
(b) To study the market.
(c) To learn from other writers' mistakes.
(d) To learn how to write.

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

5. What is an example of American television shows that use humor to talk about serious issues?
(a) The Today Show.
(b) Saturday Night Live.
(c) The Evening News.
(d) The View.

Short Answer Questions

1. What period of writing constantly used semicolons?

2. What do people need to understand about science?

3. What are two tools every writer should use?

4. Do criticism writers need to take a stance on a show?

5. What does Zinsser think about this misconception?

(see the answer key)

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