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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part IV: Chapter 23 A Writer's Decision.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What period of writing constantly used semicolons?
(a) Only 18th century England.
(b) All modern writing uses semicolons constantly.
(c) The 19th century.
(d) The 17th century.

2. Do writers need to write all the time?
(a) Yes, because writers are always able to write.
(b) Yes, even if they have to force it out.
(c) No, writers should only write when they are in the zone.
(d) No, if they are not in the mood, it will come out in their writing.

3. What does a Thesaurus help a writer with, besides finding alternate words?
(a) A thesaurus is a powerful stimulant to a writer's imagination.
(b) The book can help a writer become an expert in opposites.
(c) A thesaurus can help when writing in another language.
(d) Provides easy word webs.

4. What does Zinsser think about this misconception?
(a) He agrees with it and thinks scientists cannot write at all.
(b) He agrees with it and thinks writers can never understand complex scientific theories.
(c) He disagrees with it, but offers no reason why.
(d) He states anyone can write about anything if his approach is correct.

5. What happens when a product of writing is never read?
(a) It gets categorized under the bad books section.
(b) It gets burned.
(c) The author's reputation is harmed.
(d) It becomes worthless and a waste of good time.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much information should a writer provide to his or her readers?

2. What do people need to understand about science?

3. Why doesn't Zissner provide examples of these writers he admires?

4. Why do journalists need to perfect uncluttered writing?

5. What did he love about the New York Herald?

(see the answer key)

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