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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. How does a writer become better at his craft?
(a) By taking initiative to improve every day.
(b) By reading everything.
(c) By taking a writing class.
(d) By avoiding trashy novels.

2. What is a natural inclination for writers when they start a piece?
(a) They ramble through an unnecessary introduction.
(b) They don't give enough background information.
(c) Writers assume readers know nothing about what they are writing about.
(d) They assume the readers know what they are writing about.

3. What do people forget about writing?
(a) It is a gift that only certain people have.
(b) It is a craft and it can be learned.
(c) It is a science that is hard to understand.
(d) It is easy and anyone can do it.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is one of Zissner's biggest pet peeves?

2. What are some limitations of perfect grammar?

3. Why is consistency in verb tense so important?

4. What does a Thesaurus help a writer with, besides finding alternate words?

5. What does Zinsser throw away in his writing classes?

(see the answer key)

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