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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are some limitations of perfect grammar?
(a) Good grammer makes for boring writing.
(b) Some writers don't have perfect grammar and therefore cannot get published.
(c) Hindering points, establishing author moods, and painting word pictures.
(d) Lack of expressionism when grammar is perfect.

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

3. What does it convey when anyone says he can write a book if he wanted to?
(a) It shows that people are ignorant.
(b) It reveals the misconception that writing is easy.
(c) It reveals how easy it is to write a book.
(d) It shows that there are many talented people in the world.

4. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?
(a) It highlights the impotant parts of the story.
(b) It keeps the meaning of the story clear and the prose worth the reader's time.
(c) It keeps books smaller and people like smaller books.
(d) It keeps people's attention longer.

5. Does Zissner believe in the journalism model for good writing?
(a) Yes, it saves space and uses modern words.
(b) Yes, it is efficient and catchy.
(c) No, journalism is dead and the writing is poor.
(d) No because journalists use cheap words and buzz words.

6. What method of writing does Zissner use?
(a) Cluster writing.
(b) New Journalism.
(c) Bold paragraph approach.
(d) Old Journalism.

7. What happens when the reader loses interest in the writing?
(a) She throws the book.
(b) He puts down the book.
(c) She writes a bad review.
(d) The transaction between author and writer is broken.

8. When can ornamental writing be used as an exception?
(a) To follow solid writing.
(b) When writing evaluations and resumes.
(c) When the author needs to abide by editors remarks.
(d) When the wrting needs extra fluff.

9. What is the transaction in writing?
(a) The bookbuying process.
(b) How much a writer gives of themselves rather than of facts.
(c) How much a writer talks about themselves.
(d) How much facts a writer uses.

10. What is the main thing readers think when starting an article?
(a) They want to know how long it will take them to read the article.
(b) They want to know whether it is worth it to read the article.
(c) They want to know how soon they will find the answer to the original thesis question of an article.
(d) They want to know whether the writer is credible or not.

11. Should exclamation points be used in serious writing?
(a) They should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
(b) Only serious writing has serious exclamation points. How else would people understand astonishment?
(c) They should be sprinkled into paragraphs like salt and pepper. The more the better.
(d) They should be used sparingly. One per paragraph is fine.

12. Why does Zissner advise his clients to worry about the marketplace last?
(a) Because the marketplace never changes.
(b) Because the marketplace always needs books and will take anything.
(c) Writing a good piece for the marketplace is easy when they know what sells.
(d) Because nobody knows what is going to sell.

13. What is the main attitude that writers have today?
(a) To be published in the New Yorker.
(b) To write modern literature and be the next best author.
(c) To write literature, the way it was defined before WWII.
(d) To write well, regardless of whether it is fiction or nonfiction.

14. When should a writer choose the point of view in a piece of writing?
(a) It doesn't matter when the point of view is established.
(b) The point of view can be determined after the writer figures out who will be the main character.
(c) A writer should determine the point of view before writing a new piece.
(d) THe point of view should be determined once the writing is finished and ready for editing.

15. What is one of Zissner's biggest pet peeves?
(a) When people dog ear the pages of a book.
(b) When people write in their books.
(c) When people say they can write a book as if it is easy.
(d) When people leave the toilet seat up.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is an alternative way of showing astonishment in writing?

2. What does the etymology of words mean?

3. Who is rivaling everything that Zissner is saying?

4. How many people are in the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel?

5. Does skipping grammar check save a writer time?

(see the answer keys)

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