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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What attitude should writers embrace towards their editors?
(a) Worry about the editor and the readers. They will buy and sell your books.
(b) Don't worry about pleasing them initially.
(c) Don't worry about the editor because you should please your audience first.
(d) Worry only about the editor in order to get published.

2. Why should interview questions be written before the interview?
(a) To avoid having to do it at the interview.
(b) To keep the person being interviewed on track.
(c) To focus the interview around a certain theme.
(d) To avoid drawing a blank in the middle of an interview.

3. What is unity in writing?
(a) Unity is when characters are unipolar and one dimensional.
(b) Unity is when the characters in a story are united and never disagree with one another.
(c) Unity is where the writer maintains consistency throughout an entire piece.
(d) Unity is when the writer sticks to one plot.

4. Why does the doctor write?
(a) He writes to make extra money.
(b) He writes for fun.
(c) He writes because he hates being a surgeon.
(d) He is writing a book.

5. What group of people does the author think has the worst type of writing?
(a) Teachers.
(b) Musicians.
(c) Politicians.
(d) Toddlers.

6. What makes a good first sentence?
(a) A good first sentence has a good lead. A good lead is one that works.
(b) A good first sentence needs to be written with exceptional grammer.
(c) The first sentence only sets up the second sentence. That is the one writers should focus on.
(d) A good ending is best to tie up the first sentence.

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

8. What are the two components of the original Roget's Thesaurus?
(a) A dictionary listing of words, and a numberd section with synonyms arranged in broad concepts.
(b) Antonyms with very in depth definitions.
(c) A list of synonyms and their definitions with pictures on one side.
(d) A dictionary of antonyms, and one of synonyms.

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

10. What happens when a writer writes in unclear ways?
(a) Their book gets tagged as abstract literature and nobody ever reads it.
(b) They lose the interest of the reader.
(c) They don't get published.
(d) Their writing doesn't make sense.

11. Can good writing be taught?
(a) It cannot, but it can be learned.
(b) Only good teachers can teach good writing.
(c) Only good students can learn good writing.
(d) Of course it can.

12. What is one way of saving time?
(a) Learning to write over eighty words per minute.
(b) Skipping spell check.
(c) Solely relying on grammar and spell check.
(d) Not doing a story outline.

13. Chapter 3 is about __________.
(a) Simplicity.
(b) Clutter.
(c) Reducing clutter.
(d) Increasing the simplicity of writing.

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

15. Does the author believe good writing is the result of an inherent talent?
(a) A good writer
(b) No, the craft always gets better with time.
(c) Yes, people are born to write.
(d) No, good writers have to be taught.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the mood or voice in a piece?

2. What is a common problem with nonfiction writers?

3. Does skipping grammar check save a writer time?

4. What is Zinsser's preferred method for interviewing?

5. What is the purpose of colons?

(see the answer keys)

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