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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is the English language so easy to use when writing?
(a) It has strict rules that makes it impossible to stray.
(b) It is rich with words.
(c) English isn't an easy language and is not easy to write at all.
(d) There are very limited words, so there is no need to find alternatives, which cuts time in half.

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

3. What is Zinsser's preferred method for interviewing?
(a) He likes to use pencils and paper.
(b) He likes to use pens and markers.
(c) He doesn't use anything. He just listens.
(d) He likes audio recorders.

4. What is a major job of a nonfiction writer?
(a) Majoring in the subject they will write about.
(b) Conducting interviews with people who know about the writing project subject.
(c) Learning as much as possible about a subject before taking on a project.
(d) Taking on a project with a clean slate. Just like a jury in a legal battle.

5. Can a writer simply write the article with one interview?
(a) Yes, but it is better to have mulitple interviews and meld them together into one incident.
(b) No, there should always be mulitple interviews.
(c) No, editing is too hard with just one interview.
(d) Yes, but it should be avoided because people forget things in the first interview.

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

7. 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) He puts down the book.
(d) She writes a bad review.

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

9. Why do Americans have trouble writing?
(a) They are bad at fact checking.
(b) Their minds are too cluttered.
(c) They do too much and slack on their writing.
(d) They are not complex enough.

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

11. Why is the above a problem?
(a) Usually the first two or three paragraphs of a piece can be cut.
(b) Writers need to start at the end and work their way up.
(c) Writers end up editing too much.
(d) Writers don't put enough effort into their writing.

12. What does Zinsser do before submitting a piece of writing?
(a) He submits his writing to his family.
(b) He has his wife read his work.
(c) He reads everything aloud.
(d) He edits everything three times.

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

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

15. How many people are in the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel?
(a) 1000 writers, poets, and editors.
(b) 104 writers, poets, editors, and teachers.
(c) 14 writers and poets.
(d) 10 writers.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the best aspects of a good story?

2. What should every paragraph end with?

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

4. Why is it important for writers to read constantly?

5. Why doesn't he simply cross out clutter?

(see the answer keys)

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