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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is the real audience in a piece of writing?
(a) The editor.
(b) The author.
(c) Both the editor and author.
(d) The reader.

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

3. How does Zissner have the ability to choose words for the American Heritage Dictionary?
(a) He is on the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel
(b) He works for the American Heritage Dictionary
(c) He is related to someone on the panel.
(d) He created the Dictionary.

4. What is Zissner's point of view on the debate between literature and journalism?
(a) He agrees that literature is the only true form of good writing.
(b) He wants to go back to the pre-WWII form of writing.
(c) He believes it doesn't matter, and that good writing is good writing.
(d) He agrees that journalism is bad writing.

5. 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 likes audio recorders.
(d) He doesn't use anything. He just listens.

Short Answer Questions

1. What period in U.S. history does Zissner point out as a time filled with euphemisms?

2. Where should the writer find his or her words?

3. Do good writers decorate their writing?

4. Who are two authors that Zissner admires for solid writing and ornamentation?

5. Who is the author talking to at the beginning of the book?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do all good writers do when it comes to improving?

2. How do you know when an article is a failure?

3. What is unity in writing?

4. Why does Zinsser want writers to cut out ornamental writing?

5. What does the surgeon in Chapter 1 think about writing?

6. Why does Zinsser advise against using exclamation points for astonishment?

7. When can some writers break grammar rules?

8. In what point of view should a writer start writing? Why?

9. Why does the English language change all the time? Can you give an example of a language that never changes and why?

10. Why does Zinsser avoid using journalism as a model for good writers?

(see the answer keys)

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