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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. Do good writers decorate their writing?
(a) Yes, always with lots of extra words.
(b) No, only bad writers do this to sell more copies.
(c) Yes, with good punctuation.
(d) No, good writers dont need ornamentation.

2. What is another important characteristic of a writer?
(a) To be aware of the rhythm and sound of words together.
(b) To be aware of the way words are spelled.
(c) To sound out simple syllables.
(d) To sound out simple sentences.

3. What tense does Zissner recommend when starting a new piece?
(a) Second person.
(b) Third person.
(c) Combination third and first.
(d) First person.

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

5. Why is the English language changing all the time?
(a) It changes because it is a living language.
(b) It changes because of regional differences that make their way outwards.
(c) It changes because academics choose the best ways to speak English and try to teach that to children.
(d) It changes because people don't know how to speak it properly and are changing the way it is spoken.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is nonfiction more popular than fiction?

2. Has the period of political euphemisms improved since the Vietnam War?

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

4. What is the biggest mistake a writer can make when creating sentences?

5. What is an example of a time when bad writing HAS to be read?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. When is it acceptable for a new word to enter the English languages American Heritage Dictionary? Can you give an example?

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

5. Do gimmicks usually work in good writing?

6. Who is the real audience in a piece of writing?

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

8. Why are journalists good about de-cluttering their writing?

9. Why is nonfiction now considered to be literature?

10. Why does Zinsser use brackets on students' papers?

(see the answer keys)

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