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

2. What is the main thing required to being a good writer?
(a) All answers are correct.
(b) Passion.
(c) Hard work.
(d) Good editing.

3. What is the response previous students have to his style of edits?
(a) They say then can still see the brackets.
(b) They like it much better than red pen all over a paper.
(c) They hated it, and have nightmares about his style.
(d) They say they never liked the highlighting.

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

5. Why is it important for writers to read constantly?
(a) To learn from other writers' mistakes.
(b) To learn how to write.
(c) To study the market.
(d) To emulate their heroes.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do Americans have trouble writing?

2. Can a writer simply write the article with one interview?

3. What does Zissner believe authors are fearful of in their writing?

4. Who do authors please first with their writing?

5. Why is the English language so easy to use when writing?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What becomes of a finished article that nobody reads?

3. What are Zinsser's thoughts on the writing profession?

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

5. What does Zinsser make of this distinction of fiction versus nonfiction in the literary world?

6. Why are rhythm and sound important in writing? What should writers do to improve this aspect of their writing?

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

8. What is the major problem with American writing in terms of simplicity?

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

10. What skills does an interviewer need to possess?

(see the answer keys)

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