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

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

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

4. What could cause a writer to write unclear?
(a) Not having brainstormed enough.
(b) Not taking any writing classes.
(c) Not having enough experience.
(d) Not knowing what they want to say.

5. Where should the writer find his or her words?
(a) From within the subconscious to the writing consciousness
(b) From modern euphanisms that people can relate to.
(c) From a thesaraus.
(d) From a dictionary.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is one way of saving time?

2. What does it convey when anyone says he can write a book if he wanted to?

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

4. What gives nonfiction books life?

5. Why is the English language changing all the time?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are writers fearful to insert their own opinions, ideas, and judgments in their own writing?

2. Does Zinsser believe it is important for an author's personality to shine through his or her writing?

3. Why do writers have a hard time starting at the "true beginning?"

4. Writers are told to study the market before submitting pieces. Why is this advice irrelevant?

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

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

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

8. When can some writers break grammar rules?

9. What does the craft of writing consist of?

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

(see the answer keys)

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