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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 is the advantage of a writer writing his or her own memoir?
(a) The writer does not have to pay attention to basic grammar rules.
(b) They are lax and impersonal.
(c) The writer does not have to do any interviews.
(d) The main subject is already known.

2. Why do writers need to stick to rules?
(a) To impress their teachers with their adherance to rules.
(b) To get a copy past their editors on time.
(c) Writers need to stick to rules because readers expect them to.
(d) In order to get taken seriously and get picked up by an agent.

3. What is a memoir?
(a) They can be about any life experience.
(b) They are fiction peices about real people.
(c) They are stories about immigrants.
(d) They are books about other people written by ghostwriters.

4. What do people forget about writing?
(a) It is a gift that only certain people have.
(b) It is easy and anyone can do it.
(c) It is a science that is hard to understand.
(d) It is a craft and it can be learned.

5. Is sports writing different from any other form of good writing?
(a) No, good writing is good writing.
(b) No, it is just as good as other writing.
(c) Yes, it isn't as comprehensive.
(d) Yes, it isn't as important.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the biggest fear that nonfiction writers have?

2. What does Zinsser think about this misconception?

3. Why doesn't Zinsser teach people how to get published?

4. How are writers like painters?

5. What advice does Zinsser have for all writers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is corporate speak the norm in business writing?

2. Does Zinsser think that scientists can write?

3. Should sports writers add their opinions in sports articles?

4. What is a strategy to making sure the above choices fit?

5. Does he recommend this level of pride to other writers?

6. Why should writers forget about the final product when they are writing?

7. What is a good way to learn how to write with humor? How much humor should be used?

8. What needs to be described in a travel article?

9. What is a major pitfall of sports writers?

10. Why is there an attitude that certain people are only meant to learn certain subjects and skills like writing or science?

(see the answer keys)

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