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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 problem with freelance writers and editors today?
(a) Editors are not as good as writers.
(b) Writers never listen to their editors.
(c) Editors treat freelance writers like hired help.
(d) Writers are pushovers and let their work become ruined.

2. Is there room for opinion when writing a sports article?
(a) Writers should limit commentary and stick to the stats.
(b) Yes. Readers trust sports writers to make sports predictions about their favorite teams.
(c) Absolutely not.
(d) There is always room for commentary.

3. Where did Zinsser learn how to write?
(a) He taught himself.
(b) He learned while he was deployed during WWII.
(c) From reading the New York Herald.
(d) From reading good books.

4. What is a second approach Zinsser recommends that complements the first approach mentioned?
(a) Going within people's homes and seeing what they feel about foreigners.
(b) Never reading other travel pieces, because this adds to cliched writing.
(c) Writing only in the first person, then deciding on a tense later.
(d) Going outside and finding out how a place impacts others.

5. Why do structured classes miss the point of teaching good writing?
(a) They focus more on the final product than the writing process.
(b) They focus more on the writing process than the final product.
(c) They focus less on talent and more on getting good grades.
(d) They focus more on talent and less on grades.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the danger of overusing humor in writing?

2. Did Zinsser always want to write?

3. Why does this misconception exist?

4. What is a good way to edit a long story?

5. What is a general rule for writing about sports?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a major pitfall of sports writers?

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

3. How does Zinsser feel about writing when a writer doesn't want to? Why do writers have this luxury?

4. Why do critics need to be well versed in the art they are writing about?

5. Why does a writer's fear of new subjects keep him from taking original and interesting projects?

6. Does Zinsser think that scientists can write?

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

8. What tense do business writer stend to use that hurts their writing?

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

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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