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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the mood or voice in a piece?

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

3. What makes a good first sentence?

4. What is Zinsser's preferred method for interviewing?

5. What trap do journalists and editors fall into often?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unity in writing?

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

3. When can grammar rules be broken?

4. Who does Zinsser say are the worst writers guilty of clutter?

5. What political period was the worst as far as bad writing?

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

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

8. Why are thesauri so good for brainstorming?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are some interview questions that must always be asked? What should a writer know before going into an interview? Should a writer go in with extensive research on a subject, or just show up with minimal knowledge and learn it all from a pro? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

What do you think about Zinsser's attitude towards writing, especially in terms of his reaction to the doctor that loves to write at the beginning of the book? At times it feels as though he is all business and no fun. Do you find writing a chore or a pleasure?

Essay Topic 3

What is the bracket method? Do you find this method useful? Compare it to crossing out.

(see the answer keys)

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