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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 a misconception about writers and scientists?

2. What do people forget about writing?

3. What advice does Zinsser give to employees who want to change business writing?

4. What is the problem with freelance writers and editors today?

5. What does Zinsser make sure his paragraphs do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do writers need to develop their own voice? How does writing compare to other art forms?

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

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

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

5. Who does Zinsser blame when it comes to focusing on the final prize instead of the work of an article?

6. How does Zinsser react when editors want to change too much of his work?

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

8. What are some of the hardest parts of writing about performances?

9. What is a major pitfall of sports writers?

10. Why is humor the most powerful tool for a nonfiction writer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rewrite the following sentence into an ending sentence and the first sentence in the following paragraph: The car drove off the cliff. Make it compelling. Make the reader want to keep on reading.

Ex: Ending Sentence: The car sped off the cliff. First sentence next paragraph: They all survived.

Essay Topic 2

Rewrite the following sentence into three good leads: The cat jumped onto the fence.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 874 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample