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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. Is there room for opinion when writing a sports article?

2. What is a requirement for good literary criticism?

3. Did Zinsser always want to write?

4. What should writers focus on when writing travel pieces?

5. What is an example of American television shows that use humor to talk about serious issues?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Does Zinsser think that scientists can write?

5. What is a major pitfall of sports writers?

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

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

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

9. Why are Americans scared to write about themselves?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When choosing a style of writing, what do you look for first? Do you think about the tone you want to have, the overall feel of the article, the way you want the reader to receive the article? Explain your thought process on approaching style.

Essay Topic 2

Do you believe that everyone can write well as Zinsser mentions? Or do you think that a writer must have a natural gift for the written word? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the importance of using modern words versus antiquated words in writing. Explain when it would be important to use older words versus more modern words.

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