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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through On Writing.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How can the book, On Writing, be described?
(a) A poorly conceived hack job.
(b) A masterpiece.
(c) Poignant, educated and inspiring.
(d) Clever, formulistic, but inspiring.

2. What book does King recommend for grammar study?
(a) Any good high school grammar text.
(b) Betty Azar's Understanding and Using English Grammar.
(c) Prentice-Hall Handbook of Grammar.
(d) Strunk and White's Elements of Style.

3. What is a major theme in the second chapter of King's book?
(a) The writer's life.
(b) Reasons or motivations for writing.
(c) The importance of studying grammar and vocabulary.
(d) The necessity of studying other authors.

4. According to King, which element of a novel is less important than aspiring writers might believe?
(a) Characterization.
(b) Theme.
(c) Plot.
(d) Dialogue.

5. Why does King throw the story Carrie in the trash can?
(a) Because he doesn't like the main character Carrie.
(b) Because he is too busy to continue.
(c) Because he feels he doesn't know enough about the events that went on in a girl's locker room.
(d) Because his wife hates the story.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does King help his uncle fix as a child?

2. What action does King believe a writer should take with respect to grammar?

3. In what manner does King say writers must always consider writing?

4. However, King does believe _______ to be essential to a writer's vocabulary.

5. What does King suggest that readers who do not take writing seriously do?

(see the answer key)

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