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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is it important to King that a writer not be distracted while working?
(a) He feels that distractions cause a writer to lose the desire to work.
(b) He thinks writers achieve their best work in solitude.
(c) He believes that distractions make achieving a high number of words impossible.
(d) He suggests that writers need solitude to clarify their thoughts.

2. Does King feel that a writer should blindly follow all the rules in the book he recommends?
(a) Yes, but the writer should remember and use the exceptions, too.
(b) Yes. They are excellent rules.
(c) Yes, because these rules are the ultimate authority.
(d) No. He feels some of the rules are 'a little over the top'.

3. From King's statements, what element should be used to illustrate a character?
(a) Their thoughts.
(b) Their speech.
(c) Their typical, everyday dress.
(d) Their mannerisms.

4. However, King does believe _______ to be essential to a writer's vocabulary.
(a) Cleverness.
(b) Honesty.
(c) Beauty.
(d) Wisdom.

5. How does King define vocabulary?
(a) An essential tool for good writing.
(b) A knowledge of words used by different people that you are going to write about.
(c) Good words and knowledge of how to use them.
(d) The sum of the words you know.

6. According to King, what characteristics should all characters possess?
(a) Characteristics which make them seem perfect.
(b) Evil characteristics as well as good ones.
(c) Endearing qualities.
(d) Characteristics that make the reader sympathetic.

7. There is another element in the making of a good writer according to King's statements. What is it?
(a) To write a lot.
(b) To write when the muse strikes.
(c) To write frequently.
(d) To have definite writing goals.

8. If used correctly, King believes that dialogue could be what object for a writer?
(a) The least important tool in the writer's toolbox.
(b) A helpful tool like a monologue.
(c) A clever device used by the writer when necessary.
(d) A strong tool in the writer's toolbox.

9. In conclusion, what is the chapter, Toolbox, about?
(a) King's beliefs about how to become an excellent writer.
(b) King's analogy on the art of writing.
(c) King's effort to present the mechanics of writing to his readers.
(d) King's feelings about the writing world.

10. What is King's first piece of advice to those reading the chapter, On Writing?
(a) To believe in their work.
(b) To practice their writing using his suggestions.
(c) To read.
(d) To write every day.

11. How could the object King's uncle inherits be described?
(a) Small and light.
(b) Large and hard to carry around.
(c) Big but light.
(d) Large and open.

12. According to King, what is the most important tool for a writer?
(a) Good typing skills.
(b) An excellent computer.
(c) Vocabulary.
(d) Lots of notes.

13. King claims __________ is the second most important tool in a writer's toolbox.
(a) Grammar.
(b) Theme.
(c) A good plot.
(d) Beauty of expression.

14. When does King hold himself to the minimum number of words per day?
(a) While he is revising his work.
(b) While writing the first draft of all his novels.
(c) During a period of writer's block.
(d) When working under a deadline.

15. What is a common characteristic of adverbs?
(a) Frequently adverbs end in -ness.
(b) Oftentimes adverbs end with -ier.
(c) Most adverbs end in -ed.
(d) Many adverbs end in -ly.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does King feel about writers improving their work?

2. What does King believe is necessary to create strong characters?

3. What kind of verbs does King recommend be used when writing?

4. What does King's uncle inherit?

5. How does King paint the main character from The Dead Zone?

(see the answer keys)

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