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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. According to King, what characteristic should a writer's space have?
(a) A quiet place with a radio and a computer.
(b) A simple place with little or no distractions.
(c) An office space with files, computer, printer, and a telephone.
(d) A calming venue with only a telephone and a computer.

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

4. What is unusual about the character Annie Wilkes?
(a) She is a psychopath with redeeming qualities.
(b) Her prisoner finds her sympathetic.
(c) She maintains her good qualities while committing her sins.
(d) She is a good person doing evil deeds.

5. What does King believe is necessary to create strong characters?
(a) They should be multidimensional.
(b) The reader should have no problem identifying the good characters from the bad ones.
(c) They should be clearly defined by their actions.
(d) They should be clearly defined but interesting.

6. Another belief of King is that writers have a special need. What is this need?
(a) An office equipped with a computer and internet access.
(b) A modern computer with Skype and YouTube accounts.
(c) A telephone.
(d) A specific space in which to write.

7. What lesson does the experience with his uncle teach King?
(a) He learns to have the toolbox handy and ready for odd jobs around the house.
(b) He always remembers the advice and learned to be prepared.
(c) He learns to appreciate physical labor.
(d) He learns the importance of having the right tool for the job.

8. What does King consider to be the best tool in making a writer?
(a) Going to writers' retreats.
(b) Taking writing courses in different genres.
(c) Practice writing.
(d) Reading.

9. What action does King believe a writer should take with respect to grammar?
(a) To ask teachers about things which confuse the writer.
(b) To ignore grammar and let editors correct any obvious mistakes.
(c) To thoroughly read a well-known grammar text.
(d) To research the writer's specific doubts on the Internet.

10. Which speaker attributes does King find acceptable for the majority of dialogue?
(a) Clever ones that break up the monotony of the 'he said', 'she said' routine.
(b) The basic 'he said', 'she said'.
(c) Whichever ones are necessary to convey the meaning of the scene.
(d) Those which use active verbs.

11. King gives the example of John Grisham as a writer. What does he say about Grisham?
(a) Grisham became an excellent writer after researching courtroom drama.
(b) Grisham is a lawyer who wrote about his profession, though the situations in his novels were not realistic.
(c) Grisham ignores the adage write what you know.
(d) Grisham is a highly skilled writer who wrote about realistic legal situations.

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

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

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

15. According to King, what should dialogue represent?
(a) Speech written as we hear it, i.e. Whatcha ya doin'?
(b) Conversation between characters.
(c) Normal speech.
(d) Dialogue should stress the best conversational ability of the characters.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does King feel that plotting out a novel is not wise?

2. King also suggests limiting speaker attributes. What are speaker attributes?

3. Why does King emphasize the importance of reading?

4. How many words a day does King try to produce?

5. According to King, what is the best technique to use with description?

(see the answer keys)

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