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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to King, what is the best technique to use with description?
(a) Use as little as possible.
(b) Try to describe fully without omitting key details.
(c) Describe people completely, but scenes sparingly.
(d) Describes scenes completely.

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

3. How many words a day does King try to produce?
(a) 2000 words.
(b) 5000 words.
(c) 1500 words.
(d) 3000 words.

4. 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.

5. What equipment does a writer need according to King?
(a) A desk and a chair with a typewriter.
(b) A computer, or a pad of paper, and perhaps some music.
(c) A telephone, a computer, and some music.
(d) A telephone, a desk, and a computer.

6. What does King consider to be a writer's practice?
(a) Daily journal entries.
(b) Writing exercises.
(c) Reading.
(d) Any kind of writing.

7. According to King, what goes in the top of the writer's toolbox?
(a) The most important tools for writing.
(b) A grounding in literature.
(c) Practice in writing.
(d) Study and preparation through classwork.

8. How does King paint the main character from The Dead Zone?
(a) He has his flaws and is thoroughly evil.
(b) He is too perfect.
(c) As a nice, normal boy who is flawed.
(d) He is evil but loving.

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

10. What kind of material should a writer read in order to learn the most from his reading?
(a) In the same genre that he writes.
(b) Bad prose.
(c) Action drama.
(d) Poetry.

11. What does King feel he will accomplish with his technique regarding description?
(a) He urges the writer to work more on his dialogues.
(b) He is leaving some things to the reader's imagination.
(c) He doesn not want the reader to become an active participant in the creative process.
(d) He believes that a reader is unimpressed by description.

12. Why does King feel that plotting out a novel is not wise?
(a) He feels that the story creates the plot.
(b) He likes for his story to develop, and then he tries to mold the plot when necessary.
(c) He believes it would be dishonest to the characters.
(d) He wants his characters to be free to act.

13. How does King feel about figures of speech?
(a) He thinks they should be used extensively.
(b) He says they should be avoided.
(c) He thinks that writers should use other ways of transmitting their thoughts.
(d) He says a writer should avoid similes and metaphors that are cliché and make little sense.

14. How does King use theme in his novels?
(a) To illustrate otherwise obscure points.
(b) To create a moral in his work.
(c) To help him stay on course.
(d) To guide the plot along.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In addition to his injunction, King wants writers to leave something behind when they write. What should writers leave behind?

2. There is an old adage in writing: write what you know. How does King feel about this?

3. What book does King recommend for grammar study?

4. When does King hold himself to the minimum number of words per day?

5. How could the object King's uncle inherits be described?

(see the answer keys)

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