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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. In addition to his injunction, King wants writers to leave something behind when they write. What should writers leave behind?
(a) Their desires.
(b) Honesty.
(c) Fear.
(d) Cleverness.

4. According to King, what characteristic should a writer's space have?
(a) A calming venue with only a telephone 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 quiet place with a radio and a computer.

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

6. 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.

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

8. How does King use this advice from his uncle?
(a) He falls in love with tools and creates his own toolbox for chores around the house.
(b) He always takes all his tools when he has to fix something.
(c) He applies it to his writing.
(d) He buys new tools every time he receives a check for his work.

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

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

11. King also suggests limiting speaker attributes. What are speaker attributes?
(a) This is when a speaker 'attributes' words to another person, i.e. 'Goethe stated...'.
(b) The use of words such as 'he said' or 'she proclaimed'.
(c) The physical and psychological profile of a speaker.
(d) Description of the physical appearance of a speaker.

12. King has been called a hack over the years. What is a hack?
(a) A literary drudge.
(b) A writer of trivial matter.
(c) An excellent writer.
(d) A writer with no talent.

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

14. What does King say about adverbs?
(a) To use colorful adverbs to make the writing more vivid.
(b) To include them when characters are being emotional.
(c) To use them to intensify meaning.
(d) To limit their use.

15. What does King believe about writers who are too busy to read?
(a) They will lose a good source of ideas.
(b) They will be a successful writer.
(c) They are too busy to write.
(d) They are hobbyists, not passionate writers.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is King's first piece of advice to those reading the chapter, On Writing?

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

3. What does King feel he will accomplish with his technique regarding description?

4. According to King, what should dialogue represent?

5. In the chapter, Toolbox, what advice does King give the reader?

(see the answer keys)

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