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

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

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

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

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

6. According to King, grammar rules were _______________ .
(a) Convenient conventions.
(b) Made to be broken.
(c) Necessary for communication.
(d) To be followed.

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

8. What advice does King give on paragraphs?
(a) King feels paragraphs should have a standard length of 8 to 10 lines.
(b) To pay attention to the length and number of paragraphs.
(c) King wants writers to see their paragraphs as a graphic picture on a page.
(d) King believes paragraphs should not vary in length.

9. What does King help his uncle fix as a child?
(a) The driveway.
(b) A window screen.
(c) A leaky faucet in the bathroom.
(d) The kitchen sink.

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

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

12. 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) No. He feels some of the rules are 'a little over the top'.
(d) Yes, because these rules are the ultimate authority.

13. Where does King get the idea for the novel Misery?
(a) From a dream.
(b) From his wife.
(c) From a TV show.
(d) From a book he was reading.

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

15. 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.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does King believe about writers who are too busy to read?

2. How does King suggest writers improve their vocabulary?

3. What are King's feelings on grammar study?

4. In conclusion, what is the chapter, Toolbox, about?

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

(see the answer keys)

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