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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) Try to describe fully without omitting key details.
(b) Describes scenes completely.
(c) Describe people completely, but scenes sparingly.
(d) Use as little as possible.

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

3. What is King's most important injunction to writers?
(a) Writers must work every day.
(b) Writers should be honest.
(c) Writers must be original.
(d) Writers need to have their own space.

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

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

6. What are King's feelings on grammar study?
(a) Grammar should be learned intuitively.
(b) Grammar should be studied at length.
(c) Lengthy grammar study is unnecessary.
(d) Grammar should be studied only through high school.

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

8. What does King's uncle take with him when he works?
(a) His entire toolbox.
(b) Only a couple of his favorite tools.
(c) Usually his screwdriver, a hammer, a few nails and screws.
(d) The specific tools needed for the job.

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

10. On certain occasions, King believes that grammar rules _________ .
(a) Can be explained casually to the reader.
(b) May be played with.
(c) Should be discussed between characters.
(d) Can be ignored.

11. How does King feel about writers improving their work?
(a) He feels a good writer can become an excellent writer, but a bad writer will always be bad.
(b) He is sure only good writers can successfully improve their writing.
(c) He believes writers improve their work through experience.
(d) He believes bad writers can become good writers.

12. 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 suggests that writers need solitude to clarify their thoughts.
(d) He believes that distractions make achieving a high number of words impossible.

13. King's comparison of a handyman's toolbox with a writer's tool box is which figure of speech?
(a) Metaphor.
(b) Simile.
(c) Epigram.
(d) Irony.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. According to King, what characteristic should a writer's space have?

3. King claims he works on all of the following days except one. Which day does King not work?

4. What does King's uncle use from the toolbox?

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

(see the answer keys)

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