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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. .What is the first specific item King states his book on writing will NOT be about?
(a) Writing exercises.
(b) Symbolism.
(c) Theme and plot.
(d) Writing mechanics.

2. What does King do while editor of his school paper?
(a) He creates one of the best versions of the paper ever.
(b) He wins a national contest for the paper.
(c) He writes a satirical version of the paper.
(d) He copies other people's stories and publishes them.

3. After Tabitha King's intervention in King's addictions, he makes some changes in his life. What change does he make in his writing life?
(a) He centers his desk in his office.
(b) He rearranges his office to accommodate a larger desk and chair.
(c) He exchanges his massive desk for a smaller one.
(d) He moves his massive desk to a corner of his office.

4. Where does King get a job to help pay for college?
(a) At Canon Mills and Mfg. Co.
(b) At Worumbo Mills and Weaving.
(c) At West Point Peppermill Mfg Co.
(d) At Massachusetts Mills and Dye Co.

5. In the chapter, C.V., King touches on the theme of the book. What is this theme?
(a) Writing as a career.
(b) Writing as life support.
(c) Writing for money.
(d) Writing as magic.

Short Answer Questions

1. On one of their expeditions, King and his brother meet an unexpected enemy. What is this enemy?

2. To which substance is King first addicted as a young man?

3. What is the first thing King requests in the second chapter that his readers accept about writing?

4. In the chapter, C.V., King makes a discovery about writing. What is this discovery?

5. Why does King throw the story Carrie in the trash can?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways is the rabbit on the table of symbol of King's belief in magic and telepathy? Explain in your own words.

2. In what way is the chapter, What Writing Is, different from the usual book on writing?

3. What are some of the things King remembers from his childhood? How might they have affected his writing?

4. King was a heavy drinker and addicted to cocaine. He believed that these two elements contributed to his creativity. In terms of the chapter, C.V., do you think his belief was justified? Why or why not?

5. How would you summarize the different jobs King had during his early career? How might these jobs have influenced his work?

6. When King asks the writer to accept 'the magic of writing, but to take it seriously', what is he saying?

7. One of King's babysitters was particularly cruel. How might she have affected his later writings?

8. How did King begin his career as a writer?

9. In what way is the book, On Writing, to be different from King's usual work?

10. What inferences can you make from King's statement that writing is magic? Explain in your own words.

(see the answer keys)

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