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

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

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

4. King claims he works on all of the following days except one. Which day does King not work?
(a) His birthday.
(b) New Year's Day.
(c) Easter.
(d) Thanksgiving Day.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. On certain occasions, King believes that grammar rules _________ .

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

4. What is unusual about the character Annie Wilkes?

5. Which genre does King feel Misery will belong to when he begins to write the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What evidence can you find about King's feelings on Strunk and White's Elements of Style?

2. How would some of King's other beliefs about writing increase a reader's pleasure? Explain in your own words.

3. In the chapter, On Writing, King says a writer can improve his work by reading. How does the advice given by King 'to read' improve a writer's work?

4. What is King trying to tell the aspiring writer about finding his voice?

5. King also said 'to not write in fear'. What do you think he means by this statement? Explain in your own words.

6. Explain King's beliefs on vocabulary.

7. What are some of the most important aspects of grammar that an aspiring writer should observe according to King?

8. In the chapter, On Writing, King explains that description should be the smallest amount possible. How would you evaluate King's beliefs on writing description?

9. Explain the significance of King's statement that a good writer can become an excellent writer, but a bad writer will always be a bad writer according to King in On Writing.

10. In the chapter, On Writing, King states every writer should have an agent. Why does he believe this to be important?

(see the answer keys)

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