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

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

3. What does King's uncle use from the toolbox?
(a) Several tools.
(b) Only a screwdriver.
(c) A screwdriver and a hammer.
(d) A hammer and some nails.

4. When does King hold himself to the minimum number of words per day?
(a) During a period of writer's block.
(b) When working under a deadline.
(c) While he is revising his work.
(d) While writing the first draft of all his novels.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Why is it important to King that a writer not be distracted while working?

4. How does King define vocabulary?

5. However, King does believe _______ to be essential to a writer's vocabulary.

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. King stated aspiring writers should not use speaker attributes other than said. What are speaker attributes and why would King warn against using them?

3. Both with vocabulary and 'above all else' King emphasizes honesty. Explain 'honesty' according to King and in your own words.

4. Why do you think King stresses the importance of writing a lot in On Writing?

5. 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.

6. Why does King believe that adverbs, especially those ending in -ly are unnecessary?

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

8. In the chapter, On Writing, King discusses symbolism and theme as elements best ignored in first drafts. What is the relationship between symbolism and theme in King's work?

9. In the chapter, On Writing, King states that writer's retreats and creative writing classes are unnecessary. Why did King consider these opportunities a waste of time?

10. How would you evaluate King's advice to aspiring writers in the chapters, What Writing Is, and Toolbox?

(see the answer keys)

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