View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 computer, or a pad of paper, and perhaps some music.
(d) A telephone, a desk, and a computer.

2. According to King, what is the most important tool for a writer?
(a) An excellent computer.
(b) Vocabulary.
(c) Lots of notes.
(d) Good typing skills.

3. How does King define vocabulary?
(a) A knowledge of words used by different people that you are going to write about.
(b) An essential tool for good writing.
(c) Good words and knowledge of how to use them.
(d) The sum of the words you know.

4. 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.

5. Why does King emphasize the importance of reading?
(a) He believes a writer learns his craft from reading.
(b) He thinks that writers need to see what other writers are writing about.
(c) He wants writers to appreciate different styles of writing.
(d) He feels that writers need to widen their horizons.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a common characteristic of adverbs?

2. At what point does King try to add symbolism to his work?

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

4. According to King, what is the best technique to use with description?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In the chapter, On Writing, King states that a writer should 'write what he knows'. What ideas justify this statement?

3. 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?

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

5. 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?

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

7. 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.

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 every writer should have an agent. Why does he believe this to be important?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,155 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample