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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. With respect to vocabulary, King states that __________ does not matter:
(a) The beauty of a writer's vocabulary.
(b) Whether a writer's vocabulary is highly educated or simple.
(c) The extent of a writer's vocabulary.
(d) The cleverness of a writer's vocabulary.

2. How does King suggest writers improve their vocabulary?
(a) By carrying vocabulary/definition cards with them at all times and practicing.
(b) He doesn't believe they should strive to do so.
(c) By reading extensively.
(d) By learning two or three new words per day.

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

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

5. What does King feel he will accomplish with his technique regarding description?
(a) He urges the writer to work more on his dialogues.
(b) He doesn not want the reader to become an active participant in the creative process.
(c) He is leaving some things to the reader's imagination.
(d) He believes that a reader is unimpressed by description.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to King, what is the most important tool for a writer?

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

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

4. What does King consider to be a writer's practice?

5. How does King feel about writers improving their work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain King's beliefs on vocabulary.

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. In the chapter, On Writing, King says some critics of his work claim that he is a hack. What is a hack and what evidence can you find to support the statement that King is a hack?

4. 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.

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

6. What inference can you make from King's claim in On Writing that a writer should have a specific space in which to work?

7. 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?

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

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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