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

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

3. According to King, what should dialogue represent?
(a) Speech written as we hear it, i.e. Whatcha ya doin'?
(b) Dialogue should stress the best conversational ability of the characters.
(c) Normal speech.
(d) Conversation between characters.

4. In conclusion, what is the chapter, Toolbox, about?
(a) King's effort to present the mechanics of writing to his readers.
(b) King's feelings about the writing world.
(c) King's beliefs about how to become an excellent writer.
(d) King's analogy on the art of writing.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does King believe about writers who are too busy to read?

2. If used correctly, King believes that dialogue could be what object for a writer?

3. King's comparison of a handyman's toolbox with a writer's tool box is which figure of speech?

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

5. How does King use this advice from his uncle?

Short Essay Questions

1. King believes in writers bringing their 'toolbox' with them when writing. Why is he so impassioned with the concept of a toolbox?

2. 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?

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

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

6. What evidence can you find to support King's claim that plot is less necessary than many would have the writer believe?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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