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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. King gives the example of John Grisham as a writer. What does he say about Grisham?
(a) Grisham is a lawyer who wrote about his profession, though the situations in his novels were not realistic.
(b) Grisham ignores the adage write what you know.
(c) Grisham is a highly skilled writer who wrote about realistic legal situations.
(d) Grisham became an excellent writer after researching courtroom drama.

2. What does King believe is necessary to create strong characters?
(a) The reader should have no problem identifying the good characters from the bad ones.
(b) They should be clearly defined but interesting.
(c) They should be multidimensional.
(d) They should be clearly defined by their actions.

3. Does King feel that a writer should blindly follow all the rules in the book he recommends?
(a) No. He feels some of the rules are 'a little over the top'.
(b) Yes, because these rules are the ultimate authority.
(c) Yes, but the writer should remember and use the exceptions, too.
(d) Yes. They are excellent rules.

4. What book does King recommend for grammar study?
(a) Prentice-Hall Handbook of Grammar.
(b) Betty Azar's Understanding and Using English Grammar.
(c) Strunk and White's Elements of Style.
(d) Any good high school grammar text.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. In order to ignore a grammar rule, what does King believe must be observed?

4. With respect to vocabulary, King states that __________ does not matter:

5. From King's statements, what element should be used to illustrate a character?

Short Essay Questions

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

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. 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?

5. What is the second most important tool according to King?

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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