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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. King also suggests limiting speaker attributes. What are speaker attributes?

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

3. In the chapter, Toolbox, what advice does King give the reader?

4. There is an old adage in writing: write what you know. How does King feel about this?

5. What does King's uncle inherit?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

7. Explain King's beliefs on vocabulary.

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

9. 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?

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

King discusses several reasons for allowing others to read a book after the first draft and before the second draft. What are these reasons and why would they be valuable to the author? Answer based on King's opinion citing examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

What conclusions can you draw from King's statements about a writer having his own space in which to work? What alternatives are there for those people who want to write but find it impossible to obtain a space in their living quarters?

Essay Topic 3

King is a prolific writer yet he mentions writer's block in several places in the book, On Writing. Do you think this has been a hindrance in King's writing? What judgment would you make about King's frustration with writer's block? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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