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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 claims he works on all of the following days except one. Which day does King not work?

2. What action does King believe a writer should take with respect to grammar?

3. What activity might cause King to work on days he normally doesn't work?

4. What equipment does a writer need according to King?

5. According to King, what characteristics should all characters possess?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

7. Explain King's beliefs on vocabulary.

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

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

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

Based on the book, On Writing, what is the most important item in the writer's toolbox? Why is this important? Support your argument with ideas from the text.

Essay Topic 2

What factors in King's childhood and young adulthood influenced his writing? Was King's brother Dave an important influence in King's writing career? Which factors determined the type of writing he does? Give specific examples from the book to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

King has been called a hack. He defends himself by saying that throughout history, other who were called hacks, are now considered important writers. How would you evaluate King's body of work, especially the book, On Writing?

(see the answer keys)

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