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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Dillard wrote in Roanoke, Virginia, what did she long for upon coming home after writing?
(a) A dreamless sleep.
(b) A tolerant giant to soothe her.
(c) Cigarettes and coffee.
(d) Sleeping till noon.

2. When a writer is stuck while writing a book, what does Dillard think he should do?
(a) Write, no matter what.
(b) Do crosswords to stimulate the brain.
(c) Read books that are similar.
(d) Nothing but think about it.

3. Saint-Pol-Roux used to hang what sign on his door while he slept?
(a) "The poet is working."
(b) "Do not disturb."
(c) "Resting is writing."
(d) "Dream in progress."

4. Oftentimes, what part of Dillard's work must be edited out?
(a) The opening paragraph.
(b) The best-written part.
(c) The typos and misspellings.
(d) The dialogue.

5. According to Dillard, how do painters work as opposed to writers?
(a) Painters work from the ground up, writers from left to right.
(b) Painters work with their hands, writers with their heads.
(c) Painters work with color, writers with black and white.
(d) Painters work on a blank canvas, writers on a computer.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does Dillard compare writing a book?

2. Which insect is discussed in the book as part of an entomological experiment?

3. What does Dillard say many people prefer to the written word?

4. When Dillard relays a story about a cabdriver singing a boring song, why did the driver sing it twice?

5. Where does the "line of words" go at the end of Chapter 1?

(see the answer key)

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