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On Writing Well Quiz

William Zinsser

This Study Guide consists of approximately 36 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of On Writing Well.

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

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+Chapters Summary and Analysis

Part I: Chapter 1 The Transaction

Part I: Chapter 2 Simplicity

Part I: Chapter 3 Clutter

Part I: Chapter 4 Style

Part I: Chapter 5 The Audience

Part I: Chapter 6 Words

Part I: Chapter 7 Usage

Part II: Chapter 8 Unity

Part II: Chapter 9 The Lead and the Ending

Part II: Chapter 10 Bits & Pieces

Part III: Chapter 11 Nonfiction as Literature

Part III: Chapter 12 Writing About People: The Interview

Part III: Chapter 13 Writing About Places: The Travel Article

Part III: Chapter 14 Writing About Yourself: The Memoir

Part III: Chapter 15 Science and Technology

Part III: Chapter 16 Business Writing: Writing in Your Job

Part III: Chapter 17 Sports

Part III: Chapter 18 Writing About the Arts: Critics and Columnists

Part III: Chapter 19 Humor

Part IV: Chapter 20 The Sound of Your Voice

Part IV: Chapter 21 Enjoyment, Fear and Confidence

Part IV: Chapter 22 The Tyranny of the Final Product

Part IV: Chapter 23 A Writer's Decision

Part IV: Chapter 24 Write as Well as You Can

Themes

Style

Quotes

Topics for Discussion

Order our On Writing Well Study Guide

On Writing Well Quiz

William Zinsser

This Study Guide consists of approximately 36 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of On Writing Well.

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Buy and download the On Writing Well Study Guide

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Take our free On Writing Well quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

Directions: Click on the correct answer.

Questions 1-5 of 25:

1.

Why is consistency in verb tense so important? (from Part II: Chapter 8 Unity)

It is important for the development of characters, and to set up a plot.

It is important so that verbs don't get confused with nouns.

Very tense consistency is important so that the reader does not become lost in the timing of events.

It is important for slower readers to follow along.

2.

How rigid are the lines between proper and improper English usage? (from Part I: Chapter 7 Usage)

There is a grey area, though the need for proper English is most important.

They are very rigid and one cannot cross the line.

They are very soft, and not rigid at all.

There are no lines at all. Every writer has a poetic license to do with words what he or she pleases.

3.

Should a writer use different voices for different types of writing? (from Part IV: Chapter 20 The Sound of Your Voice)

Yes. Different situations call for different voices and types of writing.

No, a writer cannot use the same voice when writing about politics and jazz.

No, it will make it seem like the writer has a personality disorder.

No, a reader should always stick to his or her voice. No matter what.

4.

What are the two components of the original Roget's Thesaurus? (from Part I: Chapter 6 Words)

A dictionary listing of words, and a numberd section with synonyms arranged in broad concepts.

Antonyms with very in depth definitions.

A dictionary of antonyms, and one of synonyms.

A list of synonyms and their definitions with pictures on one side.

5.

How does Zinsser approach unusual words? (from Part I: Chapter 7 Usage)

He is very conservative and will never cross a proper word line.

He is very welcoming of a transforming English language.

He is modern when it comes to English, but would rather keep it simple.

He accepts some, but not all.

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