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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What response does White offer to a confused student at Newton High School?
(a) He never set out to achieve an identifiable style in his writing.
(b) A style of writing is like a coat that a writer puts on.
(c) He set out to deliberately achieve an identifiable style in his writing.
(d) A style of writing is like an alter-ego for a writer.

2. In White's opinion, how different is the New Yorker in the 1950s?
(a) No different than it was in the 1920s.
(b) Completely different than it was in the 1920s.
(c) Slightly different than it was in the 1920s.
(d) Moderately different than it was in the 1920s.

3. As he explains to his stepson, why is White not writing?
(a) He does not have an idea for a story.
(b) He is having bouts of dizziness.
(c) He has too many ideas for stories.
(d) He is taking an intentional vacation.

4. When is the children's concert of "The Trumpet of the Swan" performed?
(a) April 15, 1971.
(b) April 15, 1972.
(c) May 13, 1972.
(d) May 13, 1971.

5. When does White write to his agent about his reservations of a Czech producer's plans for a movie about "Charlotte's Web"?
(a) 1974.
(b) 1971.
(c) 1972.
(d) 1973.

6. Which city's orchestra does White adapt "The Trumpet of the Swan" for?
(a) Allentown.
(b) Pittsburgh.
(c) Philadelphia.
(d) Lancaster.

7. When does White inform his publisher that he thinks "Charlotte's Web" appeals more to adults than children?
(a) In October, 1952.
(b) In June, 1952.
(c) In October, 1953.
(d) In June, 1953.

8. How many copies of "The Elements of Style" have been sold?
(a) Four million copies.
(b) Ten million copies.
(c) Eight million copies.
(d) More than ten million copies.

9. How does White explain his fascination with spiders in a letter?
(a) He watched one spin a web.
(b) He had a conversation with one.
(c) He saw a unique looking spider on his farm.
(d) He studied them by reading a book about spiders.

10. In a memo to Harold Ross, how many inches does White say that the height of taxi cab doors are?
(a) Twenty eight inches.
(b) Fifty eight inches.
(c) Thirty eight inches.
(d) Forty eight inches.

11. What does the Dirksen amendment involve?
(a) A new grading system for schools.
(b) A shortened school day for students.
(c) A longer school day for students.
(d) Voluntary prayer in school.

12. How many letters of condolence does White receive after Katharine's passing?
(a) Over five hundred.
(b) Three hundred.
(c) Four hundred.
(d) Two hundred.

13. What is the subject of the article that White's granddaughter, Martha, writes?
(a) Fishing.
(b) Jogging.
(c) Writing.
(d) Exercising.

14. Which colleges are included in the list that White mentions as receiving portions of Katharine's books?
(a) Cornell, Yale, and Harvard.
(b) Cornell and Yale.
(c) Yale and Harvard.
(d) Cornell and Harvard.

15. In a letter to his brother, Stanley, what does White fear the surgeons will find in his abdomen during an operation?
(a) Shad roe.
(b) Fiddlehead ferns.
(c) Ahi Carpaccio.
(d) Shrimp newburg.

Short Answer Questions

1. In his letter to fifth grade students, how many sheep does White say that he has?

2. Which Maine Senator does White write to in opposition of the Dirksen amendment?

3. What examples does White include in a memo as entrances that would infuriate people if they were the same height as a taxi cab door?

4. In 1956, why is Katharine still at the New Yorker?

5. In a letter to James Thurber, what injury does White sustain while falling onto an awning?

(see the answer keys)

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