View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gardner say brings together groups of young writers who, even in the absence of superb teachers, can be of help to one another?

2. In Chapter 2, Gardner states, "A writer does not become better by being ____."

3. Where is one of the oldest and best known writing workshops?

4. What experimental writer does Gardner mention having been moved and delighted by in Chapter 2?

5. What literary magazine does Gardner publish?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Gardner open Chapter 3 with, regarding the young writer's focus on publication?

2. Where does the author's manuscript go after he reviews the copywriter's corrections?

3. How does Gardner explain the detailed letter from an editor and the author's choice of revision?

4. What does Gardner say in regard to literary dynasties and writing workshops in Chapter 2?

5. What does Gardner write of the standard technique of teaching writing in Chapter 2?

6. What autobiographical experiences does Gardner relate regarding editors in Chapter 3?

7. Why must a teacher avoid projecting their aesthetic view on writers?

8. What does Gardner write about rejection letters in Chapter 3?

9. What does Gardner say of finding support for the author in Chapter 3?

10. What does Gardner say in the beginning of Chapter 2 regarding author education and state funding?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss what Gardner refers to as "faith" in the final chapter. Where does the author find faith? How should the author go about escaping writer's block?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss what Gardner refers to as "special intelligence" in the writer. How does Gardner's definition of intelligence differ from the dictionary definition?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the qualities which make a good or a bad teacher in a fiction writing class. What are some of the "red flags" which indicate an author should leave the program?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 769 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample