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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part III: Chapter 18 Writing About the Arts: Critics and Columnists.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Zinsser's preferred method for interviewing?
(a) He likes audio recorders.
(b) He doesn't use anything. He just listens.
(c) He likes to use pens and markers.
(d) He likes to use pencils and paper.

2. What is a strange but effective way of proofreading to check for errors?
(a) Reading under a blacklight.
(b) Reading through a window.
(c) Reading a story upside down.
(d) Reading a piece backwards.

3. What trap do journalists and editors fall into often?
(a) Usin too many dashes.
(b) Using too many commas.
(c) Not doing grammar checks.
(d) Using cliches and made up words.

4. What is a requirement for good literary criticism?
(a) Having a comparitive literature degress.
(b) Subscribing to arts magazines.
(c) Knowing the subject that the writer wants to write about.
(d) Frequenting the theatre often.

5. Why do criticism writers have to be at a higher level than other writers?
(a) Criticism writers are no different. They still need to use the same basic rules of writing.
(b) Criticism is harder to write about because it tends to be less attractive than other writing.
(c) Only those able to understand the arts can write about them, and very little people can.
(d) Criticism need to be stronger at literary elements because they need to recreate a scene or a song in the imagination of their readers with words only.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is another important characteristic of a writer?

2. What does Zinsser do before submitting a piece of writing?

3. Why is it important for writers to read constantly?

4. Can a writer simply write the article with one interview?

5. Does Zissner believe in the journalism model for good writing?

(see the answer key)

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