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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part III: Chapter 16 Business Writing: Writing in Your Job.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When should a writer choose the point of view in a piece of writing?
(a) The point of view can be determined after the writer figures out who will be the main character.
(b) THe point of view should be determined once the writing is finished and ready for editing.
(c) A writer should determine the point of view before writing a new piece.
(d) It doesn't matter when the point of view is established.

2. What does Zinsser think about writing memoirs?
(a) He thinks memoirs are tacky writers.
(b) He is against memoirs and thinks writers should never write about themselves.
(c) He likes memoirs and reads them constantly.
(d) He encourages them and wants writers to stop being afraid about writing about themselves.

3. What could cause a writer to write unclear?
(a) Not having brainstormed enough.
(b) Not having enough experience.
(c) Not knowing what they want to say.
(d) Not taking any writing classes.

4. What period of writing constantly used semicolons?
(a) The 17th century.
(b) All modern writing uses semicolons constantly.
(c) Only 18th century England.
(d) The 19th century.

5. What does Zinsser think about this misconception?
(a) He states anyone can write about anything if his approach is correct.
(b) He disagrees with it, but offers no reason why.
(c) He agrees with it and thinks writers can never understand complex scientific theories.
(d) He agrees with it and thinks scientists cannot write at all.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is jargon, or corporate speak, so prevalent in business writing?

2. Why do journalists need to perfect uncluttered writing?

3. What is Zissner's point of view on the debate between literature and journalism?

4. What does the process of memoir writing do for a writer?

5. How rigid are the lines between proper and improper English usage?

(see the answer key)

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