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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part IV: Chapter 23 A Writer's Decision.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What type of memoirs does Zinsser like reading?
(a) He likes reading immigrant memoirs.
(b) He does not read memoirs.
(c) He likes reading memoirs about other writers and their experiences.
(d) He only reads novels.

2. Which is the simplest sentence?
(a) Simplicity is the direct opposite of clutter.
(b) Simplicity is opporite clutter.
(c) Simplicity is the opposite of clutter.
(d) Simplicity.

3. Why do structured classes miss the point of teaching good writing?
(a) They focus less on talent and more on getting good grades.
(b) They focus more on the writing process than the final product.
(c) They focus more on talent and less on grades.
(d) They focus more on the final product than the writing process.

4. Where did Zinsser learn how to write?
(a) He taught himself.
(b) From reading the New York Herald.
(c) From reading good books.
(d) He learned while he was deployed during WWII.

5. Does Zinsser ever use humor in his writing?
(a) No, he is not a funny guy.
(b) Yes, he uses it to humanize his writing and add his own personal voice.
(c) Sometimes, but only when he knows it will be perceived as funny.
(d) Never, he is against humorous writing.

Short Answer Questions

1. What advice does Zinsser give to employees who want to change business writing?

2. What period of writing constantly used semicolons?

3. What is the transaction in writing?

4. What is a natural inclination for writers when they start a piece?

5. His article was supposed to be about his impressions of salt caravans, why didn't he write more about this?

(see the answer key)

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