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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 is the best way to learn to write with humor?
(a) Hang out with funny people.
(b) Read other humorous writing and emulate those styles.
(c) Practice saying funny things aloud to friends and family.
(d) Go to comedy shows.

2. How can uncluttered writing help fiction?
(a) It keeps people's attention longer.
(b) It highlights the impotant parts of the story.
(c) It keeps the meaning of the story clear and the prose worth the reader's time.
(d) It keeps books smaller and people like smaller books.

3. What does Zinsser do before submitting a piece of writing?
(a) He edits everything three times.
(b) He has his wife read his work.
(c) He reads everything aloud.
(d) He submits his writing to his family.

4. What is a natural inclination for writers when they start a piece?
(a) They ramble through an unnecessary introduction.
(b) They don't give enough background information.
(c) Writers assume readers know nothing about what they are writing about.
(d) They assume the readers know what they are writing about.

5. Does skipping grammar check save a writer time?
(a) No, they have to do line edits anyways to check grammar.
(b) Yes, it is one less thing the writer has to do.
(c) No. It harms the writer, and makes more work for them and the editors.
(d) Yes. It is uneccessary since the editor can check grammer.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are two tools every writer should use?

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

3. Has the period of political euphemisms improved since the Vietnam War?

4. What does Zissner believe authors are fearful of in their writing?

5. What are some limitations of perfect grammar?

(see the answer key)

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