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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How are writers like painters?
(a) Painters start with models and then learn to create in they own way. Writers use formulas then find their own voice.
(b) Writing isn't like painting at all. Neither has anything in common with the other.
(c) They both have the freedom of creativity with no rules that bind them.
(d) Writers and painters will destory their work if it is not to their expectations.

2. Does ZInsser give in to his editor's changes?
(a) Yes, they are the editors after all.
(b) No. He tends to fight them constantly.
(c) Sometimes, only when they are worth it.
(d) No, and he never gives in.

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

4. What does the fear cause writers to do?
(a) It will stop the flow of information.
(b) It will keep writers away from discovering new subjects.
(c) It will lead to excessively bad writing.
(d) It will make writers stop writing.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Zinsser make sure his paragraphs do?

2. What is a second approach Zinsser recommends that complements the first approach mentioned?

3. What did he love about the New York Herald?

4. Where did Zinsser learn how to write?

5. How does Zinsser end his travel article that he wrote about Timbuktu?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a major pitfall of sports writers?

2. Why is humor the most powerful tool for a nonfiction writer?

3. Why are Americans scared to write about themselves?

4. Why should writers forget about the final product when they are writing?

5. What are some of the hardest parts of writing about performances?

6. Explain some of the choices that writers have to take when editing?

7. How does Zinsser feel about writing when a writer doesn't want to? Why do writers have this luxury?

8. Why is corporate speak the norm in business writing?

9. Why is there an attitude that certain people are only meant to learn certain subjects and skills like writing or science?

10. Should sports writers add their opinions in sports articles?

(see the answer keys)

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