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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the old view of nonfiction?

2. What does reading aloud do for the writer?

3. Can good writing be taught?

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

5. What happens when a product of writing is never read?

Short Essay Questions

1. Writers are told to study the market before submitting pieces. Why is this advice irrelevant?

2. Who is the real audience in a piece of writing?

3. Who does Zinsser say are the worst writers guilty of clutter?

4. What does the surgeon in Chapter 1 think about writing?

5. What skills does an interviewer need to possess?

6. Why does the English language change all the time? Can you give an example of a language that never changes and why?

7. What is the major problem with American writing in terms of simplicity?

8. Why are rhythm and sound important in writing? What should writers do to improve this aspect of their writing?

9. Do gimmicks usually work in good writing?

10. What is unity in writing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you believe that everyone can write well as Zinsser mentions? Or do you think that a writer must have a natural gift for the written word? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

What is clutter within an article and how does Zinsser suggest writers cut it out? Are there times when clutter would be a good think to have within a sentence or paragraph? Was it hard for you to recognize clutter within your own writing?

Essay Topic 3

What do you think about Zinsser's attitude towards writing, especially in terms of his reaction to the doctor that loves to write at the beginning of the book? At times it feels as though he is all business and no fun. Do you find writing a chore or a pleasure?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 762 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample