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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 did his parents teach him that made him a fantastic writer?

2. What is a memoir?

3. How is humor used in writing nonfiction?

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

5. What is the problem with freelance writers and editors today?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Zinsser blame when it comes to focusing on the final prize instead of the work of an article?

2. Why do critics need to be well versed in the art they are writing about?

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

4. What tense do business writer stend to use that hurts their writing?

5. What is a good way to learn how to write with humor? How much humor should be used?

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

7. Why are Americans scared to write about themselves?

8. Does Zinsser think that scientists can write?

9. Why is bad to fall into cliches when travel writing?

10. Why does a writer's fear of new subjects keep him from taking original and interesting projects?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How have you heard the Eiffel Tower described? Regardless of whether you've seen it or not, describe it a different way, positive or negative. Avoid cliches.

Essay Topic 2

What are ways that politicians can better their speech writing style? What are some common political cliches you have heard recently? What is it about cliches that tend to always make it into speeches? Touch on human emotion with your response.

Essay Topic 3

What are some industries that use corporate-speak or jargon in the majority of their writing? Why have these industries continued to use the same type of terrible writing? What can a person in the industry do to change this? Why would they be scared to change the status quo?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 882 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample