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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 does King feel about figures of speech?
(a) He thinks that writers should use other ways of transmitting their thoughts.
(b) He thinks they should be used extensively.
(c) He says they should be avoided.
(d) He says a writer should avoid similes and metaphors that are cliché and make little sense.

2. At what point does King try to add symbolism to his work?
(a) In the first draft.
(b) When it seems to be important to do so.
(c) While editing the novel.
(d) In the second draft.

3. What does King's uncle inherit?
(a) The house.
(b) A large toolbox.
(c) A car.
(d) A silver watch.

4. When does King hold himself to the minimum number of words per day?
(a) While writing the first draft of all his novels.
(b) When working under a deadline.
(c) While he is revising his work.
(d) During a period of writer's block.

5. What is King's most important injunction to writers?
(a) Writers must work every day.
(b) Writers should be honest.
(c) Writers must be original.
(d) Writers need to have their own space.

Short Answer Questions

1. King claims __________ is the second most important tool in a writer's toolbox.

2. With respect to vocabulary, King states that __________ does not matter:

3. How could the object King's uncle inherits be described?

4. In conclusion, what is the chapter, Toolbox, about?

5. In addition to comments on paragraphs, King mentions one other feature of the page. What is it?

Short Essay Questions

1. Both with vocabulary and 'above all else' King emphasizes honesty. Explain 'honesty' according to King and in your own words.

2. What is King trying to tell the aspiring writer about finding his voice?

3. What inference can you make from King's claim in On Writing that a writer should have a specific space in which to work?

4. Explain the significance of King's statement that a good writer can become an excellent writer, but a bad writer will always be a bad writer according to King in On Writing.

5. What are some of the most important aspects of grammar that an aspiring writer should observe according to King?

6. How would you evaluate King's advice to aspiring writers in the chapters, What Writing Is, and Toolbox?

7. In the chapter, On Writing, King says some critics of his work claim that he is a hack. What is a hack and what evidence can you find to support the statement that King is a hack?

8. In the chapter, On Writing, King states every writer should have an agent. Why does he believe this to be important?

9. What is the second most important tool according to King?

10. King also said 'to not write in fear'. What do you think he means by this statement? Explain in your own words.

(see the answer keys)

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