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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. King gives the example of John Grisham as a writer. What does he say about Grisham?
(a) Grisham is a highly skilled writer who wrote about realistic legal situations.
(b) Grisham became an excellent writer after researching courtroom drama.
(c) Grisham ignores the adage write what you know.
(d) Grisham is a lawyer who wrote about his profession, though the situations in his novels were not realistic.

2. There is another element in the making of a good writer according to King's statements. What is it?
(a) To write when the muse strikes.
(b) To write a lot.
(c) To write frequently.
(d) To have definite writing goals.

3. What kind of material should a writer read in order to learn the most from his reading?
(a) Action drama.
(b) Poetry.
(c) In the same genre that he writes.
(d) Bad prose.

4. According to King, what characteristic should a writer's space have?
(a) A quiet place with a radio and a computer.
(b) A calming venue with only a telephone and a computer.
(c) A simple place with little or no distractions.
(d) An office space with files, computer, printer, and a telephone.

5. King claims __________ is the second most important tool in a writer's toolbox.
(a) A good plot.
(b) Grammar.
(c) Beauty of expression.
(d) Theme.

Short Answer Questions

1. King has been called a hack over the years. What is a hack?

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

3. Where does King get the idea for the novel Misery?

4. What does King say about adverbs?

5. What equipment does a writer need according to King?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think King stresses the importance of writing a lot in On Writing?

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

3. King stated aspiring writers should not use speaker attributes other than said. What are speaker attributes and why would King warn against using them?

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

5. 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?

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

7. In the chapter, On Writing, King discusses symbolism and theme as elements best ignored in first drafts. What is the relationship between symbolism and theme in King's work?

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

9. 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.

10. Explain King's beliefs on vocabulary.

(see the answer keys)

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