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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. According to King, what goes in the top of the writer's toolbox?
(a) The most important tools for writing.
(b) Study and preparation through classwork.
(c) A grounding in literature.
(d) Practice in writing.

2. On certain occasions, King believes that grammar rules _________ .
(a) May be played with.
(b) Can be ignored.
(c) Can be explained casually to the reader.
(d) Should be discussed between characters.

3. How does King use theme in his novels?
(a) To illustrate otherwise obscure points.
(b) To guide the plot along.
(c) To create a moral in his work.
(d) To help him stay on course.

4. King claims he works on all of the following days except one. Which day does King not work?
(a) Easter.
(b) New Year's Day.
(c) Thanksgiving Day.
(d) His birthday.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to King, which element of a novel is less important than aspiring writers might believe?

2. According to King, what is the best technique to use with description?

3. How does King paint the main character from The Dead Zone?

4. In order to ignore a grammar rule, what does King believe must be observed?

5. What activity might cause King to work on days he normally doesn't work?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

2. Explain King's beliefs on vocabulary.

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

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

5. In the chapter, On Writing, King says characters should be multi-dimensional. What motive is there for trying to give all characters evil, as well as good, characteristics?

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

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

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

9. Why does King believe that adverbs, especially those ending in -ly are unnecessary?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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