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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. There is another element in the making of a good writer according to King's statements. What is it?
2. What kind of verbs does King recommend be used when writing?
3. How does King feel about figures of speech?
4. King also suggests limiting speaker attributes. What are speaker attributes?
5. Which speaker attributes does King find acceptable for the majority of dialogue?
Short Essay Questions
1. What is the second most important tool according to King?
2. King believes in writers bringing their 'toolbox' with them when writing. Why is he so impassioned with the concept of a toolbox?
3. In the chapter, On Writing, King says a writer can improve his work by reading. How does the advice given by King 'to read' improve a writer's work?
4. In the chapter, On Writing, King explains that description should be the smallest amount possible. How would you evaluate King's beliefs on writing description?
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. In the chapter, On Writing, King states that a writer should 'write what he knows'. What ideas justify this statement?
7. What evidence can you find about King's feelings on Strunk and White's Elements of Style?
8. In the chapter, On Writing, King states that writer's retreats and creative writing classes are unnecessary. Why did King consider these opportunities a waste of time?
9. King also said 'to not write in fear'. What do you think he means by this statement? Explain in your own words.
10. King stated aspiring writers should not use speaker attributes other than said. What are speaker attributes and why would King warn against using them?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
King mentions many elements as being important to good writing: limiting the use of adverbs, writing in the active voice instead of the passive voice, the use of speaker attributes other than said, and paragraph length. How would you prioritize these elements and why?
Essay Topic 2
King believes that certain preparations are unnecessary and even harmful to aspiring writers. He mentions creative writing courses and writers' retreats. What does he have to say about these two options for writers? Explain using your own words.
Essay Topic 3
What was the single most important factor in King's early success in his writing career? Back up your statements with illustrations from the book, On Writing.
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This section contains 1,165 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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