Sample test questions
a. using jargon
b. simple sentences
c. lots of big words
d. leaving out many facts
The strongest words in the English language are
a. nouns and verbs
b. adjectives and adverbs
c. prepositions and conjunctions
d. interjections and pronouns
News writers who use big words when simple ones would do and who use more words than are necessary so that they can make what they write appear more important are writing
a. jargon
b. clichés
c. bureaucratese
d. intelligent prose
True or False. Most people find that good, simple, clear writing is fairly easy and just takes a little practice.
True or False. Jargon is a specialized language that should be avoided in writing for the mass media.
One of the reasons that writing is such hard work is that it
a. takes a lot of time to learn to use a typewriter or word processor
b. is hard to learn the rules
c. takes a long time to produce very little
d. is something that must be done alone
True or False. One of the ways to achieve simplicity in writing is to use compound and complex sentences.
“These are the times that try men’s souls.”
“I have a dream.”
“To be or not to be; that is the question.”
We remember all of these famous sayings because of their
a. erudition
b. simplicity
c. complexity
d. syntax
True or False. Writers should never edit their own copy – it’s too painful.
True or False. Clichés were once out of fashion with most writers, but now they are generally accepted as promoting clear, fresh writing.
What are the four prerequisites to good writing?
a. know the tools of the trade
b. know your subject
c. write it down
d. rewrite what you have written
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