- 1. The Elements of Style, written by William Strunk Jr. and later revised and expanded by E. B. White, is a seminal guide to writing in the English language that has remained influential since its first publication in 1918. Rooted in the principles of clarity, brevity, and precision, this work articulates fundamental rules of usage and composition that are essential for effective communication. Strunk, originally a professor at Cornell University, structured the book as a concise manual, emphasizing that good writing is a product of labor and a firm grasp of the mechanics of language. E. B. White, renowned for his own literary contributions, infused the text with warmth and a personal touch, expanding the original framework to include insightful examples and a deeper exploration of the nuances of style. The Elements of Style advocates for simplicity and the avoidance of unnecessary jargon, encouraging writers to prioritize the reader's understanding. Its guidance on grammar, punctuation, and composition is both practical and timeless, making it an essential resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wishes to express themselves clearly and effectively. The enduring nature of its insights on the importance of writing well reflects its authors' belief that clarity is critical in a rapidly changing world, and their work continues to serve as a cornerstone for writers seeking to refine their craft.
Which writer revised and expanded the original 'Elements of Style'?
A) E. B. White
B) F. Scott Fitzgerald
C) Ernest Hemingway
D) William Faulkner
- 2. What is the first rule in the 'Elementary Rules of Usage' section?
A) Omit needless words.
B) Use the active voice.
C) Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding 's.
D) Place a comma before a conjunction introducing an independent clause.
- 3. What is the famous advice regarding wordiness?
A) Omit needless words.
B) Repeat yourself for emphasis.
C) Use long, descriptive sentences.
D) Adverbs are essential for clarity.
- 4. Which voice does the book strongly recommend using?
A) Imperative voice
B) Active voice
C) Passive voice
D) Subjunctive voice
- 5. How should independent clauses joined by a conjunction be punctuated?
A) With a comma before the conjunction.
B) With no punctuation.
C) With a colon before the conjunction.
D) With a semicolon after the conjunction.
- 6. What is the recommended approach to using the word 'very'?
A) Avoid it; it is often unnecessary.
B) Only use it in formal writing.
C) It is the best modifier.
D) Use it for strong emphasis.
- 7. What is the book's stance on using 'contact' as a verb?
A) It is only for business writing.
B) It is the preferred modern term.
C) It is considered vague and amateurish.
D) It is more formal than 'call' or 'write.'
- 8. What is the recommended placement for the word 'only'?
A) It should be placed before the word it modifies.
B) It should always end the sentence.
C) It should always begin the sentence.
D) Its placement does not affect meaning.
- 9. What is the advice regarding the use of a colloquialism?
A) It is interchangeable with jargon.
B) Avoid it in formal writing.
C) It is the foundation of good style.
D) Use it to sound more relatable.
- 10. How should a sentence not be ended?
A) With a preposition
B) With an exclamation point
C) With a question mark
D) With a period
- 11. What is the final chapter of the book primarily about?
A) A history of punctuation
B) An approach to style
C) A biography of Strunk
D) A glossary of terms
- 12. How does the book advise writers to express themselves?
A) Use abstract and theoretical language.
B) Use vague and general language.
C) Use complex and ornate language.
D) Use definite, specific, concrete language.
- 13. Which of these is NOT one of the book's principal requirements of plain English style?
A) Revise and rewrite.
B) Place yourself in the background.
C) Write with nouns and verbs.
D) Use long sentences.
- 14. What is the book's advice on using figures of speech?
A) Use them sparingly.
B) Use only similes, not metaphors.
C) Use them in every paragraph.
D) Avoid them completely.
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