- 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) William Faulkner
B) E. B. White
C) Ernest Hemingway
D) F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 2. What is the first rule in the 'Elementary Rules of Usage' section?
A) Place a comma before a conjunction introducing an independent clause.
B) Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding 's.
C) Omit needless words.
D) Use the active voice.
- 3. What is the famous advice regarding wordiness?
A) Repeat yourself for emphasis.
B) Adverbs are essential for clarity.
C) Use long, descriptive sentences.
D) Omit needless words.
- 4. Which voice does the book strongly recommend using?
A) Subjunctive voice
B) Active voice
C) Imperative voice
D) Passive voice
- 5. How should independent clauses joined by a conjunction be punctuated?
A) With a semicolon after the conjunction.
B) With a comma before the conjunction.
C) With a colon before the conjunction.
D) With no punctuation.
- 6. What is the recommended approach to using the word 'very'?
A) Only use it in formal writing.
B) Use it for strong emphasis.
C) Avoid it; it is often unnecessary.
D) It is the best modifier.
- 7. What is the book's stance on using 'contact' as a verb?
A) It is only for business writing.
B) It is more formal than 'call' or 'write.'
C) It is the preferred modern term.
D) It is considered vague and amateurish.
- 8. What is the recommended placement for the word 'only'?
A) Its placement does not affect meaning.
B) It should always end the sentence.
C) It should be placed before the word it modifies.
D) It should always begin the sentence.
- 9. What is the advice regarding the use of a colloquialism?
A) It is the foundation of good style.
B) Avoid it in formal writing.
C) It is interchangeable with jargon.
D) Use it to sound more relatable.
- 10. How should a sentence not be ended?
A) With an exclamation point
B) With a period
C) With a preposition
D) With a question mark
- 11. What is the final chapter of the book primarily about?
A) A glossary of terms
B) A history of punctuation
C) A biography of Strunk
D) An approach to style
- 12. How does the book advise writers to express themselves?
A) Use vague and general language.
B) Use abstract and theoretical language.
C) Use definite, specific, concrete language.
D) Use complex and ornate language.
- 13. Which of these is NOT one of the book's principal requirements of plain English style?
A) Write with nouns and verbs.
B) Use long sentences.
C) Place yourself in the background.
D) Revise and rewrite.
- 14. What is the book's advice on using figures of speech?
A) Use them in every paragraph.
B) Use them sparingly.
C) Avoid them completely.
D) Use only similes, not metaphors.
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