On Writing Well audiobook cover - The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

On Writing Well

The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

William Zinsser

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On Writing Well
Core Principles+
Style & Voice+
Word Choice+
Structure & Consistency+
Beginnings & Endings+
Polishing & Pitfalls+
Mindset & Process+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10
According to the text, what is the foundational secret to good writing?
  • A. Expanding your vocabulary to impress the reader with complex words.
  • B. Simplicity, which is achieved through clear thinking and decluttering the mind.
  • C. Adding multiple clauses to sentences to build robust and bulletproof arguments.
  • D. Mastering the extensive use of adjectives and adverbs to paint a vivid picture.
Question 2 of 10
What technique does the author suggest as a shortcut to finding your natural writing flow and authentic style?
  • A. Imitating the style of famous authors like Hemingway.
  • B. Writing exclusively in the third person to maintain professional objectivity.
  • C. Using an AI generator to draft the first paragraph to overcome writer's block.
  • D. Writing in the first person so you sound more relaxed and less stilted.
Question 3 of 10
Why should writers strictly avoid using clichés like 'a diamond in the rough'?
  • A. They signal to the reader that the piece will lack surprises or originality.
  • B. They are too difficult for general audiences to understand without context.
  • C. They disrupt the aural rhythm of a sentence when read aloud.
  • D. They make the writer sound overly academic and detached.
Question 4 of 10
What is the author's rule of thumb regarding the use of neologisms (newly-coined words) in writing?
  • A. They should be entirely avoided to keep the writing timeless.
  • B. They should only be used in informal formats like emails and blog posts.
  • C. They are acceptable and useful as long as they fill a real linguistic need.
  • D. They should be used frequently to show the reader you are modern and relevant.
Question 5 of 10
What is a common mistake that causes a piece of writing to become incoherent, as illustrated by the Italy travel story?
  • A. Including too many personal anecdotes and comic mishaps.
  • B. Failing to provide enough geographical facts and statistics.
  • C. Shifting tone, intention, or perspective abruptly from one paragraph to the next.
  • D. Focusing too narrowly on a specific topic rather than giving a broad overview.
Question 6 of 10
How does the author recommend writers handle the conclusion of a piece?
  • A. Write a comprehensive summary of all the main arguments.
  • B. End with a punchy cliché to leave a lasting emotional impression.
  • C. Introduce a new, surprising perspective to keep the reader thinking.
  • D. Stop writing as soon as all facts and arguments have been laid out.
Question 7 of 10
When polishing prose, which part of speech does the author argue is generally a 'waste of space' and adds unnecessary clutter?
  • A. Strong verbs
  • B. Adverbs
  • C. Nouns
  • D. Active verbs
Question 8 of 10
Why does the author advise against using qualifiers like 'a little,' 'quite,' or 'sort of'?
  • A. They dilute the strength and precision of your statements.
  • B. They make the writing sound too aggressive and confrontational.
  • C. They are grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
  • D. They force the writer to use the passive voice.
Question 9 of 10
What danger does the author associate with fixating too much on the finished product or original concept of a story?
  • A. It forces the writer to spend too much time researching unnecessary details.
  • B. It prevents the writer from paying attention to how the story is naturally evolving.
  • C. It leads to an overuse of the first-person perspective.
  • D. It causes the writer to accidentally plagiarize other published works.
Question 10 of 10
According to the text's actionable advice, why should writers forget the rule about never starting a sentence with 'But'?
  • A. It makes the writing sound more academic and thoroughly researched.
  • B. It is a useful tool to signpost a shift in direction or mood for the reader.
  • C. It helps to conceal a weak or half-baked argument.
  • D. It automatically converts a passive sentence into an active one.

On Writing Well — Full Chapter Overview

On Writing Well Summary & Overview

On Writing Well (1976) by William Zinsser is an indispensable guide to the art and craft of nonfiction writing. Adapted from Zinsser’s writing course at Yale University, this handbook introduces the principles of good writing in a warm, accessible way. What’s more, it’s packed with tips, tricks, and tools for polishing prose to perfection.

Who Should Listen to On Writing Well?

  • Beginner writers who feel intimidated by the blank page
  • Storytellers who want to tame their sentences and sharpen their skills
  • Professionals who know that writing well is non-negotiable

About the Author: William Zinsser

William Zinsser, an acclaimed journalist and essayist, authored 19 books on topics ranging from baseball to jazz. In the 1970s, Zinsser was head of Yale University’s influential writing workshop. His craft books, including On Writing Well and Writing to Learn, are regarded as classics in the genre.

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