Checking my answers?
1)the loss of valence electrons from an atom produces an anion.

a. true
b. false

false

2)nonmetals typically react by gaining electrons to attain noble gas electron configurations.

a. true
b. false

false

1) False

An anion is a negative ion. When an atom loses valence electrons (i.e. loses negative charge) it becomes a positive ion (called cation, not anion).

2)  True

Non metals are at the right side of the periodic table. Those elements tipically have more than four valence electrons (except C which has 4 valence electrons). Then, by gaining some electrons (the number depends on the number of valence electrons that the non metal has),  they can complete the 8 valence electrons configuration of the nobles gases.