ACT English : Introductions, Transitions, and Conclusions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Introductions, Transitions, And Conclusions
Josh and Mary, who have been married for several years, told us the story of the early years of their relationship. They first met on a cold day in December of 1993. They were very different--Josh was an artist and spent his days painting murals, and his nights bartending. Mary was on the fast track to a partnership at a law firm. At first, Josh was not sure he was interested. Mary felt it was love at first sight. Over time, as their relationship developed, Josh could not imagine his life without Mary anymore, so he suggested that they get married. They have been living happily in the country ever since.
The author is considering adding a concluding sentence to this paragraph. Which of the following sentences would provide the strongest conclusion?
Josh and Mary are proof that sometimes people can surprise you.
I also know another married couple that lives on their street.
Josh is no longer a bartender.
Josh is a better cook than Mary.
I don't know why they moved out of the city.
Josh and Mary are proof that sometimes people can surprise you.
This question asks you to select the best conclusion for the paragraph. The best option, "Josh and Mary are proof that sometimes people can surprise you," sums up the thesis of the paragraph--that a couple who did not initially seem like a good match ended up being happy together. The other options do not provide satisfying conclusions, but merely introduce new information.
Example Question #22 : Revising Content
Josh and Mary, who have been married for several years, told us the story of the early years of their relationship. They first met on a cold day in December of 1993. They were very different--Josh was an artist and spent his days painting murals, and his nights bartending. Mary was on the fast track to a partnership at a law firm. At first, Josh was not sure he was interested. Mary felt it was love at first sight. Over time, as their relationship developed, Josh could not imagine his life without Mary anymore, so he suggested that they get married. They have been living happily in the country ever since.
The author is considering adding an introductory sentence to the beginning of the paragraph. Which sentence would be the most effective introduction?
Most married couples end up living in the country.
People should not get married unless they are very similar, and here is one example.
NONE OF THESE
My friend Mary has many hobbies, including golfing and scrapbooking.
My friends seem like a perfect couple, but they almost didn't get together.
My friends seem like a perfect couple, but they almost didn't get together.
This question asks you to select the most appropriate introductory sentence for a paragraph. The best choice adds context and establishes the topic of the paragraph. The phrase "My friends seem like a perfect couple" explains how the narrator knows the characters, and the statement "but they almost didn't get together" foreshadows the story that expands this conflict. The other options are off topic for this paragraph or make sweeping generalizations that are not supported by the paragraph's content.
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