ACT English : Writing and Revising Effectively
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT English
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Example Questions
Example Question #12 : Reorganizing Content
While the course appeared hard from the outset, when his report card arrived in the mail, Charlie had discovered that all of his studying had paid off. He had successfully passed Chemistry: his father would be proud. His father, a world-renowned chemist was doubtful that Charlie would pass the class but Charlie was sure that he could do it. He had spent all of the fall semester studying the periodic table, memorizing different measurements and learning the parts of an atom.
That terrible semester culminated in the final exam. The day of the big test, his stomach is a tight knot of nerves. He tried to tell his mother that he was feeling ill but she knew that he was lying.1 He shook as he tried to put on his shoes and socks.2 He woke up with his fingers tightly gripping the bedspread.3 Sitting on the bus, he could feel himself sweating through his light sweater.4 When Charlie finally arrived at school, he walked into his Chemistry class just as his teacher was passing out the test. “You may now begin,” she said.
With the report card now clenched in his hands in victory, Charlie knew that he could tackle anything to which he put his mind.
All of the following sentences would provide a smooth transition into the concluding paragraph before the bolded "With," EXCEPT __________.
When Charlie got his report card, he saw that he had passed the class with flying colors.
His report card arrived in the mail several weeks after the test; he had earned a 90%.
Several weeks later, when he received his report card, he saw that he had proved his father wrong.
When Charlie received his report card in the mail, he was disappointed with his final grade in the class.
When Charlie received his report card in the mail, he was disappointed with his final grade in the class.
All of the answers, except for "when Charlie received his report card in the mail, he was disappointed with his final grade in the class," describe how well he did in Chemistry or the feeling of joy he felt by passing the class despite what his father thought. "When Charlie received his report card in the mail, he was disappointed with his final grade in the class," would not fit because it says that he was “disappointed”; we know this is wrong because the rest of the paragraph goes on to describe his feelings of “victory.”
Example Question #51 : Writing And Revising Effectively
During the final months of 2007, the prices of basic grains nearly doubled in Northern Africa, Latin America, and much of Asia, the high prices caused a global food crisis. The catastrophe sparked and incited an international debate regarding the licensing of new technologies to developing nations. One economist warned that because of the risk of unforeseen price shocks, officials should proceed very cautiously. The construction of private farms pose a serious financial threat to farmers in the United States; nevertheless, of the five most industrialized nations, the United States exports more crops.
How do some countries cope with food crises better than others. It is technology that accounts for the majority of the difference. The rate at which countries adopt innovations depends significantly on environmental factors. These environmental factors include climate, soil and elevation. The variability in environment inhibits new technologies from gaining worldwide popularity that are suited for one particular region over another. For example, the pesticides used in Europe are much more acidic than North America. Without the different levels of acidity, pests would prevent the crops to grow.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
However
Therefore
NO CHANGE
As a result
NO CHANGE
We are asked about a sentence that describes a specific instance of differences between North America and Europe—namely, each continent's use of pesticides. In the preceding sentence, the author discusses the differences in agricultural practices across regions. The pesticide acidity is an example of the interregional differences, so the answer choice "For example" is the most logical way to connect the two sentences.
Example Question #52 : Writing And Revising Effectively
Alfred Tarski, born on January 14, 1901, became known during his lifetime as a brilliant mathematician and teacher. He is best known for proving several advanced geometric theorems. By the time Tarski moved to the United States, much of Europe has already fallen into the grips of World War II. Hundreds of mathematical problems were solved by Tarski.
Tarski enrolled in Warsaw University in 1920. Originally wishing to study biology, mathematics was the subject in which Tarski ultimately excelled. He graduated with honors, and began his career as a math teacher. A true mathematical virtuoso, Tarski was concerned with neither the application of his research nor publishing his findings.
Discoveries made by Tarski influenced the work of one of the world’s greatest physicists, Albert Einstein. Einstein and Tarski had many similar interests in common. Unlike Albert Einstein, however, Tarski was especially fond for pure mathematics. Although Tarski and Einstein were contemporaries, Einstein was the most prolific writer of the two.
In 1929, Tarski married his co-worker, Maria Witkowska. An affinity for mathematics ran in the family. Tarski even admitted that his wife knew more about algebra, geometry and trigonometry than did he. Tarski's two children, Jan, and Ina, grew up to be prominent mathematicians themselves; however, neither Jan nor Ina have received a great deal of international attention.
The author is considering adding the following sentence to the passage:
"Whereas Einstein published dozens of books, Tarski published only one."
If the writer were to add this sentence to the passage, which of these choices would be the most logical place to insert it?
After the last sentence of paragraph 3
After the first sentence of paragraph 1
After the last sentence of paragraph 4
After the first sentence of paragraph 2
After the first sentence of paragraph 4
After the last sentence of paragraph 3
The correct answer is "The last sentence of Paragraph 3."
Paragraph 3 contains the discussion of Tarski's relationship with Albert Einstein. The very end of paragraph 3 draws the contrast of Einstein being a more prolific writer than Tarski, which means that Einstein produced more written works than Tarski. The sentence under consideration—"Whereas Einstein published dozens of books, Tarski published only one"—provides a specific example of this contrast, so it is most logical to insert the sentence as the final sentence of paragraph 3.
Example Question #53 : Writing And Revising Effectively
The house stood, at the bottom of a hill, making it hard to see from the street. The owner wants it that way, as he had no use for any of his neighbors. “Nosy sneaks and cheats” he would to say to his son. Not that his son ever really listening. The old man did not see him very much, either at his home or going anywhere else. Every time he did see him, his son would just complain about how his house was dark musty, and filthy. The old man did not need such criticism, especially from only his blood relative. He had lived in that house for fifty years, and planned to live there as long as he possibly could. While he lived there, his neighbors would never see him or his house if he could help it. He could take care of him, and steadfastly refused to allow anyone to help. In his tiny house, at the bottom of the hill, the old man was content to be alone, and believed he was living perfect.
Choose the answer that best corrects the bolded portion of the passage. If the bolded portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
was ever really listening
NO CHANGE
never really listening
ever real listening
was ever really listening
The verbal phrase that is underlined is extremly awkward and strange. The participle "listening," which operates as a noun or adjective, is the only verbal form in the sentence, but is in the position of the object. An actual verb needs to be added into the sentence for clarity, making the correct answer choice "was ever really listening."
Example Question #12 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Sentences
Speech production is a complicated and complex process, that requires the coordination of three different systems: respiration, phonation, and articulation. A deficit in any of these systems will negatively impact the quality of one’s speech.
We all know that respiration, or breathing, is necessary for life, but have you ever thought about it’s usefulness for speech? Try to talk while holding you’re breath and you will see what I mean. Exhalation provides a stream of air that the next two systems shape into what many people like to call speech.
Phonation happens in your larynx, or voice box. A pair of muscles form a shelf-like structure on either side of your larynx, and this pair of muscles is known as your vocal folds. As you exhale during speech, your vocal fold muscles contract and move towards each other. They vibrate as air passes between them, creating a buzzing sound, and this is a process that is known as phonation. The word “phonation” comes from the ancient Greek word for sound.
Finally, the last stage is articulation. At this final stage, you move your tongue, lips, and jaw to affect the way vibrating air leaves your mouth. For example, when you say the “b” sound, you need to squeeze your lips together to stop the airflow before opening your lips again. For the “v” sound, you touch your top teeth against your lower lip and force air through between your teeth and lip.
Assuming all of the following are true, which would be the best concluding sentence for this passage?
I guess you could say the fourth stage of speaking is listening, because what is the point of talking if no one is listening to you?
Speech is a complicated process and I’m surprised that anyone ever learns to talk.
By coordinating the three stages of speech, humans can produce over 200 words per minute without even thinking about their respiration, phonation, or articulation.
Of course, not all sounds involve your lips; these are just some examples.
By coordinating the three stages of speech, humans can produce over 200 words per minute without even thinking about their respiration, phonation, or articulation.
The correct answer choice remains on topic while providing a new fact (humans can produce over 200 words per minute) that ties the body paragraphs together. The incorrect choice "Of course, not all sounds involve your lips; these are just some examples" does not work as a conclusion, because it leaves the reader expecting more information about sounds that do not require the lips. The remaining two incorrect answers have a less formal tone and add new information that does not tie the three stages of speech together as well as the correct answer does.
Example Question #52 : Writing And Revising Effectively
The student the hand of whom was up (1) gave the wrong answer. She was asked what was a substantive adjective (2), and she answered that a substantive adjective is one that describe (3) a substance. "No!" (4) the teacher barked. "A substantive adjective takes the place of a noun in a sentence, as when someone talks about the rich and the poor (5). Did you learn nothing in this class?" He then asked what a superlative adjective was, to which she replied (6) that a superlative adjective was one that took the place of a noun in a sentence. "But thats (7) what I just said," the teacher screamed! (8) The student had said (9) that she had heard him, therefore (10) she answered his question. "You answered my question previously, (11)" he bellowed, "not the last one!" "Ah, you mean the latest one," the student replied, the moment at which (12) the teacher turned to the wall and started beating his head against it.
Choose from the following four options the answer that best corrects the underlined mistake preceding the question number. If there is no mistake or the original text is the best option, choose "NO CHANGE."
to the which she replied to
which she replies to by saying
which she replied to by saying
NO CHANGE
NO CHANGE
The best phrasing for the clause above is "to which she replied" because it is the least wordy and the most direct.
Example Question #13 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Sentences
Passage adapted from Robinson Crusoe (1719) by Daniel Defoe
I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country, my father being a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull. He got a good estate by merchandise, and leaving off his trade, lived afterwards at York, from whence he had married my mother, whose relations were named Robinson, a very good family in that country, and from whom I was called Robinson Kreutznaer; but, by the usual corruption of words in England, we are now called - nay we call ourselves and write our name - Crusoe; and so my companions always called me.
I had two elder brothers, one of whom was lieutenant-colonel to an English regiment of foot in Flanders, formerly commanded by the famous Colonel Lockhart, and was killed at the battle near Dunkirk against the Spaniards. What became of my second brother I never knew, any more than my father or mother knew what became of me.
Being the third son of the family and not bred to any trade, my head began to be filled very early with rambling thoughts. My father, who was very ancient, had given me a competent share of learning, as far as house-education and a country free school generally go, and designed me for the law; but I would be satisfied with nothing but going to sea; and my inclination to this led me so strongly against the will, nay, the commands of my father, and against all the entreaties and persuasions of my mother and other friends, that there seemed to be something fatal in that propensity of nature, tending directly to the life of misery which was to befall me.
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the passage. If the bolded and underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York. Of a good family, though not of that country, my father being a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull.
NO CHANGE
I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country. My father was a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull.
I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country. My father being a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull.
I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country. My father was a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull.
"I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country. My father was a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull," is the best answer because it contains no fragments. Both "I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country," and "My father was a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull," are complete sentences on their own.
Each of the other answer choices contains a fragment.
Example Question #16 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Sentences
Growing up, I used to find math very tedious. I abhorred algebra, couldn't stand geometry, and 1. was just hating trigonometry. I was sure calculus would be no different. 2. That was until I met, my calculus teacher, Ms. Sweed. 3. Calculus being the subject she taught, she used it to show me how 4. math makes our world go around.
5.Ms. Sweed was very educated, having two master’s and a PhD. 6. I can still remember one day that she talked to me after class after one of the first tests we took in class I had done not as well as I had wanted. When I went to talk to her after class, she told me that she thought I was very smart and could do better if I tried. I began to come to talk to her after class every day for extra study. 7.She only used these extra sessions to not help me understand the math, but showed how math can be used to apply to real life.She showed how math could be used to explain many natural phenomena. 8. However, she showed how math can be used to analyze patterns from studies. I never thought I would say math was my favorite subject, but with Ms. Sweed teaching, it was.
9. (1) Trying to use Mrs. Sweed’s wit, enthusiasm, and dedication, as I tried to inspire other students. (2) I even started to do well enough in math to start tutoring other students. (3) I never would have been able to do so without meeting Ms. Sweed. (4) I was soon one of the top tutors in our school, and I helped dozens of students increase their grades. [10] Thanks to her inspiration, I’ve decided to look into the field of engineering. 11. Now, an engineering major taking many math classes in college. I enjoy every single one of them. 12. Math is a subject everyone can enjoy.
In this passage, which of the following shows the best order for the sentences?
3, 1, 4, 2
1, 4, 3, 2
2, 1, 4, 3
3, 2, 1, 4
NO CHANGE
2, 1, 4, 3
The right answer shows the most logical progression of ideas: first, the author establishes that he/she became a tutor, then he/she describes their tutoring method, then they explain how they consequently became the top tutor.
Example Question #11 : Separating, Combining, Or Reordering Sentences
How can the writer most effectively combine the following sentences?
Mississippi Blues has its roots in both folk and gospel music. Blues songs often address the concerns of working-class people.
Mississippi Blues songs, which have their roots in both folk and gospel music, often address the concerns of working class people.
NO CHANGE
Mississippi Blues songs having their roots in both folk and gospel music and often addressing the concerns of working class people.
Mississippi Blues has its roots in both folk and gospel music, its songs often address the concerns of working class people.
Mississippi Blues songs, they have their roots in both folk and gospel music, and they often address the concerns of working class people.
Mississippi Blues songs, which have their roots in both folk and gospel music, often address the concerns of working class people.
The correct answer correctly places the second sentence as a modifying phrase.
The second incorrect answer uses a main clause as a modifier, thus creating a run-on sentence.
The third incorrect answer is a fragment.
The fourth incorrect answer is a comma splice
Example Question #54 : Writing And Revising Effectively
What is the best way to combine the following sentences?
James wrote a detailed letter to his Chemistry professor. His professor had not provided James' class with the formulas necessary to complete the semester project.
James wrote a detailed letter to his Chemistry professor, failing to provide James's class with the formulas necessary to complete the semester project.
NO CHANGE
James wrote a detailed letter to his Chemistry professor, who had failed to provide James' class with the formulas necessary to complete the semester project.
James wrote a detailed letter to his Chemistry professor, the professor had failed to provide James' class with the formulas necessary to complete the semester projects.
James wrote a detailed letter to his Chemistry professor which had failed to provide James' class with the formulas necessary to complete the semester project.
James wrote a detailed letter to his Chemistry professor, who had failed to provide James' class with the formulas necessary to complete the semester project.
The original sentences are choppy and somewhat redundant. Main clauses cannot be used as modifiers since they create run-on sentences. "Which" cannot be used to refer to people.
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