Word choice
In one of Daniel's poems, the likeness of the early morning air is described as a light, floral bouquet.
Which choice would be most appropriate in the context of this sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. appearance
C. aroma
D. symbol
C. aroma
The sentence compares the early morning air to a "light, floral bouquet," which evokes a sensory experience tied to smell.
Francis couldn't wait for P.E. because he got to play dodgeball. His strategy was to stay on the fringe for the first half of the game, appearing to be unfocused while quietly observing the players' movements. [5] In the second half of the game, Francis would catch his opponents off guard and lead his team to victory.
If the writer were to delete the preceding sentence, the paragraph would primarily lose a statement that:
A. describes a specific instance in which Francis outwitted his opponents
B. adds an amusing tone to an otherwise formal paragraph
C. sets up the reader for the contrast described in the next sentence
D. helps explain a point about Francis's technique that is made earlier in the paragraph
D. helps explain a point about Francis's technique that is made earlier in the paragraph.
The sentence provides critical information about Francis's dodgeball strategy, specifically explaining how he successfully catches his opponents off guard in the second half of the game. Without it, the paragraph loses a key detail that supports and elaborates on his earlier-stated technique of appearing unfocused while observing players' movements.
It occurred to me that my rushed manner of speeding through my chapter reading was not the most effective way to study for the history test.
A. NO CHANGE
B. my hurried way of rushing
C. my rush in haste
D. rushing
D. Rushing
All the other answer choices repeat information unnecessarily
Longboards are becoming increasingly popular in today's society. They are useful modes of transportation as well as recreational vehicles. People especially enjoy using longboards on downhill trails. Most longboards have decks constructed of varying types of wood, bamboo, or fiberglass. The decks are cut into shapes similar to skateboards by are always greater in length. [6]
The author is considering deleting the preceding sentence. Should the sentence be kept or deleted?
A. Kept, because it's important that the reader understands the various longboard types
B. Kept, because it aids the reader in visualizing a longboard
C. Deleted, because it distracts from the focus in the previous sentence.
D. Deleted, because it is overly wordy.
C. Deleted, because it distracts from the focus in the previous sentence.
The sentence about the shape and length of longboards seems somewhat unnecessary because it shifts the focus from the previous sentence's point about the materials used for longboard decks.
The children imitated the activities they saw their family conduct at home: making dinner, driving cars, and playing music
Which choice would be most appropriate in the context of this sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. matched
C. pretended
D. followed
C. pretended
In the context of children engaging in activities like "making dinner, driving cars, and playing music," it suggests imaginative play rather than actual replication of these tasks. "Pretended" best captures the playful and imaginative nature of how children mimic activities they observe.
My grandparents' estate has been in our family for generations. When we arrived, the sun was beginning to set, adding an ephemeral quality to the landscape. At the entrance to the home, the last of the daylight bounced off the smooth surface of the front door's dark brown, mahogany frame.
If the writer were to delete the words smooth, dark brown, and mahogany from the preceding sentence, the paragraph would lose descriptive details that primarily:
A. reveal the narrator's emotions upon approaching the estate
B. support the narrator's case for keeping family heirlooms intact
C. help depict what the narrator saw when arriving at the estate
D. helps explain a point about Francis's technique that is made earlier in the paragraph
C. to depict what the narrator saw when arriving at the estate
The descriptive details (smooth, dark brown, mahogany) focus on creating a vivid image of the front door and contribute to the reader's visual understanding of the scene.
Underwater explorer Jaques Cousteau, exploring under the sea, would go on to develop the first open-circuit underwater breathing regulator tank called the "aqua-lung."
A. NO CHANGE
B. Cousteau
C. Cousteau - who was exploring under the sea -
D. Cousteau, explorer of the sear.
B. Cousteau
All other options provide irrelevant information
Much art regarding life in Louisiana is on display at the museum. Photographs depict everyday life on the streets of New Orleans. Large painted canvases realistically portray boyous and landscapes. Smaller canvases portray laborers in an assortment of Louisiana industries. [12]
12. The writer is considering adding the following phrase at the end of the previous sentence:
such as culinary arts, maritime trade, and health care.
Assuming the period after industries is changed to a comma, should this addition be made?
A. Yes, because it further defines a general term.
B. Yes, because it allows readers to understand how the canvases were made.
C. No, because it gives only a section of industries rather than a complete listing.
D. No, because it distracts the reader from the main idea of the sentence.
A. Yes, because it further defines a general term.
The phrase "such as culinary arts, maritime trade, and health care" serves to provide specific examples of the "assortment of Louisiana industries" mentioned earlier in the sentence.
The medicine provided by our mission trip would benefit many Hondurans and their families.
Which of the following alternatives to the italicized portion would be LEAST acceptable?
A. aid
B. improve
C. help
D. assist
B. Improve
While "aid," "help," and "assist" are all synonyms that align well with the context of providing medicine to benefit people, "improve" shifts the focus away from the direct action of providing help.
There is some upsetting news about deer in our area: their habitats are being destroyed for other uses. For example, fields on which deer graze are being cleared for the construction of shopping centers and condominiums. [7] As a result, the deer population is diminishing every year.
7. The writer is considering deleting the preceding sentence from the paragraph. If the writer makes this deletion, the paragraph would primarily lose:
A. an example of ways residents can help stop the destruction of deer habitats
B. information that strays from the main idea about the endangered deer population.
C. an example that supports the claim that deer habitats are destroyed
D. scientific evidence that proves the deer population is being diminished
C. an example that supports the claim that deer habitats
The sentence provides a concrete example of how deer habitats are being destroyed—specifically, fields being cleared for shopping centers and condominiums. Without this example, the paragraph would lack direct support for the claim about habitat destruction.
Even in his youth, Ming's parents knew his art was extraordinary and destined for prestigious acclaim.
A. NO CHANGE
B. renowned fame.
C. prestigious recognition.
D. acclaim.
D. acclaim.
"Acclaim" provides a short, sweet, and to the point description of the recognition Ming's art would receive.
Philadelphia International Airport is tough to get to. It's also crowded; the thousands of travelers who pass through often wait hours to get through security. One redeeming feature of the airport is that you never go hungry. Around every turn, you can find a delicious eatery to ease your wait. Some even say the best cheesesteak in the whole city can be found in Terminal D. [14]
14. The writer is considering adding the following statement after the previous sentence:
Chicago and Los Angeles also have large and crowded airports.
Should the writer add this statement?
A. Yes, because it shows that the airport in Philadelphia is not unique.
B. Yes, because it helps the reader picture the airport.
C. No, because it distracts the reader from the paragraph's main idea.
D. No, because the tone and style don't match the paragraph.
C. No, because it distracts the reader from the paragraph's main idea.
The paragraph is focused on describing Philadelphia International Airport, its challenges, and one of its redeeming features. Adding a comparison to airports in Chicago and Los Angeles shifts the focus away from the main idea about Philadelphia's airport and introduces unnecessary details that don't contribute to the narrative.
Hannah prepared her signature meal, "Beef Braciola," for Chef Musso, who tasted the dish.
Given that all the choices are true, which one would most clearly describe an interaction between Hannah and Chef Musso during Hannah's culinary internship?
A. NO CHANGE
B. enjoyed the dish immensely
C. sampled and critiqued the dish
D. complimented the dish but suggested slight changes
D. complimented the dish but suggested slight changes
This option clearly describes an interaction between Hannah and Chef Musso, indicating both feedback and guidance, which is typical during a culinary internship.
Sometimes the hardest part of writing a book is putting that very first word down onto the page. Staring at the blank page in August of 1998 was the most terrifying feeling Chang had ever experienced. By December, he was celebrating with his friends and family: Chang had just completed the first chapter of what would become his best-selling masterpiece.
The writer is concerned about the level of detail in the preceding sentence and is considering deleting the phrase "the first chapter of" from it. If the writer were to make this deletion, the paragraph would primarily lose information that:
A. clarifies that only one chapter of the novel had been written by December of 1998
B. makes clear that by December of 1998, Chang had already begun writing the second chapter of his novel
C. provides evidence that Chang's loved ones believed the entire novel was completed at this time
D. reveals how much time and effort would go into writing a novel the length of Chang's
A. clarifies that only one chapter of the novel had been written by December of 1998.
The phrase "the first chapter of" specifically indicates that by December 1998, Chang had only completed the first chapter of his novel. Deleting this phrase would remove this important detail, leaving the reader unclear about how much of the book was finished by that point.
Owners of the new building hired security guards to deter potential trespassers who might wrongfully enter their property.
A. NO CHANGE
B. people who might trespass by walking on to the private property.
C. trespassers who sneak into the building where they are not allowed.
D. trespassers.
D. Trespassers
Remember, short and to the point is generally a good thing on ACT!
By his early twenties, Pete Davidson was already featured in a number of comedies throughout popular media. He regularly appeared in popular cable TV shows, acting both as himself and as other characters. In 2014, he joined the storied cast of Saturday Night Live, which began airing in 1975. From there, he was set to rise to national fame. [15]
15. The writer is considering adding the following statement here:
Saturday Night Live began several decades previous.
Should the writer make the addition?
A. Yes, because it tells which show Davidson joined
B. Yes, because the essay's main idea is on examining the differences in the cast of Saturday Night Live over the years.
C. No, because the essay focuses on the recent success of Saturday Night Live, making its history unrelated.
D. No, because it repeats information already given in the paragraph.
D. No, because it repeats information already given in the paragraph.
Earlier in the paragraph it states that Saturday Night Live began airing in 1975. Saying it began several decades ago is redundant.
Fleming was skilled in deep-water diving and had explored the unpredictable waters of Chicuzen off the coast of the British Virgin Islands.
Given that all the choices are true, which one best conveys Fleming's attitude toward diving and helps clarify the kind of diving that appealed to him?
A. NO CHANGE
B. relished the thrill of
C. had swum more than 130 feet below while
D. was viewed as an expert at
B. relished the thrill of
This choice emphasizes Fleming's attitude toward diving by highlighting his enjoyment and excitement, clarifying the appeal of the adventurous and unpredictable nature of deep-water diving.
In the late twentieth century, sculpture was making an enormous comeback. A new generation of artists had found their passion within the medium, and they took to it in innovative and modern ways. In the mid-1980s, the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art commissioned three local artists to sculpt a seventeen-foot statue in the museum's lobby.
If the italicized phrase were deleted, the sentence would primarily lose a detail that:
A. provides new and relevant information to the sentence
B. is vague and unnecessary to the sentence
C. repeats details that have already been mentioned in the paragraph
D. must be included for the sentence to be grammatically
A. provides new and relevant information to the sentence.
The italicized phrase introduces a specific example of how sculpture was being actively promoted and embraced during this time, adding important context to the paragraph about the sculpture.
Initially, he first thought the berries were poisonous and avoided eating them.
A. NO CHANGE
B. at first
C. originally
D. DELETE the italicized portion
D. DELETE the italicized portion
Initially indicates that it is the first thought he had. Saying he first thought is redundant and unnecessary.
Meryl Streep has portrayed different characters on the stage and screen for over forty years. Growing up in the Northeast United States, Streep quickly became a highly decorated actress over the course of four decades. [13] She holds the record for the most Academy Awards nominations: she has nineteen. Even though she has only won three Oscars, these awards were in the most competitive acting categories.
13. The writer is considering deleting the phrase "over the course of four decades" from the sentence. Should the phrase be kept or deleted?
A. Kept, because it helps readers understand the duration of Streep's success
B. Kept, because it allows readers to calculate when Streep began her career.
C. Deleted, because it restates information previously mentioned in the paragraph
D. Deleted, because Streep's longevity is irrelevant to the focus of this writing.
C. Deleted, because it restates information previously mentioned in the paragraph.
The phrase "over the course of four decades" repeats the idea already conveyed in the previous sentence, where it states that Meryl Streep has been active for over forty years.