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Question

Difficulty: MediumMeeting Specific Rhetorical Goals

Passage Excerpt:

In the early morning mist of the Olympic Peninsula, biologist Maria Lopez searches for the elusive coastal tailed frog. This unique amphibian does not vocalize. Instead, [1] it spends its time in the local area.

The writer wants to replace the underlined portion [1] with a phrase that provides the most specific illustration of the frog’s physical adaptation to its fast-flowing aquatic habitat. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

  1. it uses suction-like mouthparts to cling to rocks in rushing currentsAnswer
  2. B
    it is an ancient species that has survived in the Pacific Northwest for millions of years
  3. C
    it has a mottled brown color that blends in with the forest floor to avoid predators
  4. D
    it absorbs oxygen through its skin, this adaptation allows it to remain submerged for long periods

Answer

it uses suction-like mouthparts to cling to rocks in rushing currents
The correct option is grammatically correct and directly describes a physical adaptation (suction-like mouthparts) specifically suited for a fast-flowing aquatic environment (rushing currents).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the rhetorical goal in the prompt.
The goal is to find a phrase providing a specific physical adaptation to a fast-flowing aquatic habitat.
Understanding the specific constraints of the prompt prevents choosing options that are grammatically correct but rhetorically off-topic.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the options.
The option containing a comma splice is grammatically incorrect and is eliminated.
All correct answers on the ACT must be grammatically correct.
3
Evaluate the remaining grammatically correct options against the rhetorical goal.
The option about survival over millions of years does not specify a physical adaptation or aquatic habitat. The option about mottled brown camouflage refers to a forest-floor habitat rather than an aquatic one. The option describing suction-like mouthparts to cling to rocks in rushing currents perfectly fits both parts of the rhetorical goal.
Choosing the option that satisfies all criteria ensures the rhetorical goal is fully met.

Key Concept

Meeting Specific Rhetorical Goals
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Topics

Meeting Specific Rhetorical Goals

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