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Difficulty: MediumFulfilling Specific Rhetorical and Writing Goals

Historically, archives stored early motion pictures on cellulose nitrate film. This material is notoriously unstable, deteriorating into a sticky, acidic powder over time. Worse, nitrate film is highly flammable and can burn rapidly even when submerged in water. [1] Consequently, film archivists must carefully control storage environments to prevent devastating losses.

The writer wants to add a sentence at Point [1] that describes the specific chemical properties or hazards of cellulose nitrate film to emphasize why it is so dangerous. Which choice most effectively accomplishes this goal?

  1. Because it contains its own oxidant, the film can burn without oxygen, producing toxic gases as it combusts.Answer
  2. B
    This substance produces its own oxygen when it burns, the flames are nearly impossible to extinguish with typical fire retardants.
  3. C
    Which is composed of nitrocellulose, a compound similar to guncotton and known for its highly volatile nature.
  4. D
    Because the chemical structure breaks down rapidly at high temperatures; the material releases nitrogen oxides into the air.

Answer

Because it contains its own oxidant, the film can burn without oxygen, producing toxic gases as it combusts.
The option stating that the film contains its own oxidant and can burn without oxygen while producing toxic gases is correct because it is grammatically sound and directly describes the chemical properties and hazards of the film.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the rhetorical goal of the prompt.
The goal is to select a sentence that details specific chemical properties or hazards to emphasize the danger of cellulose nitrate film.
Identifying the goal ensures the selected choice is contextually relevant.
2
Evaluate the grammar of each option.
Three options introduce grammatical errors: a comma splice, a dependent clause fragment, and an incorrect semicolon splice.
Any correct choice on the ACT English test must be grammatically correct.
3
Verify that the grammatically correct option satisfies the rhetorical goal.
The option beginning with 'Because it contains its own oxidant' is grammatically correct and describes chemical properties (contains its own oxidant) and hazards (burns without oxygen, produces toxic gases).
This confirms it is the correct answer.

Key Concept

Fulfilling Specific Rhetorical and Writing Goals
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Topics

Fulfilling Specific Rhetorical and Writing Goals

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