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Difficulty: MediumEliminating Redundancy

In 1948, Bernard Silver and Norman Joseph Woodland set out to design a system that could automatically read product information at checkout. Their initial design, which was inspired by Morse code, used a series of [underlined_start]concentric circular rings that formed circles, but this[underlined_end] pattern was prone to smudging during printing.

Which choice most clearly and concisely presents the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. A
    concentric circular rings that formed circles, but this
  2. concentric rings, but thisAnswer
  3. C
    concentric rings, this
  4. D
    concentric rings. Although this

Answer

concentric rings, but this
The correct option is the most concise choice that avoids redundancy and maintains proper punctuation. The term 'concentric rings' conveys the full meaning without repeating 'circular' or 'that formed circles' (as concentric rings are inherently circular). The coordinating conjunction 'but' correctly and logically connects the two clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion.
The original phrasing contains 'concentric,' 'circular,' and 'rings that formed circles,' which all repeat the idea of circles. This can be reduced to just 'concentric rings.'
ACT English requires the most concise wording that retains the original meaning without adding repetitive information.
2
Evaluate the grammar and punctuation connecting the two clauses.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: the first ends with 'concentric rings' and the second begins with 'this pattern was prone...' To connect them, we need a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (like 'but').
Using just a comma results in a comma splice, and using 'Although' starts a dependent clause that creates a fragment.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
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Topics

Eliminating Redundancy

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