Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumEliminating Wordiness

Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that capture their prey using specialized leaves. When an insect touches the sensitive trigger hairs on the inner surface of the trap, the leaves snap shut in a fraction of a second. [1] The rapid closure of the trap, which happens in a very fast and quick manner, prevents the insect from escaping. The plant then secretes digestive enzymes to break down its meal.

Which choice most effectively and concisely completes the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. The rapid closure of the trapAnswer
  3. C
    Because of the rapid closure of the trap, which
  4. D
    The rapid closure, of the trap,

Answer

The correct answer is the choice that states 'The rapid closure of the trap'.
The correct option is the most concise and direct way to convey the meaning of the sentence. It avoids redundant descriptors since the adjective 'rapid' already conveys the speed of the closure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify redundant and wordy elements in the underlined portion.
The original phrase includes the synonyms 'rapid', 'fast', and 'quick' in a short span, which is redundant.
ACT English prioritizes concise and direct phrasing that avoids repeating the same idea with different words.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices to ensure they are grammatically correct and preserve meaning.
One option resolves the redundancy but introduces a subordinating structure that creates a sentence fragment. Another option introduces incorrect punctuation around a restrictive modifier. The best option removes all redundant terms while leaving the sentence structure grammatically sound.
The correct choice must improve conciseness without introducing grammatical errors like fragments or improper comma usage.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundancy and maintaining grammatical structure by choosing the most concise correct phrasing.
Rate this question

Topics

Eliminating Wordiness

More questions from this topic