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Question 1221Question →

The following is an excerpt from a passage about Mesoamerican epigraphy.

[1]
__________________________________________________ For nearly a century, scholars believed that Mayan hieroglyphs were purely logographic or symbolic, representing whole ideas rather than individual sounds. This consensus was largely dominated by one prominent archaeologist, who insisted that the glyphs had no phonetic component. However, in the 1950s, a linguist proposed a radically different approach, suggesting that the writing system was actually logo-syllabic, combining word-signs and phonetic syllables.

[2]
This breakthrough came from analyzing surviving codices and comparing them to an alphabet recorded by a sixteenth-century bishop. The linguist realized that when native scribes wrote the Spanish letters, they wrote glyphs that matched the sounds of those letters. For example, the Spanish letter b is pronounced 'beh,' which corresponded to the Mayan glyph for the syllable be. By applying this phonetic key, scholars began reading actual Mayan words, paving the way for modern epigraphers to decode the majority of the surviving inscriptions.

Which choice best introduces the passage by establishing its main focus?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: For decades, the decipherment of the ancient Maya writing system was stalled by a fundamental misunderstanding of how the glyphs functioned.

Answer

The option stating that the decipherment of the ancient Maya writing system was stalled by a fundamental misunderstanding of how the glyphs functioned.
The correct option successfully introduces the central topic of the passage, which is the history of deciphering Mayan hieroglyphs and the long-standing obstacles that delayed this process. Grammatically, it is a complete sentence that matches the academic tone of the excerpt.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Read the passage to identify the central focus and theme.
The passage describes the transition from the historical belief that Mayan glyphs were purely logographic to a phonetic, logo-syllabic understanding.
Understanding the passage's content is necessary to select an introductory sentence that establishes its main topic.
2
Evaluate the options for grammatical correctness and completeness.
Three options contain grammatical errors: one is a sentence fragment, one is a comma splice, and one has a subject-verb agreement error.
ACT English questions require sentences to be grammatically correct as well as rhetorically appropriate.
3
Choose the option that is grammatically correct and best introduces the passage's theme.
The option describing how the decipherment of Mayan glyphs was stalled due to a misunderstanding of how they functioned is correct and fitting.
It acts as a complete, grammatically sound sentence that sets up the historical context of the decipherment struggle described in the first paragraph.

Key Concept

Establishing Introductions and Thesis Statements
Question 1222Question →

In 1964, radio astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson were troubled by a persistent, low-frequency hum coming from their antenna at Bell Labs. Instead, they meticulously cleaned the horn-shaped telescope and evicted a pair of nesting pigeons to eliminate any local interference.

Which choice best establishes a logical relationship between this sentence and the preceding one?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Consequently, they

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'Consequently, they', which establishes a cause-and-effect relationship and maintains proper punctuation.
The correct answer is the choice that uses 'Consequently, they'. The context shows that the scientists cleaned their antenna as a direct result of being troubled by the low-frequency hum, which requires a cause-and-effect transition. Punctuation-wise, starting a new sentence with 'Consequently' is grammatically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical connection between the first sentence (the scientists are troubled by a hum) and the second sentence (they clean the telescope and evict pigeons).
The cleaning of the telescope is a direct action taken to solve the problem of the hum. This indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
Identifying the relationship tells us what kind of transition word is needed.
2
Evaluate the transitions in the options to see which matches the cause-and-effect relationship.
'Consequently' indicates cause-and-effect, while 'Instead' shows contrast/substitution and 'Furthermore' shows addition.
Eliminating incorrect relationship categories narrows down the choices.
3
Check the remaining options for proper punctuation and sentence structure.
The option with ', consequently, they' creates a comma splice because 'consequently' is a conjunctive adverb and cannot connect two independent clauses with only a comma. The option starting with a capitalized 'Consequently' begins a new sentence correctly.
Standard English conventions require independent clauses to be separated by a period or semicolon when using conjunctive adverbs.

Key Concept

Sentence-Level Transitions
Question 1223Question →

During the 1900 yellow fever epidemic in Havana, Dr. Walter Reed led a U.S. Army commission to identify the transmission method of the deadly disease. Reed's subsequent [1] experiments, which confirmed Carlos Finlay's mosquito hypothesis, saved thousands of lives. This crucial discovery paved the way for the eradication of yellow fever in the region.

Which of the following is the most appropriate punctuation for the underlined portion marked [1]?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: NO CHANGE

Answer

The correct answer is the option that makes no change to the passage, as it correctly uses a pair of commas to enclose the nonessential relative clause.
The clause 'which confirmed Carlos Finlay's mosquito hypothesis' is nonessential because the experiments are already specified as Reed's subsequent ones. Enclosing this nonessential relative clause with a pair of commas correctly separates it from the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the underlined clause is essential or nonessential to the sentence.
The clause 'which confirmed Carlos Finlay's mosquito hypothesis' provides extra information about 'Reed's subsequent experiments' but is not needed to identify which experiments are being discussed. Therefore, the clause is nonessential.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence by punctuation on both sides.
2
Select the correct punctuation to set off the nonessential relative clause.
A pair of commas must enclose the clause, meaning a comma is needed after 'experiments' and another comma is needed after 'hypothesis'.
Enclosing parenthetical information with a pair of commas is the standard grammatical convention to prevent run-on structures or dangling commas.
3
Eliminate incorrect options based on grammatical errors.
Using 'that' with commas is incorrect because 'that' introduces restrictive clauses. Omitting the second comma leaves a single comma dangling. Using a semicolon creates a fragment because a dependent clause cannot follow a semicolon.
Applying standard rules of commas and semicolons helps identify the single grammatically correct choice.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Question 1224Question →

The writer wants to organize the sentences below to logically trace the chronological steps of Ada Lovelace's development of the first computer algorithm. Arrange the sentences in the most logical order.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order begins with the publication of the French transcript of Babbage's lecture, followed by Lovelace's translation and addition of notes, then the description of the Bernoulli numbers calculation method within those notes, and finally the recognition of this method as the first computer program.
The correct order follows a clear chronological and logical progression. First, the 1842 publication of the French transcript is introduced. Second, Lovelace's translation and creation of notes are detailed. Third, the specific contents of the notes (Note G and Bernoulli numbers) are described. Fourth, the legacy of that calculation method is evaluated.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory sentence that provides the necessary context.
The sentence introducing Luigi Menabrea's 1842 publication of the French transcript of Charles Babbage's lecture establishes the starting point.
It sets the historical context and introduces the primary source material upon which the other events depend.
2
Link the translation work to the original transcript.
The sentence detailing Lovelace's commission to translate the transcript and her addition of notes logically follows.
It refers directly to 'the transcript' introduced in the first step and explains how Lovelace became involved.
3
Connect the specific details of the notes to the general mention of notes.
The sentence describing the Bernoulli numbers calculation method within Note G is placed next.
It begins with 'Within these notes,' which directly references the 'extensive set of notes' introduced in the second step.
4
Determine the concluding statement summarizing the significance.
The sentence explaining that the calculation method is now recognized as the first computer program completes the sequence.
It begins with 'This detailed calculation method,' referring back to the Bernoulli method described in the third step, and provides a logical, historical conclusion.

Key Concept

Chronological order and transition-based coherence in sentence ordering.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1225Question →

The following paragraphs are from an essay about marine biology:

Many deep-sea organisms have developed the ability to produce their own light, a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. In the midnight zone, where sunlight cannot penetrate, this living light serves multiple purposes, primarily related to hunting. For example, the anglerfish uses a glowing lure dangling from its head to draw unsuspecting fish close enough to capture.

[1]

Some species use sudden flashes of light to startle predators, while others release glowing clouds of chemicals to mask their escape. In the dark expanse of the ocean, light is just as critical for defense as it is for obtaining food.

Given the passage above, which choice, if inserted at [1], provides the most effective transition from the preceding paragraph to the paragraph that follows?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: However, this light is not used solely for hunting; it is also a vital tool for self-defense.

Answer

However, this light is not used solely for hunting; it is also a vital tool for self-defense.
The correct choice logically bridges the first paragraph's discussion of hunting (the anglerfish lure) and the second paragraph's focus on defense mechanisms (startling predators and masking escapes) while maintaining a consistent present tense and correct punctuation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main idea of the first paragraph.
The first paragraph discusses how deep-sea organisms use bioluminescence as an offensive hunting tool, providing the anglerfish lure as an example.
Understanding the starting point of the transition is necessary to link it to the next concept.
2
Analyze the main idea of the second paragraph.
The second paragraph describes how organisms use bioluminescence for defense, such as startling predators or escaping.
Understanding the destination of the transition helps identify what idea the transition must introduce.
3
Evaluate the choices for logical coherence and grammatical correctness.
The option beginning with 'However, this light...' smoothly shifts focus from hunting to self-defense without introducing any grammatical errors or irrelevant details.
The correct transition must bridge the concepts of hunting and defense while adhering to standard grammar and usage rules.

Key Concept

Paragraph-level transitions must logically connect the central ideas of adjacent paragraphs (in this case, shifting from offensive hunting to defensive survival) while maintaining grammatical correctness and consistent verb tense.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 1226Question →

To prepare for the concert, the pianist rehearsed the difficult concerto for hours. She focused on the final movement, which she practiced repeatedly over and over again to perfect her technique.

Which of the following choices best eliminates the redundancy in the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which she practiced

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'which she practiced'.
The correct option is the most concise and direct phrasing. It removes the redundant synonyms 'repeatedly' and 'over and over again' while maintaining grammatical correctness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant phrasing in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The words 'repeatedly' and 'over and over again' carry the exact same meaning, making them redundant.
ACT English questions require eliminating wordiness and repetition.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option containing 'which she practiced' is the most concise choice and contains no grammatical errors. Other choices introduce grammatical errors such as comma splices or fragments.
The correct answer must be both concise and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 1227Question →

Many modern structures rely heavily on solar energy. The efficiency of these solar panels depends in the amount of sunlight they receive daily.

Which option is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: depends on

Answer

depends on
The verb 'depend' is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'on' to show contingency or reliance. The choice 'depends on' is the only option that uses the correct preposition collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the verb and preposition combination in the underlined portion.
The text uses the phrase 'depends in'.
To evaluate if the preposition 'in' is the correct idiomatic partner for the verb 'depend'.
2
Determine the correct idiomatic preposition that matches the context of reliance or contingency.
The verb 'depend' conventionally pairs with the preposition 'on' to show that one thing is contingent upon another.
English grammatical conventions dictate specific preposition pairings with certain verbs.
3
Compare the options and select the one that matches the correct idiomatic pairing.
The choice 'depends on' is correct, whereas the others use incorrect prepositions.
Selecting the correct preposition establishes proper idiomatic usage.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Preposition Usage
Question 1228Question →

A writer is editing a draft of an essay about deep-sea discoveries. The writer is considering adding the following sentence to the paragraph:

"Ichthyology is the branch of zoology that is devoted to the study of fish, including bony fish, cartilaginous fish, and jawless fish."

Here is the paragraph:

In 1938, museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer was invited to inspect an unusual fish caught off the coast of South Africa. She was astonished to see a five-foot-long creature with fleshy, limb-like lobed fins, unlike any modern fish she had ever encountered. Unable to identify the specimen, Courtenay-Latimer sent a description and sketch to J.L.B. Smith, a local chemistry professor and amateur ichthyologist. [Point of insertion] Smith immediately recognized the fish as a coelacanth, a species previously believed to have gone extinct 66 million years ago. The discovery of this "living fossil" sent shockwaves through the scientific community, forcing biologists to re-evaluate their understanding of vertebrate evolution.

Should the writer make this addition at the indicated [Point of insertion]?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: No, because it interrupts the narrative flow of the paragraph by introducing a general definition that is not central to the story of the coelacanth's discovery.

Answer

The correct decision is not to add the sentence because it interrupts the narrative flow of the paragraph by introducing a definition that is not central to the story of the coelacanth's discovery.
The correct option is the one stating that the addition should not be made because it interrupts the narrative flow with an unnecessary definition. The paragraph is focused on the chronological story of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer discovering the coelacanth and sending it to J.L.B. Smith for identification. Adding a general definition of ichthyology digresses from this main focus and disrupts the flow of the narrative.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main focus of the paragraph.
The paragraph describes the narrative events surrounding the discovery of the coelacanth in 1938 and its identification by J.L.B. Smith.
Establishing the focus of the paragraph allows us to evaluate whether the proposed sentence contributes to or detracts from that focus.
2
Evaluate the relevance of the proposed sentence.
The proposed sentence defines the word 'ichthyology'. While the paragraph mentions that Smith was an amateur ichthyologist, defining the field itself is an unnecessary digression from the historical narrative of the discovery.
Determining whether the detail serves the main topic helps identify if the sentence should be added.
3
Select the option that matches the decision (No) and the correct justification.
The correct choice must state that the sentence should not be added because it introduces a definition that is not central to the story and interrupts the narrative flow.
This eliminates the 'Yes' options and the 'No' option with the incorrect justification.

Key Concept

Evaluating the relevance of details to ensure paragraph unity and narrative flow.
Question 1229Question →

Passage:

Astronomer A. E. Douglass originally began studying tree rings in the early twentieth century not to date archaeological ruins, but to track cycles of sunspot activity and their influence on Earth's climate. He hypothesized that variations in solar activity would directly correlate with tree growth patterns, expecting to find a universal cycle mirrored across all species. [1] <underline>Consequently, the</underline> growth patterns he observed varied significantly depending on the local environment, forcing him to shift his focus from solar cycles to regional climate reconstruction.

Which choice best completes the sentence to establish a logically precise and grammatically correct transition between the ideas?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Instead, the

Answer

The choice that begins a new sentence with the contrast transition 'Instead, the'.
The correct answer uses 'Instead' to start a new sentence. This transition accurately indicates a contrast between Douglass's expectation of finding a universal tree-ring cycle and the reality that growth patterns varied based on local environment. Starting a new sentence with a capital letter also avoids any grammatical splice errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical relationship between the first sentence (Douglass's expectation of finding a universal cycle in tree rings) and the second sentence (his findings that growth patterns varied significantly by local environment).
The relationship is one of contrast: his actual findings contradicted his initial expectations.
Identifying the correct logical connection is the first step in selecting the appropriate transition.
2
Evaluate the transition words in the options to see which one conveys contrast.
'Instead' is a contrasting transition, whereas 'Consequently' (cause-and-effect) and 'For instance' (illustration) do not fit the context.
This eliminates the options that use incorrect transition words.
3
Check the punctuation and grammar of the remaining options to ensure they do not create a run-on or comma splice.
The option using a comma before 'instead' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses, while the option beginning with a capital 'Instead' correctly starts a new sentence.
Ensuring grammatical correctness prevents punctuation errors while linking independent clauses.

Key Concept

Sentence-Level Transitions
Question 1230Question →

[1]
In the early 1950s, computer programming was a painstaking process that required writing instructions in complex binary code. Grace Hopper, a mathematician and Navy officer, believed there was a better way to interact with these giant machines.

[2]
This revolutionary program, which she termed a "compiler," would translate English commands into machine code. Her colleagues were skeptical, insisting that computers were only capable of doing arithmetic, not reading words.

[3]
Hopper persisted and successfully created the A-0 system, the first compiler, which laid the foundation for modern programming languages like COBOL.

[4]
To address this challenge, she envisioned a system that would allow programmers to write instructions using English words rather than numerical sequences.

For the sake of the logic and cohesion of this essay, where should Paragraph 4 be placed?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: after Paragraph 1

Answer

after Paragraph 1
The option proposing to place Paragraph 4 after Paragraph 1 is correct. Paragraph 4 begins with the transition 'To address this challenge,' which directly refers to the difficult process of writing binary code described at the end of Paragraph 1. Furthermore, placing Paragraph 4 after Paragraph 1 introduces the concept of the English-based programming system, which serves as the necessary antecedent for the phrase 'This revolutionary program' that opens Paragraph 2.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the transition clue 'this challenge' at the beginning of Paragraph 4.
The phrase refers directly to the painstaking process of writing instructions in complex binary code described in Paragraph 1.
This establishes that Paragraph 4 must logically follow Paragraph 1 to provide the context for 'this challenge'.
2
Locate the noun phrase 'This revolutionary program' at the start of Paragraph 2 and trace its antecedent.
The antecedent is the 'system that would allow programmers to write instructions using English words' introduced in Paragraph 4.
Paragraph 2 cannot precede Paragraph 4 because 'This revolutionary program' would have no logical referent.
3
Verify the overall paragraph flow and chronological progression.
The order 1-4-2-3 presents a clear narrative: Paragraph 1 introduces the coding challenge; Paragraph 4 proposes a solution using English words; Paragraph 2 details the solution (the compiler) and the skepticism it faced; Paragraph 3 resolves this skepticism with the successful creation of the first compiler.
This sequence ensures optimal cohesion and smooth transitions throughout the essay.

Key Concept

Using transition words and pronoun antecedents to determine logical paragraph placement
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1231Question →

The following paragraphs are from a draft of an essay about the invention of the first synthetic dye. Arrange the paragraphs in the most logical order to create a coherent essay.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order of paragraphs is: first the introduction of Perkin's experiment (item_B), then his analysis of the dark residue (item_D), followed by the rise of the purple substance mauveine (item_A), and finally the establishment of his dye factory (item_C).
The correct sequence begins with the introduction of William Henry Perkin and his 1856 experiment that resulted in a dark, sticky sludge (item_B). The next paragraph must be the one that begins with 'Intrigued by this dark residue' (item_D), which connects directly to the sludge and describes how he discovered it dyed silk purple. This is followed by the paragraph introducing 'This new purple substance' named mauveine and its commercial success (item_A). The final paragraph is the one that starts with 'Building on the commercial success of his invention' (item_C), which summarizes his departure from studies to build a factory, representing the logical conclusion of the narrative.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory paragraph.
The paragraph starting with Perkin working in his home laboratory in 1856 (item_B) must come first, as it introduces the setting, the protagonist, and the initial experiment that leads to the accidental byproduct.
An essay should begin by establishing context and introducing the core topic before discussing subsequent events or details.
2
Connect the next paragraph using transitional links.
The paragraph starting with 'Intrigued by this dark residue' (item_D) must follow the introductory paragraph (item_B) immediately.
The phrase 'this dark residue' requires a direct and clear antecedent, which is the 'dark, sticky sludge' mentioned at the end of the introductory paragraph.
3
Determine the placement of the paragraph discussing the sensation of the dye.
The paragraph introducing 'This new purple substance' and its name 'mauveine' (item_A) must follow the paragraph about analyzing the residue (item_D).
The phrase 'This new purple substance' directly refers back to the 'brilliant purple stain' discovered and recognized for its potential in the preceding paragraph.
4
Determine the concluding paragraph.
The paragraph beginning with 'Building on the commercial success of his invention' (item_C) must come last.
This paragraph details the final outcome of the narrative (establishing a factory and laying the foundations for the chemical industry) and relies on the preceding paragraph's description of 'commercial success' and the Victorian craze.

Key Concept

Paragraph Reordering and Placement
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1232Question →

Linguists tracking the evolution of Indo-European languages have noted that sound shifts occur in highly predictable patterns; by studying these systematic changes, which proceed in an orderly fashion, researchers can reconstruct Proto-Indo-European, the ancestral tongue from which modern languages descended.

Which choice is the most effective and concise way to write the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: by studying these systematic changes, researchers

Answer

The correct option is the one that reads 'by studying these systematic changes, researchers'. This choice is the most concise because it removes the redundant clause 'which proceed in an orderly fashion' (since 'systematic' already implies order) and maintains grammatical correctness.
The correct option is the most concise choice that is grammatically correct. It removes the redundant clause 'which proceed in an orderly fashion' because 'systematic' already describes something that is orderly and methodical. The resulting sentence flows logically and maintains proper punctuation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the original underlined phrase.
The word 'systematic' and the relative clause 'which proceed in an orderly fashion' express the exact same concept.
Redundancy must be eliminated to make the sentence concise and direct.
2
Evaluate the options for conciseness and clarity.
Removing 'which proceed in an orderly fashion' yields 'by studying these systematic changes, researchers', which successfully eliminates the redundancy.
The most concise option that preserves meaning is correct, provided it does not introduce grammatical errors.
3
Verify the grammatical correctness of the remaining options.
The option beginning with 'because' creates a sentence fragment after the semicolon, and the option with 'they' creates a comma splice between two independent clauses. The concise option maintains proper sentence structure.
An option must be grammatically correct to be the final answer.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 1233Question →

To preserve delicate medieval manuscripts, archivist-conservationists rely on three primary environmental controls, they require low ambient light, strict humidity regulation, and constant temperature monitoring.

Which option is the most grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: controls: low

Answer

controls: low
The correct answer is the option containing the colon because the clause preceding the colon is independent and can stand alone as a sentence, and it is properly followed by a list of examples clarifying the three environmental controls.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause preceding the underlined portion to determine if it is an independent clause.
The clause 'To preserve delicate medieval manuscripts, archivist-conservationists rely on three primary environmental controls' has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, meaning it is an independent clause.
A colon must always be preceded by a complete independent clause.
2
Check the grammatical function of the text following the punctuation mark.
The text lists three items: 'low ambient light, strict humidity regulation, and constant temperature monitoring'. This is a list clarifying the 'three primary environmental controls'.
An independent clause can be followed by a colon to introduce a list, explanation, or amplification.
3
Evaluate the other options for grammatical correctness.
The original text contains a comma splice. The option with 'such as:' contains an incomplete clause before the colon. The option with 'controls, that' incorrectly places a comma before a restrictive relative clause.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect options leaves the choice containing the colon as the only correct option.

Key Concept

A colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quote, and it must be preceded by a complete independent clause.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1234Question →

The following paragraphs are from an essay about the discovery of a new pigment. To make the essay flow most logically, in what order should the paragraphs be placed?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order begins with the paragraph introducing the initial experiment, followed by the paragraph defining the pigment YInMn Blue and its properties, and concludes with the paragraph detailing its commercial applications.
The correct order transitions from the initial discovery of the compound in the laboratory, to the naming and characterization of the pigment, and finally to its practical commercial applications. This creates a clear chronological and logical progression.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory paragraph.
The paragraph describing the 2009 experiment at Oregon State University functions as the introduction because it does not rely on any preceding context and establishes the event that starts the narrative.
A logical passage must establish the context and primary subject before discussing subsequent developments or applications.
2
Determine the connection to the next paragraph using transitional pronouns.
The paragraph starting with 'This serendipitous creation' logically follows the experiment description, as 'creation' refers directly to the blue compound pulled from the furnace.
Demonstrative pronouns like 'this' require a clear referent in the immediately preceding sentence or paragraph to maintain cohesion.
3
Connect the final paragraph based on parallel concepts.
The paragraph beginning with 'Recognizing these unique qualities' must follow the properties paragraph, as it references the durability, safety, and heat-reflecting characteristics described at the end of the properties paragraph.
Transitions that refer to group characteristics or qualities must follow the specific list or description of those qualities.

Key Concept

Establishing logical paragraph transitions by identifying chronological sequences, referential pronouns, and parallel conceptual links.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1235Question →

Although the young gymnast had trained for only a year, she proved she was capable to execute the difficult routine with ease. Her performance earned her a gold medal.

Which choice represents the most idiomatic phrasing for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: capable of executing

Answer

capable of executing
The correct answer is 'capable of executing'. In standard written English, the adjective 'capable' must be followed by the preposition 'of' and a gerund (a verb ending in -ing). The phrasing 'capable of executing' is idiomatic, whereas 'capable to execute' is incorrect.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined phrase and the word being modified.
The underlined phrase is 'capable to execute', where the adjective 'capable' is followed by an infinitive verb.
To determine if the preposition and verb form match standard idiomatic English usage.
2
Recall the idiomatic preposition and verb form that follow 'capable'.
The adjective 'capable' idiomatically pairs with the preposition 'of' and requires a gerund (verb ending in -ing).
To choose the option that conforms to standard English conventions.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Word Choice
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1236Question →

The following is an excerpt from a passage about a major zoological discovery.

[1]
In December 1938, Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer was working in South Africa. While inspecting the catch of a local fishing trawler, a strange, blue-finned fish caught her eye. It possessed unusual, fleshy lobed fins that resembled limbs—a primitive anatomical feature. This specimen was later identified as a coelacanth, a prehistoric fish thought to have gone extinct 66 million years ago. Its discovery revolutionized modern paleontology by proving that ancient lineages could survive virtually unchanged in the deep ocean.

Which choice most effectively introduces the topic of the passage and establishes its central focus?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The discovery of a living coelacanth in 1938 shocked the scientific world, redefining our understanding of evolutionary history.

Answer

The choice that states 'The discovery of a living coelacanth in 1938 shocked the scientific world, redefining our understanding of evolutionary history.'
The correct choice effectively introduces the passage's primary topic (the coelacanth) and its significance (shocking the scientific world and redefining evolutionary history). It transitions smoothly into the subsequent sentences, which describe the details of the 1938 discovery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage to identify the main topic and purpose.
The passage discusses the discovery of the coelacanth in 1938 and how this 'living fossil' changed the scientific understanding of evolutionary history.
An effective introduction must establish this specific focus rather than general biographical details.
2
Evaluate the original sentence and the alternative choices for relevance and focus.
The original sentence is too broad. The correct choice directly introduces the coelacanth and its evolutionary significance.
This matches the rhetorical goal of establishing the introduction and thesis statement.
3
Check the remaining options for grammatical correctness.
The option beginning with 'Because' is a fragment. The option using a semicolon after 'Although' incorrectly separates a dependent clause from an independent clause.
Grammatical errors make these choices automatically incorrect regardless of their content.

Key Concept

Establishing Introductions and Thesis Statements
Question 1237Question →

Discovered in 1901 off the Greek island of Antikythera, the ancient bronze device known as the Antikythera mechanism has long puzzled historians. Scholars, who study historical artifacts, have conducted investigations into the device's intricate system of gears, and their research has ultimately revealed that it functioned as a sophisticated astronomical calendar.

Which of the following versions of the underlined portion best produces a clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Investigations of the device's intricate gear system reveal that it

Answer

Investigations of the device's intricate gear system reveal that it
The correct option is both grammatically correct and the most concise. It removes the redundant clause about scholars and uses a direct subject-verb relationship ('Investigations... reveal') to state the action clearly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundancy and wordiness.
The original phrasing contains redundant details, such as defining what scholars study, and uses a wordy, indirect structure to describe the research outcome.
ACT English questions prioritize clear, direct, and concise expressions over wordy structures.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the concise alternatives to avoid syntax errors.
The option beginning with 'Scholars investigated...' creates a comma splice. The option beginning with 'Investigating the device's...' results in a sentence fragment because it lacks a main predicate.
An option that eliminates wordiness but introduces a grammatical error is incorrect.
3
Select the option that is both concise and grammatically correct.
The phrasing that states 'Investigations of the device's intricate gear system reveal that it' is grammatically sound, direct, and free of redundant words.
This choice successfully streamlines the sentence while maintaining grammatical integrity.

Key Concept

Eliminating Wordiness
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1238Question →

In the damp, shaded understory of temperate rainforests, certain species of fungi emit a soft, greenish glow, this glowing illumination, which shines with light, serves to attract nocturnal insects that distribute the fungi's spores.

Which choice is the most concise and grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which serves

Answer

The correct choice is the option that reads 'which serves', as it creates a grammatically correct relative clause that avoids a comma splice and eliminates all redundant repetition of the word 'glow'.
The correct option is the most concise and grammatically correct choice. By replacing the underlined portion with a relative clause starting with 'which', the sentence correctly joins the dependent clause to the main clause, avoiding a comma splice. Furthermore, it eliminates the redundant phrases 'glowing illumination' and 'shines with light' because the preceding clause already mentions a 'glow'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundancy.
The phrases 'glowing illumination' and 'shines with light' are redundant because the sentence already describes the subject as a 'glow'.
Conciseness is a key rule on the ACT English exam; words or phrases that repeat information already established in the sentence must be removed.
2
Evaluate the sentence structure and punctuation.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: the first ends with 'glow' and the second begins with the underlined portion. Joining these two clauses with a comma alone creates a comma splice.
To correct a comma splice, the clauses must be separated by a period, a semicolon, a coordinating conjunction, or one clause must be made dependent using a relative pronoun like 'which'.
3
Choose the option that resolves both the redundancy and the grammatical error.
The relative clause 'which serves' removes all redundant wording and correctly joins the clauses, resolving the comma splice.
The correct option must be both grammatically sound and free of unnecessary repetition.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 1239Question →

Passage

For decades, conservationists assumed that removing non-native trout from subalpine lakes would immediately restore native frog populations. 1 As a result, the recovery of these ecosystems was delayed by the persistent presence of a deadly chytrid fungus that thrived in the restored, fish-free habitats.

Question
Which of the following options provides the most logical transition from the preceding sentence to the underlined sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Instead,

Answer

The transition 'Instead,' is correct because it establishes the necessary contrast between the expected outcome (immediate restoration) and the actual outcome (delayed recovery).
The transition 'Instead,' correctly indicates that the actual delayed recovery of the frog populations was contrary to the conservationists' expectation of immediate restoration.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences.
The first sentence describes an assumption of immediate recovery of native frog populations, while the second sentence describes the actual outcome, which was a delayed recovery due to a fungus.
Understanding the logical progression of the passage is necessary to determine the correct transitional relationship.
2
Identify the type of transition needed.
A transition of contrast is required to show the difference between expectation and reality.
The expected outcome (immediate recovery) contrasts with the actual outcome (delayed recovery).
3
Evaluate the choices against the required transition.
'Instead,' provides the correct contrast. 'As a result,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Likewise,' do not express contrast.
Selecting the option that correctly represents the logical flow improves the clarity and unity of the passage.

Key Concept

Selecting the transition word that correctly conveys the logical relationship (contrast, addition, similarity, cause-effect) between sentences.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1240Question →

In 1945, self-taught engineer Percy Spencer was testing a magnetron—a vacuum tube that generates microwave radiation—for a radar system at the Raytheon Corporation. Standing in front of the active device, Spencer was startled to find that a chocolate bar in his pocket had completely melted. Intrigued, he placed corn kernels near the tube, only to watch them pop and scatter across the lab. [1] Realizing that low-density electromagnetic energy could cook food faster than conventional ovens, Spencer immediately began designing a metal box to concentrate the waves, paving the way for the modern microwave oven.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence at Point [1]:
'Popcorn had been a popular snack for thousands of years, dating back to ancient indigenous cultures in the Americas.'

Should the writer make this addition?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: No, because it interrupts the paragraph's focus on Spencer's discovery by introducing irrelevant historical details about popcorn.

Answer

The writer should not make the addition because the proposed sentence interrupts the paragraph's focus on Spencer's discovery by introducing irrelevant historical details about popcorn.
The correct option states that the sentence should not be added because it interrupts the paragraph's focus on Spencer's discovery by introducing irrelevant historical details about popcorn. The paragraph centers on the accidental discovery of microwave cooking and the development of the microwave oven; details about the ancient history of popcorn are irrelevant to this narrative.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main focus of the paragraph.
The paragraph describes the series of events leading to Percy Spencer's accidental discovery of microwave cooking and his subsequent invention of the microwave oven.
To determine if any proposed sentence is relevant, we must first establish what the paragraph is about.
2
Evaluate the content of the proposed sentence.
The proposed sentence discusses the ancient history of popcorn in the Americas.
This helps us see if the new information directly supports, develops, or elaborates on the paragraph's core topic.
3
Determine if the proposed sentence is relevant and choose the correct option.
The proposed sentence is irrelevant because the paragraph is about the modern invention of microwave cooking, not the general history of popcorn. Therefore, the sentence should not be added.
This leads us to the correct decision (No) and the correct logical reason (it interrupts the focus with irrelevant details).

Key Concept

Evaluating the relevance of potential additions to a paragraph based on its primary focus.
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