Eliminating Redundancy

106 questions

Question 21Question

To create the illusion of depth in his portraits, Leonardo da Vinci employed the *sfumato* technique. This was a method that blends tones and colors together so gradually that they merge imperceptibly without any perceptible lines.

Which option is the most concise and grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This technique blended tones and colors so gradually that they merged without lines.

Answer

This technique blended tones and colors so gradually that they merged without lines.
The correct option, which states 'This technique blended tones and colors so gradually that they merged without lines,' is correct because it resolves the tense inconsistency of the passage by changing the present-tense verbs to past-tense ('blended' and 'merged') to match 'employed.' Additionally, it eliminates the redundant word 'together' (since blending inherently combines elements) and the repetitive use of 'imperceptibly' and 'perceptible' by simplifying the clause to 'merged without lines.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined sentence for redundant words or phrases that repeat ideas unnecessarily.
Identify that 'blends... together' is redundant because blending already involves combining elements. Also, 'merge imperceptibly' and 'without any perceptible lines' are redundant because they use different forms of the same word root to express the exact same idea of not being visible.
Finding and removing redundant language is the core requirement of this question category.
2
Check for grammatical correctness and consistency, specifically verifying verb tenses and sentence structure.
The passage is set in the past tense ('employed'). Therefore, the verbs describing the technique should also be in the past tense ('blended' and 'merged') rather than the present-tense ('blends' and 'merge'). Additionally, verify that the punctuation does not create sentence fragments or comma splices.
A correct ACT English answer must be both concise and grammatically correct.
3
Evaluate the remaining options to find the one that is both grammatically correct and most concise.
The option starting with 'This technique blended' correctly uses the past tense, avoids all redundancies, and forms a complete, grammatically sound sentence.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect options leaves the most effective and concise correct answer.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 22Question

Although the treaty was signed in secret, the details were soon leaked to the press. This public disclosure, which made the confidential information known to the general populace, sparked widespread protests across the nation.

Which choice most effectively replaces the underlined portion of the sentence to eliminate unnecessary redundancy while maintaining grammatical correctness?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This disclosure,

Answer

This disclosure,
The option stating 'This disclosure,' is correct because it is concise and grammatically sound. The noun 'disclosure' contains the inherent meaning of making information public, which renders the additional descriptors 'public' and 'known to the general populace' redundant.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant elements in the original underlined phrase.
The word 'disclosure' already means the act of making information known. Therefore, describing it as 'public' and adding 'which made the confidential information known to the general populace' repeating the exact same concept of making something known to the public is redundant.
ACT English requires eliminating wordiness and repetitive phrasing.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and clarity.
The phrase 'This disclosure,' communicates the necessary transition and subject clearly in two words without repeating any synonyms.
The most concise grammatically correct option that preserves the original meaning is the correct choice.
3
Verify the grammatical correctness of the remaining options.
The option beginning with 'Because' creates a dependent clause fragment. The option ending in 'it' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect distractors ensures the final choice functions properly in the sentence structure.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 23Question

The baker feeds the sourdough starter flour and water on a daily basis every day, this routine keeps the wild yeast active.

Which choice most effectively eliminates redundancy from the underlined portion while maintaining correct sentence structure?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: daily. This routine

Answer

The correct option is 'daily. This routine' because it eliminates the redundant wording and uses a period to correctly separate the two independent clauses.
The correct choice successfully removes the redundant words 'on a daily basis' and 'every day' by using the single word 'daily'. It also correctly uses a period to separate the two independent clauses, preventing a comma splice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant elements in the original sentence.
The phrases 'on a daily basis' and 'every day' mean the same thing, making one of them redundant.
ACT English requires the most concise phrasing that preserves meaning without repeating concepts.
2
Analyze the sentence structure for grammatical errors.
The sentence contains two independent clauses: 'The baker feeds the sourdough starter flour and water' and 'this routine keeps the wild yeast active'. Joining them with just a comma creates a comma splice.
Independent clauses must be separated by a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.
3
Select the option that corrects both the redundancy and the grammatical error.
The option containing 'daily. This routine' achieves conciseness and separates the independent clauses with a period.
This is the only choice that is both grammatically correct and free of redundant phrasing.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 24Question

Although the digital archive was designed to be permanent, the fragile physical nature of magnetic tape means that data must be migrated to new media on a regular basis at recurring intervals in order to ensure its long-term preservation.

Which choice most effectively and concisely completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: regularly to ensure

Answer

regularly to ensure
The option 'regularly to ensure' is correct because it is the most concise choice that preserves the original meaning without introducing grammatical errors. It eliminates the redundant phrases 'on a regular basis' and 'at recurring intervals' and replaces the wordy 'in order to' with the simple infinitive 'to'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion.
The phrases 'on a regular basis' and 'at recurring intervals' both mean the same thing, expressing a repeating schedule. Having both in the sentence is redundant.
ACT English tests reward conciseness and clarity, so redundant expressions must be eliminated.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The option that changes the phrase to 'regularly. In order to ensure' creates an ungrammatical sentence fragment. The option with 'regularly, this ensures' creates a comma splice by separating two independent clauses with only a comma. The option with 'regularly to ensure' resolves the redundancy and connects the clauses grammatically.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect distractors ensures the final choice is both concise and standard written English.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundancy involves removing repetitive words or phrases that express the same meaning twice, while keeping the sentence grammatically correct.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 25Question

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?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: concentric rings, but 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
Question 26Question

Dendrochronologists analyze the annual growth rings of ancient trees to reconstruct past climate patterns. Because these records provide a chronological history of the environment that is arranged in order of time, they allow researchers to map centuries of precipitation levels.

Which choice most effectively and concisely writes the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: These chronological records allow

Answer

The choice that reads 'These chronological records allow' is the correct answer because it removes the redundancy of 'arranged in order of time' and expresses the idea in a direct, grammatically complete sentence.
The option stating 'These chronological records allow' is correct because it is the most concise choice that preserves the original meaning without introducing any grammatical errors. It eliminates the redundant phrase 'arranged in order of time,' which repeats the definition of 'chronological,' and simplifies the wordy structure of the original sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant phrase in the underlined portion.
The phrase 'arranged in order of time' is identified as redundant with the adjective 'chronological,' since both terms express the same concept of temporal ordering.
To meet the ACT standards for conciseness, repetitive words or phrases that mean the same thing must be eliminated.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for grammatical correctness.
The choice beginning with 'These chronological records, which...' creates a fragment because it lacks a main verb. The choice 'These records provide..., they allow...' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma. The choice 'These chronological records allow' is grammatically correct and complete.
The correct choice must not only eliminate redundancy but also form a grammatically correct sentence structure.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundant words or phrases while maintaining proper grammatical structure (avoiding fragments and comma splices).
Question 27Question

In laboratory settings, biologists have observed New Caledonian crows fashioning hooks from twigs, this tool-making ability, which represents a capacity to create tools, allows them to extract grubs from deep tree cavities.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which

Answer

The correct answer is the option that uses 'which' to create a clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentence without redundancy or punctuation errors.
The correct choice, 'which', is the most concise and grammatically correct option. It avoids the redundancy of repeating the concept of 'tool-making' and 'capacity to create tools' in the same sentence. It also resolves the comma splice by turning the second clause into a dependent relative clause that modifies the preceding action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundant phrasing.
The phrase 'this tool-making ability' and 'which represents a capacity to create tools' are redundant because they express the exact same concept.
ACT English requires the elimination of unnecessary words and redundant synonyms.
2
Check the grammatical relationship between the clauses.
The sentence begins with an independent clause. The underlined portion begins a new clause. Joining them with a comma creates a comma splice.
Two independent clauses cannot be joined with just a comma; a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon, or a restructuring to make one clause dependent is required.
3
Evaluate the remaining options for conciseness and correctness.
Replacing the underlined portion with the relative pronoun 'which' connects the clauses properly, removes all redundancy, and is the most concise solution.
Using 'which' turns the second part of the sentence into a dependent relative clause, resolving both the comma splice and the redundancy.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 28Question

The historical museum recently acquired a collection of rare maps, these documents, which are currently at this time on display in the main gallery.

Which choice is the most concise and grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which are

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'which are'.
The correct option replaces the underlined portion with a relative pronoun and verb. This creates a grammatically correct relative clause modifying 'maps' and eliminates the redundant repetition of 'currently' and 'at this time'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the error in the original sentence.
The original sentence contains a redundancy error because 'currently' and 'at this time' mean the same thing, and it creates a grammatical fragment because the second clause lacks a main predicate for 'these documents'.
Redundant expressions and sentence fragments must be corrected to make the sentence clear and grammatically correct.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the one that is both grammatically correct and concise.
The choice 'which are' creates a grammatically correct dependent clause that modifies 'maps' and removes the redundant words entirely.
The ACT exam prefers the most concise option that preserves the sentence's intended meaning without introducing grammatical errors.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 29Question

Sea otters use rocks to crack open the shells of their prey, which is a behavior that they repeat again and again to access the food inside.

Which choice is the most effective and concise version of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: a behavior they repeat

Answer

a behavior they repeat
The correct choice is the most concise option that successfully avoids redundancy. The phrase 'a behavior they repeat' is grammatically sound and communicates the intended message clearly without using repetitive words.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for unnecessary repetition.
The phrase contains both 'repeat' and 'again and again', which mean the same thing.
Identifying redundancy is the first step in finding the most concise and effective phrasing.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The correct choice removes the repetitive phrase and expresses the idea clearly using a grammatically correct noun phrase modifier, while other options introduce grammatical errors.
Choosing the most concise option that avoids grammar errors like comma splices and fragments ensures proper sentence structure.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 30Question

Though the city council had initially predicted that the new transit system would be self-sustaining, the project’s ongoing expenses currently at this time continue to exceed revenue, resulting in a deficit that lacks sufficient funds.

Which of the following choices best maintains the sentence's meaning while avoiding redundancy and grammatical errors?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: continue to exceed revenue, resulting in a deficit

Answer

continue to exceed revenue, resulting in a deficit
The correct option successfully removes the repetitive temporal markers ('currently' and 'at this time') and the redundant definition of 'deficit' ('that lacks sufficient funds'). It maintains 'continue' as the active, finite verb for the subject 'expenses' and properly subordinately links the outcome using the participial modifier 'resulting in a deficit.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancies in the original underlined phrase.
The phrase contains two types of redundancy: temporal repetition ('currently', 'at this time', and 'continue' all indicate the present state) and semantic repetition ('a deficit that lacks sufficient funds' repeats the meaning of deficit).
Eliminating redundant words is a primary rule of the ACT English test to ensure conciseness.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and sentence structure.
Replacing the verb with 'exceeding' creates a sentence fragment because the main clause no longer has a conjugated verb. Using 'this results' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
An option must not only be concise but also grammatically sound and structurally complete.
3
Select the option that is both concise and grammatically correct.
The phrase 'continue to exceed revenue, resulting in a deficit' is free of redundancy and maintains a complete, grammatically correct independent clause.
This option correctly uses the active verb 'continue' and a subordinating participial phrase 'resulting in' to link the cause and effect clearly.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundancy while maintaining grammatical integrity
Question 31Question

Every summer, the community garden produces an abundance of fresh vegetables, which are grown locally in the immediate area for residents to enjoy.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which are grown locally

Answer

which are grown locally
The correct option provides the most concise phrasing by omitting the repetitive words 'in the immediate area' while keeping the essential meaning and maintaining proper sentence structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined portion and analyze it for unnecessary repetition of ideas.
The phrase 'locally in the immediate area' is redundant because both 'locally' and 'in the immediate area' convey the same geographical meaning.
ACT English questions require eliminating words or phrases that repeat information already stated or implied.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option containing 'which are grown locally' is the most concise and grammatically correct choice. The other options either retain the redundancy or introduce grammatical errors like comma splices or sentence fragments.
The correct choice must be both concise and grammatically sound.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 32Question

During their observations of a distant galaxy, astronomers noticed a sudden spike in gamma-ray emissions; this temporary phenomenon, which was a short-lived event, indicated the collapse of a massive star.

Which choice most effectively and concisely completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: this temporary phenomenon indicated

Answer

this temporary phenomenon indicated
The option 'this temporary phenomenon indicated' is correct because it is the most concise choice that preserves the meaning of the sentence. It avoids the redundant repetition of the idea of duration present in the original sentence and forms a grammatically complete and correct independent clause after the semicolon.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify redundant phrasing in the underlined portion.
The words 'temporary' and 'short-lived' express the same concept of brief duration, making the phrase redundant.
Redundancy should be eliminated to maintain concise and effective writing.
2
Examine the grammatical structure of the sentence around the semicolon.
A semicolon must separate two independent clauses, meaning the clause after the semicolon must contain a subject and a verb and be able to stand alone.
Ensuring the choice is grammatically correct prevents the introduction of new errors like fragments or comma splices.
3
Compare the remaining options to find the most concise, grammatically correct option.
The option 'this temporary phenomenon indicated' is free of redundancy and forms a grammatically correct independent clause.
This option successfully removes the redundant description while maintaining the necessary independent clause structure.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 33Question

To prepare for the long winter ahead, the busy squirrels gathered acorns and hickory nuts, storing them away for future use in the months to come.

Which of the following choices represents the most concise and grammatically correct option for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: storing them for future use

Answer

The correct answer is the phrasing 'storing them for future use'.
The correct choice is 'storing them for future use' because it removes the redundant repetition of future time present in 'future use' and 'in the months to come' while maintaining a grammatically correct participial phrase.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify redundant words or phrases in the underlined text.
The expressions 'future use' and 'in the months to come' both refer to events happening in the future, making them redundant when used together.
Eliminating redundancy is a core rule of clear and concise writing.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the one that is grammatically correct and eliminates the redundancy.
The phrasing 'storing them for future use' removes the repetitive reference to the future while maintaining proper grammar as a participial phrase.
This selection ensures the sentence is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 34Question

As global temperatures rise, many alpine glaciers are retreating backward in a reverse direction, and this movement leaves behind barren valleys of exposed rock.

Which of the following choices is the best edit to the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: retreating, leaving

Answer

retreating, leaving
The correct option is the most concise choice because it removes the redundant synonyms 'backward' and 'in a reverse direction' (since 'retreating' already means moving back) and grammatically connects the clauses using the participle 'leaving' without creating a comma splice or fragment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant expressions or unnecessary wordiness in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The words 'backward' and 'in a reverse direction' repeat the meaning already contained in the verb 'retreating' (which means to move back or withdraw).
Eliminating redundant synonyms is necessary to make the sentence concise and clear, which is a key requirement of the ACT English section.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and punctuation.
The option with the participial phrase 'leaving' is both concise and grammatically correct. The option that creates a comma splice and the option that creates an ungrammatical fragment are incorrect.
The correct choice must not only eliminate redundancy but also maintain proper sentence structure without introducing grammatical errors.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 35Question

To understand the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, scientists track the insects' movements using lightweight radio transmitters. The research team collaborated together in joint cooperation to map the specific routes across North America.

Which of the following options, when substituted for the underlined portion, makes the sentence grammatically correct and free of unnecessary redundancy?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: collaborated

Answer

collaborated
The correct choice is the single word 'collaborated'. It successfully communicates that the research team worked together without using repetitive synonyms like 'together' or 'joint cooperation'. In English, 'collaborate' inherently means to work together, making any additional words expressing collaboration redundant.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined portion and analyze it for redundant phrasing.
The phrase 'collaborated together in joint cooperation' is identified as containing multiple words with identical meanings ('collaborated', 'together', 'joint', 'cooperation').
Eliminating redundant words is necessary to make the sentence concise and clear, which is a primary focus of ACT English.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the one that is grammatically correct and removes all redundant elements.
The single word 'collaborated' conveys the full intended meaning without any repetition.
Choosing the most concise, grammatically correct option ensures the sentence is clear and direct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 36Question

Determined to find a more efficient catalyst, the chemists adjusted the temperature of the reaction vessel; consequently, the subsequent outcome resulted in a significant yield increase.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion to make the sentence clear, concise, and grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: consequently, this change resulted in a

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'consequently, this change resulted in a'.
The correct choice, 'consequently, this change resulted in a', resolves the redundancy by expressing the cause-and-effect relationship cleanly. Furthermore, it fulfills the punctuation requirement of the semicolon by forming a grammatically complete independent clause containing the subject 'this change' and the active verb 'resulted'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundancy.
The words 'consequently' (as a result), 'subsequent' (following), and 'resulted in' (caused) all express the exact same causal link, making the phrase redundant.
Identifying redundancy helps eliminate wordy and repetitive options.
2
Check the surrounding grammatical structure, focusing on the semicolon.
The semicolon separates two independent clauses, meaning the replacement text must form a complete independent clause with a subject and a verb.
A semicolon requires complete thoughts on both sides to avoid fragments.
3
Evaluate the non-redundant options for grammatical correctness.
The shortest option 'resulting in a' creates a sentence fragment after the semicolon. The option 'consequently, this change, resulting in a' also forms a fragment due to the lack of a main verb. Only 'consequently, this change resulted in a' is both grammatically correct and concise.
Selecting the most concise option is only valid if the option remains grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy with Punctuation Constraints
Estimated Time:45s
Question 37Question

In the early twentieth century, the discovery of the Antikythera mechanism—an ancient Greek analog computer—challenged previous assumptions about historical technology. This unique artifact, which was one of a kind and unlike any other object from its era, demonstrated a level of mechanical sophistication that was not seen again for over a thousand years.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion is the most concise and grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This unique artifact

Answer

This unique artifact
The correct option is 'This unique artifact' because it is the most concise and grammatically correct choice. The word 'unique' already means 'one of a kind' and 'unlike any other,' so including those phrases is redundant. Removing them preserves the intended meaning of the sentence without unnecessary repetition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The original phrase uses 'unique,' 'one of a kind,' and 'unlike any other object from its era' together. Since these terms all express the same basic idea, they are redundant.
Concision is a key grammatical standard on the ACT; redundant phrasing must be eliminated.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and sentence structure.
The option beginning with 'Although' creates a dependent clause fragment. The option containing 'unique, it' joins two independent clauses with only a comma, creating a comma splice. The option stating 'This unique artifact' is both concise and grammatically correct.
An answer choice must not only be concise but must also adhere to standard conventions of sentence structure and formation.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 38Question

Although the artist's early paintings were dismissed by critics, her later masterpieces gained recognition and won widespread acclaim, being praised by many, they established her as a leading figure of the modernist movement.

Which of the following is the best way to write the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gained widespread acclaim, establishing

Answer

gained widespread acclaim, establishing
The correct option is the most concise choice that avoids redundancy. It eliminates the repetitive phrases expressing positive recognition and correctly connects the main clause to the modifying participial phrase with a comma.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant or repetitive phrasing in the underlined portion.
The phrases 'gained recognition', 'won widespread acclaim', and 'being praised by many' all repeat the same core concept of receiving positive attention.
ACT English questions require eliminating redundant and wordy expressions to maintain conciseness.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for conciseness while ensuring grammatical correctness.
The option containing 'gained widespread acclaim, establishing' is the most concise and is grammatically correct, using a comma followed by a present participle to modify the main clause.
The correct choice must not introduce new grammatical errors such as fragments or comma splices.
3
Check the other choices for grammatical issues.
The option with a semicolon before 'establishing' creates a sentence fragment because a semicolon must separate two independent clauses. The option with 'they established' after a comma creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
This confirms that only the correct choice is both grammatically correct and free of redundancy.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 39Question

To start the campfire, Sarah gathered twigs and leaves, which were completely dry and free of moisture.

Which of the following choices is the best version of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which were dry

Answer

which were dry
The correct choice is 'which were dry' because it expresses the intended detail in the most concise manner possible without redundant words and maintains standard grammatical structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The phrase 'completely dry and free of moisture' contains synonym redundancy, as 'dry' already implies the absence of moisture.
ACT English rewards concise and direct phrasing.
2
Evaluate the choices to eliminate redundant phrasing and grammatical errors.
The option stating 'which were dry' removes the redundancy. The option using 'and they were dry, they had no moisture' is both redundant and introduces a comma splice. The option stating 'which, being dry' creates an incomplete fragment.
Incorrect options either retain the redundancy or introduce structural grammar issues.
3
Select the most concise, grammatically correct option.
The option stating 'which were dry' is chosen.
It is grammatically correct and eliminates unnecessary wordiness.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 40Question

In the mid-nineteenth century, the invention of the telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication. Messages that once took weeks to arrive by mail could now be transmitted in mere minutes, an innovation that was a new and unprecedented development for global commerce.

Which choice most effectively and concisely replaces the underlined portion in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: an innovation

Answer

The correct option is the one that reads 'an innovation' because it is the most concise choice and avoids redundant synonyms for novelty.
The option that consists solely of 'an innovation' is correct because it provides the necessary noun phrase to describe the preceding clause while eliminating all redundant synonyms for novelty.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined portion and analyze it for redundancy.
The underlined text 'an innovation that was a new and unprecedented development' contains multiple words ('innovation', 'new', 'unprecedented development') that repeat the same concept of novelty.
To correct redundancy, we must eliminate duplicate or unnecessary words that express the same meaning.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The option 'an innovation' provides the necessary noun phrase without any redundant descriptions. The option 'an innovation, which was a new development,' retains the redundancy. The option 'an innovation; which was unprecedented,' introduces a grammatical error by using a semicolon to connect a dependent clause, creating a fragment.
The correct choice must be both grammatically correct and free of redundant phrasing.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundancy in a sentence requires removing unnecessary words or phrases that repeat the same meaning, while ensuring the remaining sentence is grammatically correct.
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