Eliminating Redundancy

106 questions

Question 41Question

Although early computer scientists predicted that machine translation would be a straightforward task, the nuances of human language proved incredibly complex. Modern translation software must parse idiomatic expressions that do not translate directly, which is a problem that poses a challenge because it is difficult for algorithms to resolve without contextual clues. Consequently, developers must integrate semantic analysis to help the software comprehend the underlying intent of the speaker.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: , a challenge

Answer

The option containing ', a challenge'
The correct option, which replaces the underlined text with ', a challenge', is the most concise choice. It effectively eliminates the redundant repetition of 'problem,' 'challenge,' and 'difficult' while maintaining proper sentence structure by using a noun phrase appositive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The words 'problem,' 'challenge,' and 'difficult' all repeat the same idea of difficulty in a single clause.
Redundant synonyms should be eliminated to make the sentence concise.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the remaining options.
The option starting with '; which' creates a fragment since it follows a semicolon with a dependent clause. The option starting with ', this' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
ACT English questions require that the correct concise option also be grammatically correct.
3
Select the option that is both concise and grammatically correct.
The option containing ', a challenge' correctly uses a comma to introduce a noun phrase appositive, resolving the redundancy without grammatical error.
This option meets all stylistic and grammatical requirements.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 42Question

During her trip to the local history museum, Julianne was fascinated by the well-preserved pioneer cabin, which was built by hand and constructed manually in the mid-nineteenth century.

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which was built by hand

Answer

which was built by hand
The option that reads 'which was built by hand' is the best choice because it eliminates the redundant phrase 'and constructed manually' while keeping the sentence grammatically complete and structurally sound.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The phrase 'built by hand and constructed manually' repeats the same concept of physical construction by human hands.
Redundant language should be eliminated for conciseness.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option containing 'which was built by hand' removes the redundant part ('constructed manually') while maintaining a grammatically correct structure. The other choices either keep the redundancy or introduce errors like comma splices and fragments.
The correct choice must be both concise and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 43Question

While studying the linguistic development of Old English, the researchers discovered that certain Celtic words had been integrated into the language; these words, which are currently used in our modern speech today, reflect early cultural exchanges.

Which of the following options is the most effective and concise correction for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: these words, used today, reflect

Answer

these words, used today, reflect
The correct option is the most concise choice that is grammatically correct and eliminates redundant language. The phrase 'used today, reflect' successfully removes the unnecessary repetition of 'currently' and 'modern' while maintaining the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The words 'currently,' 'modern,' and 'today' all convey the same concept of the present time, making them redundant when used together.
ACT English questions require eliminating unnecessary words that repeat information already expressed in the sentence.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the remaining options to ensure they form a complete, correctly punctuated sentence.
The option containing 'these words are currently used today, they reflect' is a comma splice, and the option containing 'these words, because they are used today, reflecting' results in a sentence fragment.
The correct answer must be grammatically correct while being as concise as possible.
3
Select the most concise option that is grammatically correct and preserves the meaning.
The option containing 'these words, used today, reflect' is both grammatically correct and completely free of redundancy.
It acts as a streamlined and effective correction.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 44Question

Constructed from blocks of local limestone, the ancient pyramid stands as a monument to the builders who cooperatively worked together in collaboration.

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: who worked together

Answer

The choice 'who worked together' is correct because it is the most concise option that eliminates the redundant words while maintaining proper grammar.
The option 'who worked together' is correct because it removes the redundant synonyms 'cooperatively' and 'in collaboration' that repeat the meaning already expressed by 'worked together', resulting in a clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined portion and analyze it for redundant phrasing.
The words 'cooperatively', 'together', and 'in collaboration' all express the same concept of working jointly, creating unnecessary repetition.
ACT English rewards conciseness and clarity; expressing the same idea multiple times is incorrect.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices to find the one that is grammatically correct and free of redundancy.
The option 'who worked together' expresses the idea clearly and concisely. The option with 'they collaborated' creates a comma splice, and 'who, working together' creates an incomplete fragment.
This step ensures the selected choice is grammatically sound while avoiding redundant structures.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:40s
Question 45Question

She spent her days scouring the shoreline for fossils, which were ancient remains of prehistoric organisms that had died long ago, often risking her life to excavate them before the tides swept them away.

Which of the following is the most effective replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fossils,

Answer

fossils,
The correct option, 'fossils,', is the most concise choice. It avoids redundancy since a 'fossil' by definition refers to the ancient remains of prehistoric organisms. Adding explanatory phrases like 'ancient remains of prehistoric organisms that had died long ago' is redundant and unnecessary.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The word 'fossils' is defined as the preserved remains of prehistoric organisms. The descriptive clause 'which were ancient remains of prehistoric organisms that had died long ago' repeats this definition, making it redundant.
ACT English questions require eliminating redundant and repetitive information to keep sentences clear and concise.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the concise option and the other choices.
Replacing the underlined portion with just 'fossils,' eliminates the redundancy and maintains a grammatically correct sentence. The other options introduce comma splices or sentence fragments.
The correct answer must be both grammatically correct and free of unnecessary repetition.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 46Question

Many botanists study the Venus flytrap because of its unique ability to trap insects. This carnivorous plant captures its prey using specialized leaves that snap shut quickly in a rapid manner.

Which choice best maintains the meaning of the sentence while avoiding unnecessary redundancy?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: that snap shut quickly

Answer

that snap shut quickly
The correct answer is 'that snap shut quickly' because it is the most concise option that preserves the original meaning of the sentence. It removes the repetitive phrase 'in a rapid manner' which means the same thing as the adverb 'quickly.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The phrase 'quickly in a rapid manner' contains two words/phrases that mean the same thing.
Recognizing that 'quickly' and 'rapid' are synonyms allows us to look for a choice that removes one of these repetitive terms.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The option 'that snap shut quickly' is grammatically correct, preserves the meaning, and contains no redundancy.
The most concise option that is free of grammatical errors is always the correct choice on the ACT English section.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 47Question

The bioluminescent lanternfish uses its glowing organ to attract prey in the midnight zone of the ocean. This unique adaptation currently helps the fish at this moment in time to navigate the pitch-black waters.

Which of the following choices is the most effective and concise revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This adaptation helps the fish

Answer

This adaptation helps the fish
The correct option is the most concise and grammatically correct choice. It successfully eliminates the redundant references to time ('currently' and 'at this moment in time') without altering the meaning of the passage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the original underlined phrase.
The words 'currently' and the phrase 'at this moment in time' both indicate the present, creating unnecessary repetition.
ACT English rewards conciseness and clarity; removing redundant words is a primary goal on these questions.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The choice containing 'This adaptation helps the fish' removes all redundant words while maintaining a complete, grammatically correct sentence. The other options either retain the redundancy, create a comma splice, or result in a sentence fragment.
The correct answer must be free of grammatical errors and be the most concise option available.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 48Question

The city's transit authority announced that the new light rail system will currently operate on a daily basis every single day, providing residents with a reliable alternative to driving.

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: operate daily

Answer

The correct option is the one that reads 'operate daily' because it eliminates the redundant repetitions of the daily schedule and avoids any grammatical errors.
The option that reads 'operate daily' is the correct choice because it is concise and grammatically correct. It eliminates the redundant repetitions of 'currently', 'on a daily basis', and 'every single day' while maintaining the original meaning of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant words or phrases in the underlined segment.
The underlined phrase contains 'currently', 'on a daily basis', and 'every single day', which all repeat the same concept of happening every day.
Redundancy is a grammatical error on the ACT where the same information is stated more than once unnecessarily.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option 'operate daily' expresses the entire thought clearly and concisely. The options containing extra clauses introduce comma splices or grammatical fragments.
The correct answer must be both grammatically correct and as concise as possible.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 49Question

Many modern ecologists argue that the introduction of non-native species often disrupts local ecosystems, causing a disturbance that upsets the natural balance that previously existed beforehand.

Which of the following choices is the most effective replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: altering the natural balance

Answer

altering the natural balance
The correct option, which replaces the underlined text with 'altering the natural balance', is the most concise choice. It successfully eliminates the redundant phrasing of the original sentence without introducing any grammatical errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion of the sentence for redundancy.
Identify that 'causing a disturbance' and 'upsets' repeat the concept of 'disrupts' in the main clause, and 'previously' and 'beforehand' are redundant synonyms.
Redundancy must be eliminated to make the sentence concise and clear.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The option stating 'altering the natural balance, this disrupts the food web' introduces a comma splice. The option stating 'altering the natural balance. Because they compete for resources' introduces a sentence fragment. The option stating 'altering the natural balance' is both grammatically correct and concise.
The correct choice must eliminate redundancy while maintaining proper sentence structure.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 50Question

The restoration project for the historic lighthouse initially began at the very start in the spring of 1999, but due to budget constraints, the work was not completed until 2004.

Which of the following choices is the best option for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: began in

Answer

began in
The correct answer is the option that simply states the project 'began in' the spring. This choice successfully removes the redundant references to the start of the project ('initially' and 'at the very start') while maintaining the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined segment.
The words 'initially,' 'began,' and 'at the very start' all mean the same thing, indicating that the sentence repeats the idea of beginning unnecessarily.
ACT English questions test for conciseness; expressing the same concept multiple times in one phrase is incorrect.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for grammar and clarity.
The option containing 'began, it started in' is a comma splice, and 'initially beginning in' turns the main clause into a fragment by omitting a main verb.
Eliminating redundancy should not introduce new grammatical errors like comma splices or sentence fragments.
3
Select the most concise option that is grammatically correct.
The option 'began in' is the most direct, grammatically correct, and non-redundant choice.
This option expresses the intended meaning of when the project started using the minimum number of words necessary.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 51Question

The museum's new exhibit features several interactive displays that are designed for visitors to interact with, allowing children and adults to learn through play.

Which of the following is the best choice for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: displays,

Answer

displays,
The correct choice, which simplifies the underlined portion to 'displays,', is correct because it removes the phrase 'that are designed for visitors to interact with.' Since the displays are already described as 'interactive,' repeating this idea is redundant. Removing this phrase creates a concise, grammatically correct sentence that flows smoothly into the next part of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant element in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The adjective 'interactive' modifies the noun 'displays'. The relative clause 'that are designed for visitors to interact with' defines 'interactive', repeating the same concept.
Redundancy is tested on the ACT English section, and sentences must express ideas as concisely as possible without repeating meanings.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the one that removes the redundant clause while maintaining correct grammar.
The option containing just 'displays,' successfully eliminates the redundancy and correctly connects to the modifying participial phrase 'allowing children...'.
This produces a clean, concise, and grammatically complete sentence.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 52Question

Although the restoration team worked diligently to preserve the medieval fresco, they could not halt the natural degradation of the plaster. The damp climate of the cathedral accelerated this decay, which was a process that progressively worsened and deteriorated the artwork over time.

Which choice best completes the sentence without redundancy or grammatical error?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: deteriorating the artwork

Answer

deteriorating the artwork
The correct option is the most concise choice. It uses a participial phrase to transition cleanly from the main clause, eliminating the redundant synonyms 'worsened' and 'deteriorated' as well as the repetitive temporal references.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundancy.
The phrase 'worsened and deteriorated' contains redundant synonyms, and 'progressively' is redundant with 'over time.' Additionally, 'which was a process that' adds unnecessary wordiness.
Standard Educational Assessments require eliminating redundant and wordy expressions to ensure clarity.
2
Evaluate the grammar and conciseness of the other options.
One option introduces a comma splice, and another option creates a fragment while repeating 'damp climate' unnecessarily.
Distractors often combine grammatical errors with redundancy to test overall sentence structure skills.
3
Choose the option that is most concise and grammatically correct.
The option reading 'deteriorating the artwork' uses a concise participial phrase that integrates cleanly into the sentence without redundancy.
Conciseness and grammatical accuracy are the primary criteria for redundancy questions.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 53Question

In 1826, Nicéphore Niépce produced the oldest surviving photograph, which originally required an initial exposure period of eight hours in the sun.

Which of the following options is the best revision of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: which required an exposure period of eight hours in the sun.

Answer

The option that states 'which required an exposure period of eight hours in the sun.' is the correct answer because it removes the redundant synonyms 'originally' and 'initial' while maintaining the proper subordinate clause structure.
The correct option removes the unnecessary words 'originally' and 'initial,' which are redundant because they both describe the start of the process. It maintains a grammatically correct dependent clause introduced by the relative pronoun 'which' to describe the photograph.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundancy.
The words 'originally' and 'initial' are identified as synonyms that repeat the same concept of the beginning of the requirement.
Identifying synonymous terms in close proximity helps locate redundancy errors.
2
Evaluate the options to find the one that removes the redundancy.
The option omitting both 'originally' and 'initial' is the most concise and direct.
The correct choice must be the most concise option that preserves the sentence's intended meaning.
3
Check the remaining options for grammatical correctness.
The option starting with 'it' is incorrect because it creates a comma splice. The option containing a semicolon before 'because' is incorrect because it creates a dependent clause fragment.
Eliminating options that introduce new grammatical errors ensures only the grammatically correct, concise option is chosen.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundancy involves removing unnecessary words or phrases that repeat information already expressed or implied in the sentence.
Question 54Question

Using advanced X-ray phase-contrast tomography, researchers have successfully read ancient scrolls from Herculaneum without unrolling them. These scrolls, which were carbonized and turned to charcoal by the heat of Mount Vesuvius, contain lost works of Epicurean philosophy.

Which choice most effectively eliminates the redundancy in the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: These scrolls, carbonized by the heat of Mount Vesuvius,

Answer

These scrolls, carbonized by the heat of Mount Vesuvius,
The correct choice removes the redundancy of having both 'carbonized' and 'turned to charcoal' (which have the same meaning in this context) and smoothly integrates the description as a participial phrase modifying the subject. This results in a concise, grammatically correct sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The words 'carbonized' and 'turned to charcoal' are synonyms that repeat the same idea, meaning one must be eliminated.
ACT English requires eliminating redundant words to ensure the text is as concise as possible while remaining grammatically correct.
2
Evaluate the options for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option containing 'carbonized by the heat' eliminates the repetition. Other choices introduce grammatical errors, such as fragments or comma splices.
Eliminating redundancy must not introduce new grammatical errors like fragments or run-on sentences.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 55Question

When the Voyager 1 spacecraft reached the edge of our solar system, scientists were amazed to detect a low, hum-like vibration in the plasma data; it was audible to the ear, and they heard it.

Which choice best eliminates the redundancy in the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: it was audible

Answer

it was audible
The option 'it was audible' is correct because it removes the repetitive phrases ('to the ear' and 'heard') while maintaining a grammatically complete independent clause after the semicolon.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant elements in the underlined phrase.
The phrase contains 'audible,' 'to the ear,' and 'heard,' which are repetitive synonyms representing the same concept.
Redundancy must be eliminated to make the sentence concise and clear.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the concise options relative to the semicolon.
The clause following the semicolon must be independent. The option 'it was audible' is an independent clause, whereas 'which was audible' is a dependent clause that creates a fragment.
The correct answer must be grammatically correct as well as concise.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 56Question

The architectural firm submitted several designs for the new city library. Ultimately, the city council selected the plan that was unique and unlike any other they had reviewed.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: selected the unique plan they had reviewed.

Answer

selected the unique plan they had reviewed.
The correct choice is the most concise option. Since the word 'unique' means 'unlike any other,' removing the repetitive phrase makes the sentence direct and clear without altering its meaning or introducing grammatical errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant words or phrases in the underlined text.
The word 'unique' means 'unlike any other,' so including both 'unique' and 'unlike any other' is redundant.
Eliminating repetitive words is essential to meet the ACT English test requirement of conciseness.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for proper punctuation and sentence structure.
The option with the semicolon creates a sentence fragment because 'which' starts a dependent clause. The option with the comma creates a comma splice by linking two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
The correct choice must be both concise and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundancy to achieve conciseness and clarity in writing.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 57Question

During the archaeological excavation in Egypt, the team uncovered a hidden chamber inside the tomb. Inside the chamber, they found several wooden chests, each of which contained ancient artifacts that were very old.

Which choice most effectively eliminates redundancy in the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: each containing ancient artifacts

Answer

each containing ancient artifacts
The correct answer, 'each containing ancient artifacts', is the most concise option because it eliminates the redundant descriptor 'that were very old' (since 'ancient' already implies that the artifacts are very old). It is also grammatically correct, using a participial phrase to modify 'chests' without creating any punctuation errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant phrasing in the underlined segment.
The word 'ancient' already means 'very old,' so including both phrases is repetitive.
ACT English questions require eliminating words that repeat ideas already expressed.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The option containing a comma splice joins independent clauses incorrectly. The option with the semicolon creates a dependent clause fragment. The option using a participial phrase is grammatically correct and concise.
The correct choice must not introduce new grammatical errors while removing redundancy.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 58Question

Dendrochronologists compare these rings to a reference database; they establish a chronological timeline that pinpoints the exact year the wood was harvested.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: they establish a timeline that pinpoints

Answer

they establish a timeline that pinpoints
The correct choice removes the redundant adjective 'chronological' before 'timeline' while maintaining the necessary independent clause structure to follow the semicolon. Since a timeline is chronological by its very nature, using both words is repetitive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant or wordy language within the underlined portion.
The phrase 'chronological timeline' is redundant because a timeline is, by definition, chronological.
Recognizing redundancy helps narrow the choices to those that are concise and clear.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness within the sentence structure.
The clause following the semicolon must be independent. The option beginning with 'because' creates a dependent clause fragment, and the option with a comma before 'it' results in a comma splice.
Eliminating options with grammatical errors ensures the final selection is both concise and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 59Question

Read the following passage and focus on the underlined portion:

Wild yeast and bacteria drive the fermentation of sourdough bread, a process that yields its signature tangy flavor. This natural fermentation is currently slow at this time; however, the long rise allows complex organic acids to develop.

Which of the following options is the most effective and grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: is slow; however,

Answer

The option that reads 'is slow; however,' is the correct choice because it is concise, eliminates redundancy, and is grammatically correct.
The correct choice is the most concise option that eliminates the redundant phrase 'currently... at this time' and correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant elements in the underlined portion of the passage.
The words 'currently' and 'at this time' both mean the same thing, making the phrasing redundant.
ACT English questions require eliminating wordy and repetitive phrasing to achieve maximum conciseness.
2
Evaluate the grammatical structure of the remaining choices to ensure they do not introduce new errors.
The correct option must properly link the two independent clauses. Using a semicolon with 'however' is grammatically correct, whereas using a comma creates a comma splice, and using 'being' creates a fragment.
Eliminating redundancy must not introduce new grammatical errors.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 60Question

To prevent the mechanical type-bars of early manual typewriters from jamming, Christopher Sholes designed the QWERTY layout to separate common letter pairs. By placing these frequently paired letters far apart from each other, Sholes successfully resolved the mechanical jamming issue.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: By placing these frequently paired letters far apart, Sholes resolved the jamming issue

Answer

The correct choice is the option that states: 'By placing these frequently paired letters far apart, Sholes resolved the jamming issue'.
The correct choice is the option starting with 'By placing these frequently paired letters far apart,' which is both grammatically correct and concise. It eliminates the redundant phrase 'from each other' because 'far apart' already establishes that the letters are separated, and it removes the repetitive words 'mechanical' and 'successfully' without changing the meaning of the passage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify redundant phrasing in the underlined portion.
The phrase 'far apart from each other' repeats the concept of physical separation, and 'successfully resolved' is redundant since 'resolved' already implies success. Additionally, 'mechanical' repeats information from the first sentence.
ACT English requires eliminating wordiness and repetitive phrasing to ensure conciseness.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness.
The option that starts with 'Sholes placed...' is a comma splice, and the option that ends with 'which resolved...' is a fragment, leaving only the correct option.
The correct choice must be both concise and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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