Eliminating Redundancy

106 questions

Question 81Question

Iceland utilizes geothermal energy to heat its homes and generate electricity. Because this energy is harnessed directly from underground volcanic systems, it currently provides a reliable source of power at the present time to the majority of the country's residents.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: it provides a reliable source of power

Answer

it provides a reliable source of power
The option 'it provides a reliable source of power' is correct because it successfully removes the redundant words 'currently' and 'at the present time' while keeping the subject and verb needed to establish an independent clause to follow the introductory dependent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion.
The words 'currently' and 'at the present time' both modify the verb by indicating the action is happening now, which is repetitive.
Redundancy must be eliminated to make the sentence concise.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option stating 'it provides a reliable source of power' eliminates the redundant phrase while keeping the necessary subject ('it') and verb ('provides') to form an independent clause.
The sentence begins with a dependent clause ('Because this energy is harnessed...'), so the underlined portion must act as an independent clause to avoid creating a fragment.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 82Question

Restoring a damaged oil painting requires immense patience and skill. Currently, at this present time, conservators use specialized solvents, this process removes dirt without dissolving the original pigments.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Currently, conservators use specialized solvents; this process

Answer

Currently, conservators use specialized solvents; this process
The correct option removes the redundant phrase 'at this present time' since 'currently' already indicates the present state. It also replaces the comma after 'solvents' with a semicolon to correctly separate the two independent clauses, resolving the comma splice error.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify redundancy in the original sentence.
The words 'currently' and 'at this present time' mean the same thing, making the phrasing wordy and repetitive.
ACT English questions require conciseness, so repeating synonyms within the same clause must be avoided.
2
Evaluate the grammatical structure and punctuation connecting the clauses.
The sentence contains two independent clauses: 'conservators use specialized solvents' and 'this process removes dirt...'.
Joining two independent clauses with a comma alone creates a comma splice. A semicolon, a period, or a coordinating conjunction is required.
3
Select the option that eliminates the redundancy and uses correct punctuation.
The option that reads 'Currently, conservators use specialized solvents; this process' removes the redundant temporal phrase and uses a semicolon to resolve the comma splice.
This is the most concise and grammatically correct option.

Key Concept

Eliminating redundancy while maintaining proper clause punctuation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 83Question

To protect themselves from predators, pufferfish can inflate their elastic stomachs with water or air. This unique defense mechanism is a special adaptation that allows them to double in size and appear intimidating to potential threats.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This mechanism

Answer

The option stating 'This mechanism' is correct because it provides the most concise, grammatically sound way to transition between the sentences without repeating redundant terms.
The correct option is the most concise choice. It successfully conveys the intended meaning without repeating information or introducing grammatical errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined text in the context of the sentence to identify any redundancy or repetition.
The phrases 'unique defense mechanism' and 'special adaptation' are synonymous in this context, as a protective strategy (defense mechanism) is an adaptation.
Identifying redundancy is the first step in solving ACT English questions focused on eliminating wordiness.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness, grammatical correctness, and sentence structure.
Replacing the underlined phrase with 'This mechanism' removes the repetition. The alternative option ending with 'it' creates a comma splice, and starting with 'Because' creates a sentence fragment.
This step ensures that the shortest correct option is selected while avoiding common grammatical errors like comma splices and fragments.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 84Question

During the mid-twentieth century, jazz musicians from different backgrounds would frequently collaborate together with one another. They wanted to create new musical styles.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: collaborate to create

Answer

collaborate to create
The option that reads 'collaborate to create' is correct because it is concise and grammatically correct. The verb 'collaborate' already means to work together with others, so adding 'together' or 'with one another' is redundant. Combining the two ideas into a single clause using 'to create' establishes a clear relationship between the action and the purpose without fragmenting the sentence or introducing a comma splice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant or repetitive phrasing in the underlined portion.
The phrase 'collaborate together with one another' contains redundant words because 'collaborate' already means to work together with others.
ACT style requires eliminating redundant words to make the sentence as concise as possible while retaining the original meaning.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness, checking for fragments or run-on sentences.
The option containing 'Because' creates an incomplete sentence fragment, and the option separating the clauses with a comma creates a comma splice.
Eliminating redundancy must not introduce new grammatical errors.
3
Choose the option that is both grammatically correct and the most concise.
The option that reads 'collaborate to create' is grammatically correct, avoids redundancy, and connects the clauses smoothly.
This option successfully improves the sentence's conciseness without violating any rules of grammar.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 85Question

When scientists captured a living coelacanth off the coast of South Africa in 1938, they were shocked to find a prehistoric fish that had previously been thought to be extinct and no longer living.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: that had previously been thought to be extinct

Answer

The correct choice is the most concise option that eliminates the redundant phrase 'and no longer living' while maintaining grammatical correctness.
The correct answer is the most concise and grammatically correct option. The phrase 'thought to be extinct' already communicates that the coelacanth was believed to be no longer living, making the additional words redundant.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion of the original sentence.
The phrase 'and no longer living' repeats the definition of 'extinct,' which is redundant.
ACT English questions prioritize conciseness and favor options that eliminate unnecessary repetition.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The option ending in a period before 'Since' creates a sentence fragment, while the option using a comma to connect two independent clauses creates a comma splice.
Eliminating redundancy should not introduce new grammatical errors like fragments or comma splices.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 86Question

By analyzing ice cores drilled from polar ice sheets, climatologists can reconstruct past atmospheric conditions. Each annual layer of ice, which is deposited on a yearly basis, contains trapped air bubbles that preserve ancient greenhouse gas levels.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Each annual layer of ice

Answer

Each annual layer of ice
The correct choice removes the redundant modifier 'which is deposited on a yearly basis' because the word 'annual' already clearly indicates that the layers of ice are formed every year. This option is grammatically correct and expresses the intended meaning most concisely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant element in the underlined portion.
The word 'annual' and the phrase 'on a yearly basis' mean the same thing, making the phrase redundant.
ACT English requires eliminating redundant words or phrases that repeat ideas without adding new information.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and clarity.
The option containing 'Each annual layer of ice' removes the redundant relative clause completely, which is the most concise way to express the idea.
Selecting the shortest correct option is the primary strategy for redundancy questions.
3
Verify that the selected option maintains proper sentence structure.
The simplified sentence 'Each annual layer of ice contains trapped air bubbles...' is grammatically complete, whereas other choices introduce grammatical errors such as fragments or comma splices.
An option must not only be concise but also grammatically sound.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 87Question

Because geodesic domes are constructed from a network of triangles, they distribute stress evenly throughout the structure, which is why they can support heavy loads and weights.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: allowing them to support heavy loads

Answer

The choice that reads 'allowing them to support heavy loads' is correct because it eliminates the redundant synonym 'and weights' and is grammatically correct.
The correct choice is the option that reads 'allowing them to support heavy loads', which removes the redundant synonym 'and weights' to make the sentence concise and grammatically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant information in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The words 'loads' and 'weights' are synonyms that repeat the same concept of carrying capacity.
Redundant phrasing should be eliminated to make the writing concise and clear.
2
Evaluate the options for conciseness, grammatical correctness, and sentence structure.
The option using the participle 'allowing' provides a concise, grammatically correct structure without repeating synonyms, while other options introduce grammatical errors like comma splices or fragments.
The correct choice on the ACT English section must be both grammatically correct and free of unnecessary redundancy.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 88Question

The committee members debated the proposal for hours. Ultimately, they failed to reach a consensus of opinion that they all agreed on.

Which of the following choices most effectively and concisely replaces the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Ultimately, they failed to reach a consensus.

Answer

Ultimately, they failed to reach a consensus.
The correct choice is the most concise option that preserves the sentence's meaning without adding redundant phrases or grammatical errors. The option that reads 'Ultimately, they failed to reach a consensus.' successfully removes the repetitive words 'of opinion' and 'that they all agreed on' because a consensus by definition is a shared opinion or agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant words or synonyms in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The phrase 'consensus of opinion that they all agreed on' repeats the concept of mutual agreement multiple times, as 'consensus' already implies an agreement of opinion.
To maintain conciseness, repetitive phrases that express the same idea must be eliminated.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The option starting with 'Although' creates a sentence fragment, while the option ending with 'they could not agree' creates a comma splice.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect options leaves the most concise and correct choice.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 89Question

Originally built in the nineteenth century, the lighthouse has guided ships through the treacherous strait for generations. Currently at the present time, automated beacons have replaced the keepers, they no longer need to maintain the light manually.

Which choice best replaces the underlined portion to eliminate redundancy and maintain grammatical correctness?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Currently, automated beacons have replaced the keepers, who

Answer

The correct option is the one starting with 'Currently, automated beacons have replaced the keepers, who'. It eliminates the redundant time phrasing and joins the clauses correctly using a relative pronoun.
The correct choice is the most concise option because it eliminates the redundant time words by using only 'Currently' instead of combining it with another temporal phrase. It also resolves the comma splice of the original sentence by changing the pronoun 'they' to the relative pronoun 'who', making the second clause dependent and creating a grammatically sound sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant or repetitive phrasing in the underlined portion.
The phrase 'Currently at the present time' contains two expressions that mean the exact same thing. One of these must be eliminated to make the sentence concise.
ACT English requires eliminating unnecessary repetition to maintain clear and direct expression.
2
Examine the grammatical connection between the two clauses separated by the comma.
The clauses 'Currently... have replaced the keepers' and '[they] no longer need to maintain the light manually' are both independent. Joining them with just a comma and the pronoun 'they' creates a comma splice.
Independent clauses cannot be joined by a comma alone; they require a semicolon, a coordinating conjunction, or subordination.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that is both concise and grammatically correct.
The choice using 'Currently' and the relative pronoun 'who' successfully removes the redundant time phrasing and avoids a comma splice by subordinating the second clause.
This resolves all stylistic and grammatical issues.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 90Question

Beneath the forest floor, vast networks of fungal mycelium connect the roots of individual trees. Through these underground channels, trees share nutrients with one another, cooperatively dividing them among themselves to support the health of the entire forest.

Which of the following choices, if substituted for the underlined portion, makes the sentence most concise and grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Through these underground channels, trees share nutrients

Answer

Through these underground channels, trees share nutrients
The correct answer is the option that states 'Through these underground channels, trees share nutrients'. This choice eliminates the redundant phrases 'with one another' and 'cooperatively dividing them among themselves' since the verb 'share' already denotes mutual distribution. This creates a clear, concise, and grammatically complete sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundant expressions in the underlined portion.
Both 'share nutrients with one another' and 'cooperatively dividing them among themselves' convey the exact same idea of mutual resource sharing.
Eliminating repetitive synonym phrasing is required to establish concise writing.
2
Evaluate the choices for grammatical correctness and conciseness.
The choice that reads 'Through these underground channels, trees share nutrients' successfully removes all redundancy while maintaining a grammatically complete and correct sentence.
The correct answer on the ACT English section must be the most concise option that preserves the original meaning and introduces no grammar errors.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 91Question

Sourdough bread relies on a wild yeast starter, which is a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Because this starter must be fed water and flour on a regular basis at scheduled intervals, bakers often treat it like a household pet.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Because this starter must be fed water and flour regularly

Answer

The option that states 'Because this starter must be fed water and flour regularly' is correct because it eliminates the repetitive phrasing and retains the necessary subordinating conjunction to form a grammatically correct introductory clause.
The correct choice replaces the repetitive phrases 'on a regular basis' and 'at scheduled intervals' with the single adverb 'regularly,' which conveys the same meaning concisely. It also retains the subordinating conjunction 'Because' and the finite verb 'must be fed,' preserving the necessary grammatical structure of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify any redundant expressions within the underlined segment.
The phrases 'on a regular basis' and 'at scheduled intervals' both express the idea of recurrence, making one of them redundant.
ACT English conventions require clear and concise phrasing, avoiding repetitive words or synonyms.
2
Check the remaining options for grammatical errors, specifically focusing on sentence structure and connection of clauses.
Eliminating the subordinating conjunction 'Because' without changing the comma after 'regularly' joins two independent clauses incorrectly. Using the participle 'requiring' instead of a verb leaves the introductory clause incomplete.
Correcting redundancy must not introduce new grammatical errors like comma splices or sentence fragments.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 92Question

While studying the ruins of Pompeii, archaeologists discovered murals preserved in remarkable detail. The reason why the murals survived is because the volcanic ash sealed them from oxygen.

Which of the following options best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The murals survived because

Answer

The murals survived because
The correct answer, 'The murals survived because', is the most concise option and correctly connects the effect (mural survival) to the cause (volcanic ash sealing them) without any redundant wording or grammatical errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundancy.
The phrases 'the reason why' and 'because' are found to express the same causal relationship.
Identifying wordiness or redundant meanings is the first step in solving ACT redundancy questions.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the non-redundant options.
The option beginning with 'Because' creates a fragment, and the option containing 'this was because' creates a comma splice.
Ensuring the corrected sentence is grammatically sound prevents choosing an option that fixes redundancy but introduces a structural error.
3
Select the option that is both concise and grammatically correct.
The option stating 'The murals survived because' is selected.
This option successfully removes the redundant words while keeping a complete, correct sentence.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 93Question

In the high-altitude expanse of Chile's Atacama Desert, astronomers utilize advanced telescopes to observe distant galaxies. The dry atmosphere of this arid region provides unparalleled clarity, allowing researchers to capture light that has traveled for billions of years.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The dry atmosphere

Answer

The option that reads 'The dry atmosphere' is the correct choice because it is the most concise option that eliminates the redundant synonym 'arid' without introducing any grammatical errors.
The correct option is the most concise choice that successfully removes the synonym redundancy. Since 'dry' and 'arid' have the same meaning, using both is repetitive. Simply using 'The dry atmosphere' expresses the intended meaning clearly and economically.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The words 'dry' and 'arid' both describe a lack of moisture, meaning they are synonyms. Using both in the same phrase is redundant.
ACT English questions require eliminating unnecessary words that repeat information already stated or implied.
2
Evaluate the remaining choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option starting with 'Because' creates a dependent clause, resulting in a sentence fragment. The option reading 'The atmosphere is dry, it' creates a comma splice. The option reading 'The dry atmosphere' removes the redundancy and is grammatically correct.
The correct choice must not only eliminate redundancy but also maintain proper sentence structure.

Key Concept

Redundancy occurs when a sentence uses two or more words that express the same meaning. To fix it, remove the repetitive words while ensuring the sentence remains grammatically complete.
Question 94Question

During the Renaissance, artists developed a technique called chiaroscuro, which uses strong contrasts between light and dark. This artistic method, which was a technique used by painters of the era, allowed them to create a sense of three-dimensional volume on a flat canvas.

Which choice is the best replacement for the underlined portion in the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This technique

Answer

This technique
The correct answer is the option that simply states 'This technique'. It is the most concise choice and successfully eliminates the redundancy of repeating that the method was used by painters of the era, an idea already established by the mention of Renaissance artists in the preceding sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundancy.
The phrase 'This artistic method, which was a technique used by painters of the era,' repeats concepts already mentioned in the first sentence ('artists developed a technique' during the 'Renaissance').
Redundant language must be eliminated to make the sentence clear and concise.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option containing 'This technique' successfully removes the redundancy while maintaining grammatical correctness. The option with 'This technique was widely adopted, it' creates a comma splice. The option with 'Since this technique' turns the second sentence into a fragment.
The correct answer must be both grammatically correct and free of unnecessary repetition.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 95Question

Deep within the ocean, hydrothermal vents support unique ecosystems that thrive without sunlight. Currently, these specialized communities are at this present time dependent on chemical synthesis rather than photosynthesis.

Which of the following options is the best version of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: These specialized communities depend

Answer

These specialized communities depend
The correct option is the most concise and direct way to express the sentence's meaning. By replacing 'Currently, these specialized communities are at this present time dependent' with 'These specialized communities depend', it successfully eliminates the redundant temporal references ('currently' and 'at this present time') and uses a strong, active verb ('depend') to connect the subject to the prepositional phrase.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion of the original sentence.
The words 'Currently' and the phrase 'at this present time' both convey the same meaning, making them redundant when used together.
ACT English questions require eliminating unnecessary words that repeat the same information.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
The option starting with 'Because' creates a dependent clause fragment. The option with 'they rely' creates a comma splice. The option 'These specialized communities depend' is both grammatically correct and concise.
The correct answer must be free of redundancy, punctuation errors, and sentence structure issues.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 96Question

During his expedition to the Arctic in 1909, Robert Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole, a monumental achievement that was met with both skepticism and acclaim. At that period of time, many scholars disputed his measurements, leading to a decades-long debate.

Which option is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Many scholars disputed

Answer

Many scholars disputed
The correct option is the most concise choice that avoids redundant phrasing. Since the preceding sentence already specifies the year 1909, repeating the timeframe with 'At that period of time' is unnecessary. Furthermore, 'period' and 'time' are repetitive synonyms. Simply starting the clause with the subject and verb provides a clear, grammatically sound sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion for redundant phrasing.
The phrase 'At that period of time' contains 'period' and 'time', which are redundant synonyms. Moreover, the context has already specified the year as 1909.
ACT English requires the most concise phrasing that preserves grammatical correctness and meaning.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the remaining choices to ensure they do not introduce new errors.
Removing the redundant phrase leaves 'Many scholars disputed', which is grammatically correct and forms a complete independent clause. Introducing 'Because' creates a fragment, and adding 'they questioned' creates a comma splice.
Eliminating redundancy must not come at the cost of sentence structure and punctuation rules.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 97Question

In the damp temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, certain species of fungi emit a soft, greenish glow at night. These bioluminescent mushrooms light up brightly during nighttime hours, illuminating the dark forest floor to attract spore-dispersing insects.

Which choice produces the most concise and grammatically correct sentence by eliminating redundancy in the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: These mushrooms illuminate

Answer

The option reading 'These mushrooms illuminate' is correct because it concisely conveys the intended meaning without repeating information or introducing grammatical errors.
The choice reading 'These mushrooms illuminate' directly provides the subject and verb needed for the clause without repeating details about nocturnal glowing that were already established in the sentence. It is clear, concise, and grammatically sound.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify redundant elements in the context.
The preceding sentence already states that the fungi 'emit a soft, greenish glow at night'. Descriptive terms in the underlined portion like 'bioluminescent', 'light up brightly', and 'during nighttime hours' repeat this exact information.
Standard assessment writing guidelines require eliminating words that duplicate meaning already expressed in adjacent context.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for conciseness and proper grammatical structure.
The choice reading 'These mushrooms illuminate' removes all repetitive phrasing while forming a grammatically complete subject and verb that connects smoothly to the rest of the sentence.
The correct answer must solve the redundancy issue without introducing new grammatical errors such as fragments or comma splices.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
Question 98Question

Scientists studying ice core samples from Greenland analyze trapped air bubbles to reconstruct Earth's atmospheric history. Each annual sample provides a year-by-year record of greenhouse gas concentrations over past millennia.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Each annual sample provides a record of greenhouse gas concentrations

Answer

The option reading 'Each annual sample provides a record of greenhouse gas concentrations' is the correct choice because it removes repetitive wording while maintaining complete, grammatical sentence structure.
The selection stating 'Each annual sample provides a record of greenhouse gas concentrations' is correct because it removes 'year-by-year,' which redundantly repeats the meaning of 'annual,' while keeping the rest of the main clause grammatically complete.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined portion.
The words 'annual' (meaning occurring once a year) and 'year-by-year' convey the exact same idea in the sentence.
Effective English writing avoids using synonymous modifiers that repeat information unnecessarily.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
Removing 'year-by-year' leaves 'Each annual sample provides a record of greenhouse gas concentrations', which is grammatically complete with a subject ('sample') and predicate ('provides').
The correct choice must eliminate the unnecessary repetition without introducing structural errors like sentence fragments or comma splices.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 99Question

Pioneering ethnomusicologist Frances Densmore recorded thousands of Native American songs on wax cylinders in the early twentieth century. Currently at this present time, these fragile audio recordings are preserved in digital archives, allowing researchers to study rare musical traditions without damaging the original artifacts.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion in the sentence to eliminate redundancy while maintaining proper grammatical structure?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: These fragile audio recordings are currently preserved

Answer

These fragile audio recordings are currently preserved
The option stating 'These fragile audio recordings are currently preserved' expresses the present status of the recordings clearly and concisely. It removes the repetitive phrase 'at this present time' while maintaining a complete, grammatically sound independent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined segment.
The original text uses both 'Currently' and 'at this present time' to express the same time frame.
Effective English writing avoids stating the same temporal concept twice in a single clause.
2
Evaluate the choices for conciseness and grammatical correctness.
Removing 'at this present time' creates a direct and concise statement without altering the intended meaning or introducing structural errors like fragments or comma splices.
The correct option preserves the complete main clause structure while eliminating unnecessary words.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Question 100Question

Architects designing modern skyscrapers often incorporate self-healing concrete, a novel material embedded with bacterial spores that produce limestone when exposed to moisture. Due to the fact that this biological process occurs automatically by itself, structural repair costs for micro-cracks are drastically reduced over time.

Which choice best eliminates unnecessary redundancy while maintaining the grammatical correctness of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Because this biological process occurs automatically,

Answer

The phrasing 'Because this biological process occurs automatically,' is the most concise and grammatically correct option.
The correct answer replaces the wordy prepositional construction 'Due to the fact that' with the concise conjunction 'Because', and it removes 'by itself', which redundantly repeats the meaning of 'automatically'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify wordiness and repetitive meaning in the underlined segment.
The phrase 'Due to the fact that' is an overly wordy substitute for 'Because', and 'automatically' means the exact same thing as 'by itself' in this context.
Good writing avoids expressing identical concepts twice in the same clause.
2
Evaluate the concise alternatives for grammatical structure.
Substituting 'Because' for 'Due to the fact that' and dropping 'by itself' yields a complete, clear dependent clause that smoothly connects to the main sentence.
The correct answer must eliminate redundancy without introducing sentence structure errors such as fragments or comma splices.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
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