Examkin

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details

64 questions

All types64Multiple choice34Ordering30
Question 1Question →

The sentences below are from a draft of an essay about the hunting mechanisms of pitcher plants. To ensure that the paragraph logically builds its claim that the *Nepenthes gracilis* plant utilizes external forces to capture prey, in what order should the sentences be arranged?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The sentences should be arranged in the order: 'While most pitcher plants...', 'The underside of the...', 'When a raindrop...', 'This sudden acceleration...'.
The paragraph must begin with the claim introducing *Nepenthes gracilis* and its reliance on external forces. Next, the baseline condition of insects clinging to the lid in calm weather is described. This is followed by the contrasting event of a raindrop strike, and finally, the immediate consequence of that strike ('this sudden acceleration').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main claim of the paragraph.
The sentence stating that *Nepenthes gracilis* relies on a dynamic mechanism harnessing external forces is identified as the main claim.
A paragraph focused on supporting a claim must start by introducing that claim so that subsequent sentences can provide relevant supporting details.
2
Determine the baseline condition for the prey.
The sentence describing the slick underside of the lid where insects can typically cling in calm weather is selected.
This establishes the normal state of affairs before the external forces described in the claim are introduced.
3
Locate the sentence showing the impact of the external force.
The sentence describing a raindrop strike vibrating the lid downward is selected.
The transition word 'however' in this sentence contrasts the raindrop strike with the calm weather baseline, logically connecting the two.
4
Identify the final consequence that completes the mechanism.
The sentence explaining how the sudden acceleration dislodges insects is placed last.
The phrase 'This sudden acceleration' directly refers back to the violent downward vibration of the lid, completing the logical chain of cause and effect.

Key Concept

Arranging sentences to build a logical narrative that supports a central claim with sequential evidence
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 2Question →

Passage:

[1] Growing up, I often watched my grandmother hunch over her drafting table, carefully drawing maps for the state geological survey. [2] She always insisted that mapmaking was far more than a technical exercise in recording coordinates. [3] Instead, she viewed cartography as a highly subjective art form that required a designer's eye to decide what to emphasize and what to omit. [4] To represent a landscape, a mapmaker must make choices about color, line weight, and labels. [5] She believed that a map could never be completely objective because it was ultimately a human interpretation of the land.

Question:

The writer wants to revise Sentence 4 to provide the most specific, concrete visual details that illustrate the mapmaker's subjective artistic choices. Which option best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: To represent a rugged coastline, a mapmaker might paint the ocean a deep indigo and thicken the shoreline's ink boundary to convey a sense of rocky isolation.

Answer

The correct option is the one that details a mapmaker painting the ocean a deep indigo and thickening the shoreline's boundary with ink to convey a sense of rocky isolation.
The correct answer provides concrete visual details—such as painting the ocean a deep indigo and thickening the shoreline's boundary with ink—which directly illustrate the specific artistic choices a mapmaker makes to convey a feeling like rocky isolation. This directly supports the paragraph's claim that mapmaking is a subjective art of decision-making.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the central claim of the paragraph.
The paragraph argues that mapmaking is a subjective art of decision-making rather than a purely objective technical process.
The correct revision must align with and support this central thesis.
2
Determine the specific rhetorical goal requested in the prompt.
The prompt asks for 'specific, concrete visual details' that illustrate the mapmaker's 'subjective artistic choices.'
This allows filtering out options that are grammatically correct but too vague or off-topic.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one with the most concrete, sensory-based visual details.
The option describing painting the ocean a deep indigo and thickening ink boundaries contains highly specific visual imagery that illustrates a design choice, whereas the other options are either grammatically incorrect, describe tools generally, or remain vague.
Selecting the option with the most sensory details ensures compliance with the visual details constraint.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details

Alternative Method

Evaluate the choices by scanning for concrete nouns and sensory adjectives (e.g., 'rugged,' 'indigo,' 'ink') versus abstract nouns (e.g., 'decisions,' 'elements,' 'tools'). This allows you to quickly isolate the option that provides the most vivid visual detail.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3Question →

The sentences below are from a draft of an essay about Mesoamerican architecture. To ensure that the paragraph logically builds its claim that the pyramid produces a bird-like sound and explains how this effect is achieved, in what order should the sentences be placed?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The paragraph should begin with the claim that a handclap at the pyramid's base triggers an echo resembling the call of a resplendent quetzal, followed by the expert verification comparing the echo's frequency spectrum to the bird's vocalizations. Next, the sentence introducing the specific construction details of the limestone staircases should follow, and the paragraph should conclude with the explanation of how these steps scatter the sound waves.
The correct order establishes the claim that the echo mimics the quetzal's call, follows it with the scientific evidence comparing the frequency spectrum, introduces the limestone staircases as the cause, and concludes with how those steps scatter sound waves. This sequence ensures that evidence directly supports the initial claim and details flow logically with clear pronoun antecedents.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory claim
The sentence describing the phenomenon of the handclap triggering a chirping echo that sounds like a quetzal functions as the introductory claim.
It introduces the central topic and claim of the paragraph.
2
Connect the claim to its supporting evidence
The sentence detailing how acoustics experts verified the phenomenon by comparing the echo's frequency spectrum to actual bird vocalizations must follow the claim.
It provides immediate scientific evidence validating the initial claim.
3
Introduce the architectural mechanism
The sentence introducing the construction of the limestone staircases with specific dimensions is placed third.
It shifts the focus from the existence of the phenomenon to the explanation of its cause.
4
Connect details of the mechanism using pronoun references
The sentence explaining how the sound waves are scattered by the steps is placed last.
The demonstrative phrase 'These carefully calculated steps' requires a direct antecedent, which is the 'staircases' introduced in the preceding step.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 4Question →

Passage:
In the 1840s, British botanist Anna Atkins pioneered the use of photography for scientific illustration. Seeking a more accurate way to document botanical specimens than hand-drawn illustrations, Atkins turned to the newly invented cyanotype process. This method involved placing specimens directly onto chemically treated paper and exposing them to sunlight. The resulting images were highly detailed, [offering a level of precision that traditional drawings could not match].

Question:
The writer wants to revise the underlined portion (bracketed in bold above) to provide the most specific, concrete visual details that illustrate the appearance of the cyanotype images. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: displaying Prussian blue backgrounds with the white, ghostlike silhouettes of delicate, lace-like seaweed fronds.

Answer

The correct option is the one that describes the Prussian blue backgrounds and the white, ghostlike silhouettes of delicate, lace-like seaweed fronds.
The option describing 'Prussian blue backgrounds with the white, ghostlike silhouettes of delicate, lace-like seaweed fronds' is the correct choice. It provides specific, sensory descriptors ('Prussian blue', 'white', 'ghostlike', 'lace-like') that paint a clear picture of the cyanotype images for the reader, satisfying the rhetorical goal without introducing grammatical errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the rhetorical goal specified in the question.
The goal is to find the option that provides the most specific and concrete visual details to illustrate the appearance of the images.
This establishes the criteria for evaluating the choices.
2
Evaluate the choices based on the level of concrete visual detail they provide.
The option describing 'Prussian blue backgrounds' and 'white, ghostlike silhouettes of delicate, lace-like seaweed fronds' contains the most vivid and specific sensory details. The other options use vague and abstract terms like 'level of precision,' 'beautiful, clear,' and 'very clear way.'
Specific details show rather than tell, allowing the reader to visualize the subject.
3
Check the grammatically correct options to ensure the selected choice does not introduce errors.
The option with the semicolon introduces a sentence fragment error. The option with the phrase 'and the book becomes' introduces an illogical shift to the present tense. The option with the Prussian blue description is grammatically sound.
An option must be both rhetorically effective and grammatically correct to be the right answer on the ACT.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Question 5Question →

The following sentences are from a draft of an essay about forest ecology. To ensure that the paragraph logically builds its claim that mycorrhizal networks facilitate active cooperation among trees, in what order should the sentences be arranged?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The paragraph should begin with the sentence establishing the historical view of forest competition, followed by the introduction of mycorrhizal networks, then the specific evidence of nutrient transfer, and finally the detail about warning signals.
The paragraph flows logically from a general historical context of forest competition to a new model that challenges it, followed by specific examples of how that model operates. The sentence starting with 'Historically, ecologists' sets the baseline. The sentence starting with 'This adversarial model' transitions using a demonstrative adjective pointing back to the first sentence. The sentence starting with 'Specifically, studies' provides the initial concrete evidence of nutrient transfer. The final sentence, beginning 'In addition to nutrients,' adds information about warning signals, relying on the previous sentence to establish the concept of nutrients.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory sentence that establishes the paragraph's baseline context.
The sentence starting with 'Historically, ecologists' introduces the traditional paradigm of forests as competitive arenas, setting the stage for a counter-argument.
Paragraphs generally begin with broader context or the initial state of a theory before introducing new evidence or discoveries.
2
Identify the sentence that directly transitions from and challenges the baseline concept.
The sentence starting with 'This adversarial model' directly references the 'competitive arenas' established in the previous sentence and introduces the mycorrhizal networks.
The demonstrative pronoun 'this' in 'This adversarial model' functions as a cohesive tie that must immediately follow the description of competition.
3
Place the first piece of concrete evidence supporting the cooperative network claim.
The sentence starting with 'Specifically, studies' details how the networks function to share nutrients (carbon and water).
The transition 'specifically' signals that a concrete example or data point is being provided to substantiate the general claim of the network's discovery.
4
Position the final detail that builds upon the previous evidence.
The sentence starting with 'In addition to nutrients' introduces a second function of the network (biochemical warning signals).
The transition 'In addition to nutrients' depends on the nutrient sharing details established in the preceding sentence, placing this sentence logically at the end of the sequence.

Key Concept

Arranging sentences logically to build a claim using structural and transitional clues.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 6Question →

[1] In 1912, geophysicist Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, claiming that Earth's continents were once united as a single supercontinent. [2] To support this claim, Wegener pointed to matching geological formations and fossil records on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. [3] For instance, fossils of the freshwater reptile Mesosaurus are found only in southern Africa and eastern South America. [4] The writer wants to add a sentence after sentence 3 to provide specific, concrete geological evidence that supports the claim that these two continents were once physically connected.

Which of the following sentences best achieves this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: In addition, the ancient mountain ranges of the Cape Fold Belt in South Africa align perfectly in structure and rock type with the Sierra de la Ventana range in Argentina.

Answer

The sentence that names specific mountain ranges (the Cape Fold Belt and the Sierra de la Ventana) and describes their structural alignment.
The correct option provides specific, concrete geological evidence by naming the Cape Fold Belt in South Africa and the Sierra de la Ventana range in Argentina, demonstrating how they align in structure and rock type to support the claim of a physical connection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prompt to identify the specific rhetorical goal.
The goal is to find a sentence that provides specific, concrete geological evidence supporting the claim that Africa and South America were once physically connected.
Understanding the precise requirement prevents choosing options that are too general or off-topic.
2
Evaluate each option against the criteria of being specific and concrete.
The option referencing the Cape Fold Belt and Sierra de la Ventana provides specific named geological features and structural alignment, whereas the option mentioning 'rocks and mountains in different countries' is too general.
This filters out vague or general statements that fail to meet the rhetorical goal.
3
Check the relevance of factually true options.
The option about Wegener's 1915 book is factually true but does not provide direct geological evidence of the connection.
This avoids the distractor that is relevant to the topic of Wegener but irrelevant to the specific claim.
4
Inspect remaining options for grammatical correctness.
The option ending with 'crucial; because they provide...' contains a semicolon fragment error, while the correct option is grammatically sound.
ACT English questions require the correct answer to be both rhetorically effective and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 7Question →

The following sentences, when ordered correctly, form a cohesive paragraph that supports a claim about Sequoyah's writing system. Arrange the sentences in the most logical order to construct a paragraph where supporting evidence and details logically follow the claim.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order of sentences is: first, the statement introducing Sequoyah's invention and its effect on literacy; second, the detail explaining the mechanics of the eighty-five syllable system; third, the explanation of how this structure allowed mastery in weeks; fourth, the evidence showing the high literacy rates achieved within a decade; and fifth, the final detail about the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper.
The paragraph begins with the primary claim, which establishes the main argument about Sequoyah's syllabary elevating literacy. The second sentence logically follows by detailing the design of the syllabary. The third sentence builds directly on this design, explaining that because of this phonetic structure, speakers mastered it in weeks. The fourth sentence provides the broad results of this rapid mastery (a literacy rate higher than nearby settlers). The fifth sentence concludes the paragraph by showing the ultimate outcome of this literacy boom.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main claim that establishes the central argument of the paragraph.
The sentence introducing Sequoyah's invention of the Cherokee syllabary and its rapid elevation of literacy is identified as the claim.
A well-structured paragraph must begin with the central claim that the subsequent details and evidence will support.
2
Locate the sentence that explains the immediate structural detail of the system introduced in the claim.
The sentence describing the eighty-five distinct syllables matching the spoken language is placed second.
This sentence elaborates on how the 'writing system' mentioned in the claim was structurally designed.
3
Find the sentence that links this structural design to the claim of rapid literacy.
The sentence explaining that speakers could master the system in weeks because it aligned with oral patterns is placed third.
This connects the structural cause (the syllables) to the immediate effect (rapid learning), supporting the claim of rapid literacy.
4
Determine which sentence provides the statistical proof or broad evidence of the paragraph's claim.
The sentence showing that the Cherokee Nation achieved a literacy rate higher than surrounding settlers within a decade is placed fourth.
This serves as concrete evidence demonstrating the long-term success of the system's ease of learning.
5
Identify the concluding sentence that shows the ultimate culmination of the evidence.
The sentence about the establishment of the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper is placed fifth.
The transition phrase 'This rapid intellectual empowerment' refers back to the high literacy rates established in the previous sentence, completing the logical progression.

Key Concept

Logical sequencing of supporting evidence to substantiate a central claim
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 8Question →

Passage:

[1] In the mid-twentieth century, geologist Marie Tharp revolutionized our understanding of the ocean floor. [2] Working with sonar data collected by her colleague Bruce Heezen, Tharp meticulously plotted the topography of the Atlantic Ocean. [3] Her detailed mapping revealed a massive, continuous underwater mountain range with a rift valley running down its center. [4] This discovery provided critical support for the controversial theory of continental drift.

Question:

The writer wants to revise the bolded portion of Sentence 2 ('sonar data') to provide the most specific and concrete detail that emphasizes the immense volume of information Tharp analyzed. Given that all the choices are true, which one best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: thousands of individual sonar depth soundings

Answer

thousands of individual sonar depth soundings
The option mentioning 'thousands of individual sonar depth soundings' is correct because it uses a specific quantity ('thousands') and concrete details ('depth soundings') that emphasize the immense volume of information Tharp analyzed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific rhetorical goal in the prompt.
The goal is to choose the option that provides the most specific and concrete detail emphasizing the immense volume of information analyzed.
This establishes the criteria for evaluating the choices.
2
Compare the choices based on specificity and quantitative emphasis.
The option referring to 'thousands of individual sonar depth soundings' is the only one that uses a concrete quantity ('thousands') and a specific noun ('depth soundings') to show the massive scope of Tharp's work.
This determines which choice best fulfills the stated goal.

Key Concept

Supporting claims with specific evidence requires choosing options with concrete details and numbers rather than vague generalizations.
Question 9Question →

Passage

[1] In the early twentieth century, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton led several daring expeditions to the Antarctic, earning a reputation for his extraordinary leadership under pressure. [2] During the ill-fated *Endurance* expedition, when the ship was crushed by pack ice, Shackleton prioritized the survival of his crew above all else. [3] He led his men across hundreds of miles of ice and water, maintaining high morale despite the desperate circumstances. [4] To illustrate his commitment, historical accounts often highlight the specific sacrifices Shackleton made to ensure his crew's comfort.

The writer wants to revise Sentence 4 to provide the most specific, concrete visual detail that supports the claim that Shackleton made personal sacrifices for his crew's comfort. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: In one instance, Shackleton gave his own warm leather boots to a frostbitten sailor, choosing instead to wrap his feet in layers of tattered canvas.

Answer

In one instance, Shackleton gave his own warm leather boots to a frostbitten sailor, choosing instead to wrap his feet in layers of tattered canvas.
The correct option is the one describing Shackleton giving his warm leather boots to a frostbitten sailor and wrapping his feet in tattered canvas. This choice uses specific, concrete nouns and adjectives that allow the reader to visualize the sacrifice, and it directly supports the claim that Shackleton sacrificed his own comfort for that of his crew.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prompt to identify the specific writing goal.
The goal is to find a revision of Sentence 4 that provides the most specific, concrete visual detail supporting Shackleton's personal sacrifices for his crew's comfort.
Understanding the target claim and style requirements is necessary to evaluate the options.
2
Evaluate the options for grammatical correctness.
The option containing the dangling modifier is grammatically incorrect, as the introductory modifying phrase does not logically modify the subject 'layers of tattered canvas'.
ACT English requires choices to be grammatically correct.
3
Compare the remaining grammatically correct options for visual specificity and relevance to the specific claim.
The option about his warm leather boots and tattered canvas contains concrete visual details showing a direct personal sacrifice for comfort. The option mentioning he frequently gave up belongings is too generalized. The option about saving all twenty-eight men, though factually true, focuses on overall safety and survival rather than personal sacrifice for comfort.
Selecting the most specific and relevant detail satisfies the writer's rhetorical goal.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 10Question →

[1] In the pitch-black depths of the Mariana Trench, hydrothermal vents spew superheated, mineral-rich water into the freezing ocean. [2] For decades, scientists assumed these abyssal zones were barren deserts, devoid of life due to the crushing pressure and lack of sunlight. [3] However, recent expeditions have revealed thriving ecosystems clustered around these vents, sustained not by photosynthesis, but by chemosynthesis. [4] These organisms rely on specialized metabolic pathways to convert inorganic chemicals into energy, demonstrating a remarkable adaptation to an environment once thought entirely uninhabitable. [5] Specifically, certain species of bacteria form the foundation of this food web by extracting energy from the chemical bonds of hydrogen sulfide.

The writer wants to add a sentence after Sentence 1 that provides the most specific, concrete evidence of the extreme physical conditions under which these extremophiles survive. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: At depths exceeding 10,000 meters, these vents release fluids reaching temperatures of 400°C (752°F) under hydrostatic pressures that exceed 1,000 atmospheres.

Answer

At depths exceeding 10,000 meters, these vents release fluids reaching temperatures of 400°C (752°F) under hydrostatic pressures that exceed 1,000 atmospheres.
The correct choice directly supports the claim by providing specific, quantitative measurements of the extreme depths, temperatures, and pressures of the vent environment (e.g., '10,000 meters', '400°C', and '1,000 atmospheres'). It is also grammatically correct and flows logically after Sentence 1.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific rhetorical goal in the prompt.
The prompt requires selecting a sentence that provides the 'most specific, concrete evidence of the extreme physical conditions' (pressure, temperature, depth) of the hydrothermal vent environment.
Understanding the goal allows for screening out options that are off-topic or too vague.
2
Evaluate each option for grammatical correctness.
The option beginning with 'The hydrostatic pressure...' contains a comma splice. The option beginning with 'Reaching temperatures...' contains a dangling modifier. Only the option starting with 'At depths...' and the option starting with 'These unique ecosystems...' are grammatically correct.
ACT English questions require standard written English, so grammatically incorrect sentences can be eliminated.
3
Evaluate the remaining grammatically correct options for specificity and relevance to the rhetorical goal.
The option about deep-submergence vehicles is factually consistent with the passage's theme but focuses on exploration technology, not the physical conditions. The option containing numerical measurements ('exceeding 10,000 meters', '400°C', '1,000 atmospheres') directly addresses the hostile physical environment with the highest level of specificity.
This determines the correct option by matching the specific rhetorical requirements of the prompt.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Question 11Question →

The following sentences, when ordered logically, form a paragraph discussing the development of the Cherokee writing system. Arrange the sentences to ensure that the central claim is logically introduced and immediately supported by appropriate evidence and specific details.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct logical order begins with the sentence introducing Sequoyah's isolation and effort, followed by the sentence defining his breakthrough syllabary, then the sentence claiming that this system caused a rapid surge in literacy, followed by the sentence providing general quantitative evidence of the surge in 1821, and ending with the sentence providing the specific example of the bilingual newspaper in 1828.
The correct paragraph structure follows a logical progression: it first establishes the context of Sequoyah's isolated work, defines his breakthrough syllabary, presents the central claim that the system sparked a rapid literacy surge, supports this claim with general quantitative timeline data (thousands of readers within months of 1821), and finally illustrates the claim with a concrete, specific detail (the establishment of the *Cherokee Phoenix* in 1828).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Establish the background context.
Place the sentence describing Sequoyah working in isolation at the beginning.
It introduces the topic and the struggle before any breakthrough or writing system is defined.
2
Introduce the specific creation.
Place the sentence defining the eighty-five-character syllabary second.
It resolves the struggle introduced in the first sentence by defining 'His breakthrough' and naming the writing system.
3
Identify the central claim.
Place the sentence asserting that the writing system was intuitive and sparked a rapid surge in literacy third.
This establishes the claim regarding the system's impact, which the remaining sentences must support with evidence.
4
Add general evidence.
Place the sentence showing that thousands learned to read and write within months of the 1821 adoption fourth.
It provides immediate quantitative and chronological support for the claim of a 'rapid surge' made in the third sentence.
5
Provide specific concrete details.
Place the sentence about the 1828 bilingual newspaper last.
Introduced by 'For example,' it offers a highly specific, concrete detail that illustrates the practical application of the literacy surge, completing the logical flow from abstract claim to concrete proof.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Question 12Question →

The following sentences, when ordered logically, form a paragraph about desert plant adaptations. Arrange the sentences so that the general claim about water conservation is logically followed by specific supporting evidence and details.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order begins with the general claim about desert plant features, followed by the specific evidence of the saguaro cactus's pleated stem, and concludes with the detail explaining how this adaptation supports survival.
The paragraph is logically organized starting with the general claim about desert plant adaptations, followed by the specific evidence of the saguaro cactus's pleated stem (introduced by 'For instance'), and ending with the explanation of how this adaptation helps the plant survive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the central claim of the paragraph.
The sentence stating that many desert plants have developed remarkable physical features to conserve water serves as the general claim.
Paragraphs typically begin with a broad assertion or topic sentence that establishes the main idea before presenting specific details.
2
Locate the specific evidence that supports the claim.
The sentence describing the saguaro cactus's pleated stem is the evidence.
The transition 'For instance' directly signals that this sentence is a concrete example supporting the general claim about physical features.
3
Find the concluding explanation or detail that elaborates on the evidence.
The sentence beginning with 'This anatomical adaptation' is the final detail.
The phrase 'This anatomical adaptation' refers back to the 'pleated stem' mentioned in the evidence sentence, explaining the survival benefit of that feature and bringing the paragraph to a logical conclusion.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 13Question →

The following sentences are from a draft of an essay about the Venus flytrap. To ensure that the paragraph's claim is logically supported by evidence in a step-by-step manner, what is the most logical order for these sentences?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The most logical order is: first the introduction of the counting mechanism, followed by the description of the initial trap closure, then the subsequent stimulation for digestion, and finally the explanation of how this multi-stage requirement prevents resource waste.
The correct order follows a clear logical and chronological path. It begins with the general claim that the plant uses a counting mechanism to conserve energy. It then explains the first stage of this mechanism (the two touches needed for closure) followed by the second stage (the subsequent touches needed for digestion). Finally, it concludes by explaining how this multi-stage system supports the central claim of resource conservation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main claim of the paragraph.
The sentence introducing the Venus flytrap's counting mechanism to prevent energy waste sets the stage as the topic sentence.
A logical paragraph must begin by stating the central claim before providing supporting evidence.
2
Arrange the evidence chronologically or sequentially.
The sentence describing the first two touches required for closure must precede the sentence describing the three additional touches required for digestion.
The trap must close before digestion can begin, making the physical sequence of events the logical order.
3
Place the concluding summary sentence.
The sentence clarifying the benefit of multiple signals at 'each stage' is placed at the end.
This sentence refers back to the stages described in the previous sentences and concludes the paragraph by reinforcing the main claim of resource conservation.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 14Question →

Passage:

[1] In 1925, at the age of fifty-five, Ynes Mexia embarked on her first botanical expedition to Mexico, beginning a career in which she would collect nearly 150,000 plant specimens. [2] Throughout her travels, she faced numerous hazards, including narrow paths, earthquakes, and wild animals. [3] Despite these challenges, Mexia was incredibly successful at discovering new plant species. [4] Her dedication to botany was evident in the way she meticulously prepared and documented her findings for research institutions.

The writer wants to revise Sentence 3 (reproduced below) to provide the most specific and concrete evidence of Mexia's success in discovering new plant species.

*Despite these challenges, Mexia was incredibly successful at discovering new plant species.*

Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: During these excursions, she discovered over five hundred new species of plants, including a new genus of the sunflower family named Mexianthus in her honor.

Answer

The option that specifies that during her excursions she discovered over five hundred new species of plants, including a new genus of the sunflower family named Mexianthus in her honor.
The correct option replaces a vague claim about success with specific, concrete details, stating that she discovered over five hundred new species and naming a specific new genus (Mexianthus). This directly supports the claim of her success in discovering new species with verifiable facts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target claim that needs to be supported with evidence.
The target claim is that Mexia was "incredibly successful at discovering new plant species."
This establishes the criterion for selecting the correct revision.
2
Evaluate the choices to find which one provides the most specific and concrete details showing new species discoveries.
The option referencing "over five hundred new species" and the genus "Mexianthus" provides numerical data and a specific name.
Specific details and data are stronger evidence than vague generalizations.
3
Check the incorrect options for grammatical errors or lack of relevance to the claim.
One option is a comma splice, another is a sentence fragment, and the third describes her travel distance rather than plant discoveries.
Eliminating options that are grammatically incorrect or fail to address the specific claim confirms the correct choice.

Key Concept

Supporting claims with specific, concrete evidence and details rather than vague statements, while maintaining grammatical correctness.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 15Question →

Passage

[1] Bioluminescent mushrooms, such as the *Panellus stipticus*, glow in the dark to attract nocturnal insects that disperse their spores. [2] This chemical reaction occurs when a substance called luciferin reacts with oxygen, catalyzed by the enzyme luciferase. [3] Under a dark forest canopy, these fungi emit a visible light. [4] The glow is bright enough that early travelers used them to mark trails.

Question
The writer wants to revise Sentence 3 to provide the most specific, concrete visual detail that illustrates the appearance of the mushroom's glow. Which of the following choices best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Under a dark forest canopy, these fungi emit a soft, neon-green radiance that illuminates the surrounding decaying wood.

Answer

The option that revises the sentence to state that the fungi emit a soft, neon-green radiance that illuminates the surrounding decaying wood.
The correct option provides concrete, sensory visual details such as 'soft, neon-green radiance' and 'surrounding decaying wood' to describe exactly how the glow appears, fulfilling the writer's goal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the rhetorical goal requested by the prompt, which is to provide the most specific, concrete visual detail of the mushroom's glow.
The target is to find descriptive sensory details about the light's appearance.
This establishes the criteria for evaluating the choices.
2
Evaluate the original sentence and the alternatives to determine which one offers descriptive visual language rather than general statements or explanations of causes.
The option describing a 'soft, neon-green radiance' on the 'decaying wood' provides the most specific visual detail, while other choices are either vague or explain the chemical process.
This filters out choices that do not meet the rhetorical goal.
3
Check the remaining options for grammatical correctness, ensuring that the selected sentence forms a complete independent clause.
The option beginning with 'Under a dark forest canopy, which...' is a fragment, leaving the choice with the correct independent clause structure as the only viable answer.
This ensures the revised sentence is grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Question 16Question →

Passage

[1] In the early twentieth century, agricultural chemist George Washington Carver revolutionized Southern farming methods by promoting the cultivation of peanuts. [2] He argued that planting peanuts would restore nitrogen to soil depleted by decades of continuous cotton cultivation. [3] To convince skeptical farmers to adopt this new crop, Carver developed and publicized a wide variety of practical applications for the peanut. [4] His efforts successfully transformed the agricultural economy of the South.

Given that all the choices are true, which one provides the most specific and concrete examples of the peanut-based applications Carver developed?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: more than three hundred peanut-based products, including cooking oils, cosmetics, and wood stains.

Answer

The correct choice is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'more than three hundred peanut-based products, including cooking oils, cosmetics, and wood stains.'
The correct option provides specific, named examples of Carver's products (cooking oils, cosmetics, and wood stains), which directly satisfies the prompt's request for concrete details. It is also grammatically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prompt's specific rhetorical goal.
The prompt requires selecting the choice that provides the most specific and concrete examples of the peanut-based applications Carver developed.
Identifying the target goal ensures that the chosen option directly answers the question rather than just being grammatically correct.
2
Evaluate the choices for specificity and concreteness.
The option listing 'cooking oils, cosmetics, and wood stains' provides clear, concrete examples, whereas the original phrasing and other choices remain vague or general.
Comparing details allows us to determine which choice contains the highest level of descriptive specificity.
3
Verify the grammatical correctness of the selected choice.
The option containing the specific examples integrates smoothly and grammatically into the sentence, whereas other choices introduce punctuation errors like comma splices or semicolon errors.
ACT English questions require that the correct rhetorical choice must also be grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Supporting claims with specific evidence and details
Question 17Question →

The following five sentences are taken from a draft of an essay about cosmological discoveries. To construct a paragraph that logically develops the claim that the discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation supported the Big Bang theory by systematically eliminating alternative explanations and aligning empirical data with theoretical predictions, in what order should the sentences be arranged?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence begins with the introduction of Penzias and Wilson's research and the unexpected noise (sentence_II), followed by the sentence describing the efforts to clean the antenna (sentence_IV), followed by the sentence stating that the noise persisted at 3.5 Kelvin (sentence_I), followed by the sentence linking this temperature to the Big Bang model (sentence_V), and ending with the sentence concluding that this evidence disproved the steady-state model (sentence_III).
The correct sequence begins with the sentence introducing Penzias and Wilson's research and the unexpected noise. It logically proceeds to the systematic efforts to eliminate local noise, followed by the observation that the noise persisted uniformly at a specific temperature. This temperature is then connected to the Big Bang theory's predictions, concluding with the historical impact of this evidence on cosmological models.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory sentence that establishes the setting and the primary problem.
The sentence introducing the 1964 research by Penzias and Wilson and the unexpected background noise must come first to establish context.
A logical paragraph must define the subject and initial conflict before describing investigations or conclusions.
2
Trace pronoun and determinative references that follow the initial problem.
The sentence starting with 'To eliminate potential local sources of this persistent hiss' must follow, as 'this persistent hiss' refers directly back to the 'constant background noise' in the introduction.
This establishes the logical progression of the scientific method where researchers first try to rule out local interference.
3
Connect the outcome of the troubleshooting steps to the subsequent observation.
The sentence starting with 'Despite these efforts' must follow, as 'these efforts' refers directly to the cleaning and interference checks.
This sentence introduces the critical empirical observation that the noise remained isotropic at 3.5 Kelvin, which serves as the core evidence.
4
Link the empirical observation to the theoretical framework.
The sentence starting with 'This constant temperature' must follow the 3.5 Kelvin observation.
The phrase 'this constant temperature' relies on the prior mention of the 3.5 Kelvin value to make sense, connecting the data to the Big Bang theory's predictions.
5
Determine the concluding statement summarizing the impact of the evidence.
The sentence starting with 'By confirming this omnipresent radiation echo' must come last.
It functions as the rhetorical conclusion of the paragraph, explaining the historical impact of the evidence on the debate between the Big Bang and steady-state models.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Question 18Question →

[1] In the late nineteenth century, Marianne North defied Victorian conventions by traveling alone to document the world's flora through her vibrant oil paintings. [2] Unlike contemporary botanists who relied on dried, pressed specimens, North insisted on painting plants in their natural environments. [3] Her vast body of work, which includes over 800 paintings, was not only artistically remarkable but also scientifically invaluable. [4] Indeed, she captured details of plant physiology that were lost in dried museum specimens, such as ________.

The writer wants to revise the underlined portion of sentence 4 to provide the most specific, concrete visual details that illustrate the plant physiology details captured by North. Given that all the choices are true, which one best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: the intricate, pitcher-shaped leaves of *Nepenthes northiana*, showcasing their crimson speckles and waxy rims.

Answer

the intricate, pitcher-shaped leaves of *Nepenthes northiana*, showcasing their crimson speckles and waxy rims.
The correct choice provides specific, concrete visual details—'intricate, pitcher-shaped leaves' and 'crimson speckles and waxy rims'—that directly illustrate the plant physiology details captured by North.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prompt to identify the specific rhetorical goal.
The goal is to find the option that provides the most specific, concrete visual details illustrating the details of plant physiology.
This establishes the criteria for evaluating the choices.
2
Evaluate the choices for grammatical correctness.
The option beginning with 'the structures of tropical flowers' is a comma splice, and the option starting with 'although' is a sentence fragment. Both are grammatically incorrect.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect options narrows the choices to those that are syntactically sound.
3
Compare the remaining grammatically correct options against the rhetorical goal.
The option mentioning 'several plants' is vague and geographical, whereas the option describing the 'intricate, pitcher-shaped leaves... crimson speckles and waxy rims' provides specific, concrete visual details of plant physiology.
Selecting the option that best fulfills the specified rhetorical goal determines the correct answer.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 19Question →

The following sentences, when ordered logically, form a cohesive paragraph discussing the ancient Maya water management system in Tikal. What is the most logical sequence of these sentences to support the claim with clear functional evidence?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence of sentences is: 'To sustain a population of tens of thousands, the ancient Maya city of Tikal relied on a sophisticated system of human-made reservoirs to survive the region's intense dry seasons.', followed by 'These paved basins, constructed by plastering natural depressions and quarry pits, were designed to collect and store millions of gallons of rainwater during the wet months.', then 'During the subsequent months of drought, this stored water was released through a network of canals to irrigate agricultural fields and supply the city's residents.', and finally 'Archaeological excavations have confirmed that this system maintained clean drinking water by utilizing sand filters at the entry points of the main reservoirs.'
The correct ordering begins with the central claim that Tikal relied on human-made reservoirs to survive dry seasons. Next, the sentence defining these reservoirs as 'paved basins' that collect rainwater must follow because it defines the infrastructure. Then, the sentence describing how 'this stored water' is distributed during the drought follows to complete the system's functional timeline. Finally, the archaeological evidence of sand filtration concludes the paragraph by verifying the functionality and cleanliness of the system.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory claim that sets the topic for the paragraph.
The sentence introducing Tikal's reliance on reservoirs to survive dry seasons.
It introduces the central claim about Tikal's water management without requiring external context.
2
Identify the sentence that defines or elaborates on the reservoirs mentioned in the introduction.
The sentence beginning with 'These paved basins'.
The demonstrative pronoun 'These' links 'paved basins' directly to the 'human-made reservoirs' in the first sentence.
3
Trace the chronological and functional flow of the water storage system.
The sentence describing the release of water during the dry months.
After describing how the basins collected water in the wet months, the text must transition to how 'this stored water' was distributed during the drought.
4
Place the validating scientific evidence that supports the claim of viability.
The sentence discussing archaeological excavations and sand filtration.
It offers concrete scientific verification for the effectiveness of the system described in the previous sentences.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Question 20Question →

Passage:
[1] In the mid-twentieth century, Mayan hieroglyphs were widely believed by scholars to represent only abstract calendar dates and astronomical observations. [2] Tatiana Proskouriakoff revolutionized Mayanist studies by analyzing patterns in the stone monuments, or stelae, at the ancient city of Piedras Negras. [3] She noticed that the dates inscribed on consecutive monuments matched the typical spans of human lifetimes, suggesting the carvings depicted the births, accessions, and deaths of individual rulers. [4] _She argued that these monuments served as records of political events._

The writer wants to revise the underlined portion of sentence [4] to provide the most specific, concrete visual details to support the claim that the carvings depicted the biographical events of rulers' lives. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Her analysis identified specific glyphs associated with royal births, including the 'upended frog' symbol, and accessions, marked by a figure seated on a dais.

Answer

Her analysis identified specific glyphs associated with royal births, including the 'upended frog' symbol, and accessions, marked by a figure seated on a dais.
The correct answer successfully fulfills the rhetorical goal by providing clear, concrete visual details of the glyphs, namely the 'upended frog' symbol for births and a 'figure seated on a dais' for accessions, which directly support the claim that the carvings depicted the biographical lives of rulers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the rhetorical goal specified in the prompt: to provide specific, concrete visual details supporting the claim that the carvings depicted the biographical events of rulers' lives.
The target details must describe specific visual symbols or markers related to biographical milestones like births or accessions.
This sets up the criteria to filter out choices that are too general or lack visual descriptions.
2
Evaluate the choices for grammatical correctness.
The option beginning with 'Analyzing these monuments' contains a dangling modifier. The option containing 'complex historical documents; which...' creates a fragment due to the incorrect use of a semicolon. These two options are eliminated.
ACT English requires all answers to be grammatically correct.
3
Compare the remaining grammatically correct options for specificity and relevance to the rhetorical goal.
The option focusing on the 'Piedras Negras monuments' is factually true and grammatically correct, but it offers only general information. The option detailing the 'upended frog' symbol and a 'figure seated on a dais' provides specific, concrete visual evidence directly linked to biographical events.
This step determines which grammatically correct choice best fulfills the specific writing goal.

Key Concept

Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Page 1 / 4Next