English Success on the ACT

English Rhetoric Success on the ACT Presentation taken fromEne-Kaja Chippendale, Ph.D.2013-2014For Schools

1Important InformationThe English test has 5 passages and 75 questions: 9 min. per passage

Set a goal score 2148/75 correct2558/75 correct3169/75 correct

Know that 1:5 (20%) of the questions are NO CHANGE, meaning that the underlined portion is correct. DONT OVERCORRECT! There may be 2 to 3 NO CHANGE responses in a row.

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3Pacing: use your time wellCover all 5 passages, skipping the long questions if time is a problem. Be careful to match question numbers with answer numbers so you dont lose your place.

When the 5 minute warning is called, look over your answer sheet and make sure EVERY BUBBLE IS FILLED. There is no penalty for incorrect answers!4Get a watch!At the beginning of the test, set the watch -to high noon if you use analog watch. A digital watch is better BUTDO NOT get a watch that makes noise (no beeps, buzzes, or tones)PRACTICE with the watch at home (9 minutes per passage)

5Rhetorical Questions:

The Rhetorical Questions fall into several general categories. The most common ones includeI. Wordiness questions The same answer is given, but it is worded four different ways. ALWAYS pick the shortest answer.

II. Omit Decide if the underlined portion is necessary or not.

III. Best-Word Choice questions Choose what word best fits the criteria of each question.

IV. Add-on or Kept/DeletedDecide whether something added (or taken away) from the text is desirable. V. Least Acceptable questions Trickiest and most often missed because students overlook the EXCEPT or NOT in the question. 6I. Wordiness questions (where the author says the same thing four ways)Ms. Komiyama moved to her house in 1948, when she had reached the age of eighteen years old.A. NO CHANGEB. her age was eighteen years old.C. she had attained eighteen years in age.D. she was eighteen years old.

ALWAYS PICK THE SHORTEST ANSWER!

7Ms. Komiyama moved to her house in 1948, when she had reached the age of eighteen years old.NO CHANGEher age was eighteen years old.she had attained eighteen years in age.she was eighteen years old.

8In both these cases, Grant recognized a need and focused his skills, imagination, and intelligence for devising a way to fill that need. NO CHANGE a lack of something that was neededC. that a need was in existenceD. a need that was out there9In both these cases, Grant recognized a need and focused his skills, imagination, and intelligence for devising a way to fill that need. NO CHANGE a lack of something that was needed that a need was in existence a need that was out there10During World War II, the United States and Canadian governments, whose countries border each other, unjustly relocated many people of Japanese descent.

NO CHANGEgovernments, who share a national border,governments, geographically linked by a joint border,governments

11During World War II, the United States and Canadian governments, whose countries border each other, unjustly relocated many people of Japanese descent.

NO CHANGEgovernments, who share a national border,governments, geographically linked by a joint border,governments

124. The songs and dances she cherished chronicled life, death, and to have a rebirth; they celebrated creation and revolution; they celebrated seasons and the harvest.

NO CHANGErebirthto be reborn;to have a rebirth13II. OMIT the underlined portion

--Always read the OMIT the underlined portion option first, leaving out the part that is underlined.

--If its correct and makes sense, select this option and move on!14Even astronauts orbiting the earth chew sugar-free bubble gum while in orbit.

NO CHANGE during their time in space which does not have sugar in itOMIT the underlined portion and end the sentence with a period.

152. A few corroded pennies, their coppery surfaces pitted and had been tarnished, blended with the soil.

NO CHANGEthey were wereJ. OMIT the underlined portion

163. While I did not know if my grandparents had always thought that way. I also did not know, yet, whether they would approve of my clothing or the apparent lack of authority my father had over me.

NO CHANGEAsOMIT the underlined portionAlthough174. Each species being a different size, shape, color, and heat.

NO CHANGE having has OMIT the underlined portion

Exception! (needs to read as a complete thought)18Correct Word ChoiceRemember that if two answers say the same thing, both are wrong! Perhaps the celebration of New Years Day in Korean culture is heightened; it is thought of as everyones birthday party.A.NO CHANGEB. raisedC. liftedD. lightedCorrect Word ChoicePerhaps the celebration of New Years Day in Korean culture is heightened; it is thought of as everyones birthday party.A.NO CHANGEB. raisedC. liftedD. lightedEven something as visibly simple or natural as computing a persons age can prove to be not so clear cut.F.NO CHANGEG. apparently H. entirely J. fullyEven something as visibly simple or natural as computing a persons age can prove to be not so clear cut.F.NO CHANGEG. apparently H. entirely J. fullyIII. Best Word Choice questions look for the key words in the question! Alligators can go through water at astonishing speeds.The writer wants to emphasize here how quickly alligators move. Which choice would most dramatically achieve this effect?

A.NO CHANGEB.proceedC.streakD.advance

231.Alligators can go through water at astonishing speeds.The writer wants to emphasize here how quickly alligators move. Which choice would most dramatically achieve this effect?

A.NO CHANGEB.proceedC.streakD.advance

24 p. 752. I stare into the mirror at myself and at the mound of long black braids. Beautiful, Renee proclaims, just like Janet Jackson.Which choice would most effectively emphasize the sense of approval in Renees Statement?

A.NO CHANGEB.verbalizes,C.comments, D. remarks,

252. I stare into the mirror at myself and at the mound of long black braids. Beautiful, Renee proclaims, just like Janet Jackson.Which choice would most effectively emphasizethe senses of approval.

A.NO CHANGEB.verbalizes,C.comments, D. remarks,26In 1970, the school board in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, approved a dress code that prohibited students from wearing certain types of clothing. The school board members believed that wearing play clothes to school made the students lax and indifferent toward their school work, while more formal attire established a positive educational climate.

Given that all of the choices are true, which one would best illustrate the term dress code as it is used in this sentence? A. NO CHANGE B. clothing that was inappropriate. C. clothing, including sandals, bell-bottom pants, and dungarees (blue jeans). D. clothing that is permitted in some schools today.

27BIG TIP!! DONT FORGET Whenever you see the words illustrateor examples in a question, look for the answer that gives specific details or examples. 28In 1970, the school board in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, approved a dress code that prohibited students from wearing certain types of clothing. The school board members believed that wearing play clothes to school made the students lax and indifferent toward their school work, while more formal attire established a positive educational climate.

Given that all of the choices are true, which one would best illustrate the term dress code as it is used in this sentence? A. NO CHANGE B. clothing that was inappropriate. C. clothing, including sandals, bell-bottom pants, and dungarees (blue jeans). D. clothing that is permitted in some schools today.

294.We observe thunderstorms over Stampede Pass in the Cascade Range or into Hells Canyon on the Snake River, and when lightning starts a fire, we get ready to jump.Which choice would most effectively emphasize the vigor and energy that are an essential part of the work of smoke jumping?

F.NO CHANGE G.followH.attendJ.chase

304.We observe thunderstorms over Stampede Pass in the Cascade Range or into Hells Canyon on the Snake River, and when lightning starts a fire, we get ready to jump.Which choice would most effectively emphasize the vigor and energy that are an essential part of the work of smoke jumping?

F.NO CHANGEG.followH.attendJ.chase31Im not talking about imaginary creatures but about deliciously real morel mushroomsfunny looking, textured, edible fungi that appear in springtime. Given that all the choices are true, which one most specifically describes the appearance of a morel mushroom for readers who have never seen one?

A. NO CHANGEB. earthy, oddly amusing, interesting-lookingC. odorless and unusually shapedD. sand-colored, cone-shaped, sponge-like

32Im not talking about imaginary creatures but about deliciously real morel mushroomsfunny looking, textured, edible fungi that appear in springtime. Given that all the choices are true, which one most specifically describes the appearance of a morel mushroom for readers who have never seen one?

A. NO CHANGEB. earthy, oddly amusing, interesting-lookingC. odorless and unusually shaped D. sand-colored, cone-shaped, sponge-like

336.It is clear that popcorn has been given a permanent role in the modern American diet.

Which choice best emphasized the writers belief that Americas interest in popcorn will continue into the future?

A.NO CHANGEB.an early roleC.a genuine positionD.a reasonable purpose34 6.It is clear that popcorn has been given a permanent role in the modern American diet.

Which choice best emphasized the writers belief that Americas interest in popcorn will continue into the future?

A.NO CHANGEB.an early roleC.a genuine positionD.a reasonable purpose

35 IV. Add on YES/NO questionsThese are rhetorical questions that ask you to decide whether an author should add or delete another line or two of text.

For YES/NO questions, always look at the two NO answers first. Most (though not all) add-on sentences provide irrelevant material. 36 At this point, the writer is considering adding the following sentence. A microwave is an electromagnetic wave usually between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength.Would this be a relevant addition at this point in the essay?F. Yes, because it supports the point that researchers had to do a great deal of experimenting before they could get popcorn to pop in a microwave.

G. Yes, because it provides scientific information that helps the reader to understand why microwave popcorn was so successful.

H. No, because it distracts the reader from the focus of the essay and does not logically fit at this point.

J. No, because the information presented is too detailed for such an informal essay.

(Note: The passage discusses growth of interest in popcorn because of the popularity of microwaves.)37 At this point, the writer is considering adding the following sentence. A microwave is an electromagnetic wave usually between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength.Would this be a relevant addition at this point in the essay?F. Yes, because it supports the point that researchers had to do a great deal of experimenting before they could get popcorn to pop in a microwave.

G. Yes, because it provides scientific information that helps the reader to understand why microwave popcorn was so successful.

H. No, because it distracts the reader from the focus of the essay and does not logically fit at this point. (focus is on interest & popularity)

J. No, because the information presented is too detailed for such an informal essay.

(Note: The passage discusses growth of interest in popcorn because of the popularity of microwaves.)38EXCEPTION!Another Add-on question on the ACT uses a slightly different format. It asks if the line(s) should be kept or deletedFor these choices, read the KEPT options first; one of them is usually the correct answer.39Text: The individuals who are passionate about these highway beautification programs point out that native plants along a roadway do more than beautify the area.

The writer is considering deleting the phrase who are passionate about these highway beautification programs from the preceding sentence. Should the phrase be kept or deleted?

A. Kept, because it indicates the paragraphs focus on the people who founded federal wildflower programs.B. Kept, because it clarifies the term individuals and contributes to the logic of the paragraph.C. Deleted, because the first paragraph of the essay has already established that people are passionate about wildflowers.D. Deleted, because it draws attention away from the wildflowers and places it on the people. Text: The individuals who are passionate about these highway beautification programs point out that native plants along a roadway do more than beautify the area.

The writer is considering deleting the phrase who are passionate about these highway beautification programs from the preceding sentence. Should the phrase be kept or deleted?

A. Kept, because it indicates the paragraphs focus on the people who founded federal wildflower programs. (?)B. Kept, because it clarifies the term individuals and contributes to the logic of the paragraph.C. Deleted, because the first paragraph of the essay has already established that people are passionate about wildflowers. (No.)D. Deleted, because it draws attention away from the wildflowers and places it on the people. (huh?) V. Least Acceptable

These are the trickiest of the rhetoric questions. There are generally at least 5 or 6 on the test.

Beware!42You are now changing gears and looking for the incorrect or inaccurate answer or word choice. Read the answer choices as True/False. The False choice is always the correct answer.

V. Least Acceptable 43

Text: It is pleasant to see vacationers enjoying my hometown so much.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A.noticeB.observeC.enjoyD.watch

Remember to eliminate choices that do or say the same thing.44

Text: It is pleasant to see vacationers enjoying my hometown so much.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A.noticeB.observeC.enjoyD.watch

45Text: Last week some fellow passengers and I watched an elderly man with a portable chessboard playing chess against himself.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. who playedB. as he playedC. playedD. who was playing

46Text: Last week some fellow passengers and I watched an elderly man with a portable chessboard playing chess against himself.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. who played(ok)B. as he played(ok)C. played(wrong!)D. who was playing (ok)

47Text: She worked for thirty years as a teacher and librarian in the field of education in Baltimore public schools.

Which of the following words or phrases from the preceding sentence is LEAST necessary and could therefore be deleted?

A.thirtyB.and librarianC.in the field of educationD.Baltimore public

48Text: She worked for thirty years as a teacher and librarian in the field of education in Baltimore public schools.

Which of the following words or phrases from the preceding sentence is LEAST necessary and could therefore be deleted?

A.thirtyB.and librarianC.in the field of education (obvious)D.Baltimore public 49Text: Grandpa said that, in their old age, he and Grandma had often stumbled on those rough-hewn cobblestones.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A. recitedB. explainedC. pointed outD. stated

50Text: Grandpa said that, in their old age, he and Grandma had often stumbled on those rough-hewn cobblestones.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A. recitedB. explainedC. pointed outD. stated

51Text: Well, my decade-old hairstyle had begun to look like a tarnished crown, so I opted for something new--a braid extension.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. decided onB. wished onC. went for D. chose52Text: Well, my decade-old hairstyle had begun to look like a tarnished crown, so I opted for something new--a braid extension.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. decided onB. wished onC. went for D. chose

53Text: Outside Navajo communities such exposure is rare which greatly contributes to its success.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. rare; thisB. rare thisC. rare. ThisD. rare, a factor that

54Text: Outside Navajo communities such exposure is rare which greatly contributes to its success.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. rare; thisB. rare thisC. rare. ThisD. rare, a factor that

55Rhetorical Review:

I. Wordiness questions The same answer is given, but it is worded four different ways. ALWAYS pick the shortest answer.

II. Omit Decide if the underlined portion is necessary or not.

III. Best-Word Choice questions Choose what word best fits the criteria of each question.

IV. Add-on Yes/No or Kept/DeletedDecide whether something added (or taken away) from the text is desirable. Check the NO and KEPT answers first. V. Least Acceptable questions Trickiest and most often missed because students overlook the EXCEPT, LEAST or NOT in the question. 56