Free ACT English: Rhetorical Strategy Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: [1] The art of bonsai involves the careful cultivation of miniature trees in containers. [2] This practice originated in China over a thousand years ago before being adopted and refined in Japan. [3] The trees are not a special dwarf species. [4] Instead, they are kept small through techniques like pruning, root reduction, and wiring. [5] The goal is to create a realistic, aesthetically pleasing representation of a full-sized tree in nature. For the sake of logic and coherence, sentence 3 should be placed:
- where it is now. (Correct answer)
- before sentence 1.
- after sentence 1.
- after sentence 5.
Correct answer: where it is now.
Sentence 3 introduces the misconception that bonsai trees are a special dwarf species. Sentence 4 directly refutes this by explaining the techniques used to keep them small. Placing sentence 3 before sentence 4 creates a logical flow of idea and correction.
Question 2: Many cities are implementing bike-sharing programs to reduce traffic congestion. __________, these programs promote a healthier, more active lifestyle for residents.
- However
- Consequently
- For example
- Furthermore (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Furthermore
The second sentence adds another benefit of bike-sharing programs to the one mentioned in the first sentence. 'Furthermore' is a transition word that means 'in addition' or 'moreover,' making it the perfect choice to introduce an additional supporting point.
Question 3: The team practiced for months, honing their skills and perfecting their strategy. They were confident heading into the championship game. The writer is considering adding the following sentence: 'The final score was a disappointing 2-1 loss.' Should the writer make this addition here?
- Yes, because it provides the final outcome of the game.
- Yes, because it adds a specific detail to the paragraph.
- No, because it abruptly shifts the focus and tone of the paragraph. (Correct answer)
- No, because it is irrelevant to the team's preparation.
Correct answer: No, because it abruptly shifts the focus and tone of the paragraph.
Adding this sentence would create a logical contradiction and disrupt the flow. The paragraph is building a sense of confidence and preparation, while the proposed sentence abruptly introduces the final, negative outcome without any transition. It would be better placed later, after describing the game itself.
Question 4: Solar power is a rapidly growing source of renewable energy. It harnesses sunlight using photovoltaic cells or concentrated solar power. Many people install solar panels on their homes. The main challenge for solar power is its intermittency, as it doesn't generate power at night. The writer is considering deleting the sentence 'Many people install solar panels on their homes.' Should this sentence be kept or deleted?
- Kept, because it provides a key example of solar power usage.
- Kept, because it explains what photovoltaic cells are.
- Deleted, because it is an irrelevant detail that distracts from the paragraph's main focus.
- Deleted, because it interrupts the explanation of solar technology and its challenges. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Deleted, because it interrupts the explanation of solar technology and its challenges.
The sentence, while related to solar power, is a specific application that interrupts the general explanation of how solar power works and its main challenge. The paragraph flows more logically from the definition of solar power to its primary drawback without this specific, slightly out-of-place example.
Question 5: The chameleon is famous for its ability to change color. This adaptation helps it blend in with its surroundings to avoid predators.
- The chameleon is famous for its ability to change color, this adaptation helps it blend in with its surroundings to avoid predators.
- Famous for its ability to change color, the chameleon's adaptation helps it blend in with its surroundings to avoid predators.
- The chameleon is famous for its ability to change color, an adaptation that helps it blend in with its surroundings to avoid predators. (Correct answer)
- The chameleon is famous for its ability to change color, and this adaptation helps it blend in with its surroundings to avoid predators.
Correct answer: The chameleon is famous for its ability to change color, an adaptation that helps it blend in with its surroundings to avoid predators.
The second sentence explains the purpose or reason for the ability mentioned in the first sentence. Combining them with 'an adaptation that' creates a concise and grammatically correct sentence that clearly links the ability to its function as an adaptation.
Question 6: The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. [1] Composed of over 2,900 individual reefs, it is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. [2] It is so large, in fact, that it can be seen from outer space. [3] The reef is a vital habitat for a diverse array of marine life. [4] The writer wants to add the following sentence: 'This biodiversity is now under threat from climate change and pollution.' The best place for this sentence would be:
- at [1]
- at [2]
- at [3]
- at [4] (Correct answer)
Correct answer: at [4]
The proposed sentence discusses the threat to the reef's 'biodiversity.' This directly follows and expands upon sentence [3], which introduces the idea of the reef being a 'vital habitat for a diverse array of marine life.' Placing it at [4] creates a smooth transition from describing the reef's importance to the dangers it faces.
Question 7: The company invested heavily in new technology. __________, its productivity and profits saw a significant increase in the following quarter.
- Nevertheless
- As a result (Correct answer)
- In addition
- For instance
Correct answer: As a result
The second sentence describes a result or effect of the action in the first sentence (investing in technology). 'As a result' is a transitional phrase that explicitly shows this cause-and-effect relationship. The other options imply contrast, addition, or an example, which are not the correct relationships.
Free ACT English: Rhetorical Strategy Questions and Answers 1
[1] The art of bonsai involves the careful cultivation of miniature trees in containers. [2] This practice originated in China over a thousand years ago before being adopted and refined in Japan. [3] The trees are not a special dwarf species. [4] Instead, they are kept small through techniques like pruning, root reduction, and wiring. [5] The goal is to create a realistic, aesthetically pleasing representation of a full-sized tree in nature.
For the sake of logic and coherence, sentence 3 should be placed: