ACT English: Rhetorical Strategy 2

Question 1

A writer wants to add a sentence that emphasizes the urgency of the topic. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?

Accepted Answer

Action must be taken now, before the damage becomes irreversible.

Answer

The issue has existed for some time and may continue.

Answer

Some people consider the issue mildly interesting.

Answer

The topic is one of many discussed in the article.

Question 2

The writer is considering deleting a sentence that provides a specific statistic. Should the sentence be kept?

Accepted Answer

Kept, because it offers concrete evidence supporting the paragraph's claim.

Answer

Kept, because it introduces a new unrelated topic.

Answer

Deleted, because statistics never belong in essays.

Answer

Deleted, because it repeats the title word for word.

Question 3

Which transition word best signals a contrast between two ideas?

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

Furthermore

Answer

Therefore

Answer

Likewise

Question 4

A writer wants the opening sentence to engage readers by raising a question they will want answered. Which choice does this best?

Accepted Answer

What if the water you drink could quietly make you sick?

Answer

This essay is about pollution.

Answer

Pollution is a noun describing contamination.

Answer

There are many essays about pollution.

Question 5

The writer wants to conclude the essay by restating the main idea in fresh language. Which choice best achieves this?

Accepted Answer

Protecting our rivers today secures clean water for tomorrow's generations.

Answer

In conclusion, I talked about a lot of things.

Answer

The end of the essay is now here.

Answer

Rivers are bodies of water that flow downhill.

Question 6

Which sentence best maintains a formal tone appropriate for an academic essay?

Accepted Answer

The findings demonstrated a significant and measurable effect.

Answer

The results were super cool and totally awesome.

Answer

The findings were kind of a big deal, you know?

Answer

The results, like, really blew everyone away.

Question 7

A writer wants to add a detail that appeals to readers' emotions about an animal shelter. Which choice best accomplishes this?

Accepted Answer

Each abandoned puppy waits, tail wagging, hoping for a loving home.

Answer

The shelter occupies 2,000 square feet of space.

Answer

The shelter was founded in a certain year.

Answer

The shelter has a standard intake procedure.