Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills UsageMechanics punctuation 13 grammarusage 16 sentence structure 24 Strategy 16 organization 15 style 16 75 Questions ID: 759287
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Slide1
ACT PREP
Slide2English : Practice Test
Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills
Usage/Mechanics: punctuation (13%), grammar/usage (16%), sentence structure (24%)
Strategy (16%), organization (15%), style (16%)
75 Questions
60 Minutes
5 Prose passages
Slide3English
Avoid Redundancy; be concise
If it can be said with one single word, two words should not be
used and applied
.
Example: After they had
built and constructed
the doghouse…” or “It was her
first initial
appearance…”
See question #1,#4, #5, #8 (pg. 14,15)
Slide4English
Look for Sentence Fragments/Run sentences
A sentence fragment will never be the right choice!
Clues:
1. Whenever you see a period in the underlined part, or
2. a period in the choices
3.
Check the preceding and following sentences
4. If you can’t use a period…you can’t use a semi-colon
*See grammar review packet
* #6, #15
Slide5English
Review comma and semi-colon usage
Non-essential (commas) or essential (no commas)
Non-essential: Paul McCartney
, perhaps the most musically proficient,
played bass guitar.
Essential: The album
recorded just before the band’s breakup
was Abbey Road.
*Remove the phrase/clause to determine if it is necessary for understanding the sentence.
*#9
Slide6English
Semi-colon
Semi-colon acts much like a period
The clause on either side of a semi-colon must be able to stand alone…so separate to test.
DO NOT use conjunctions (and, but, or…) with a semi-colon
Semi-colons can be used with conjunctive adverbs (however, indeed, instead, consequently, otherwise, subsequently, etc.)
“The cat ate a bowlful of tuna
; then
, to the squirrels’ delight, the fat feline fell asleep in the chair.”
Slide7English
Trick: When you can’t decide between two
ro
three choices, choose the shorter option.
*Use this tip only when you have to guess!
Look for: “What is the best way to say what is meant?” type questions
#10, #13
Slide8English
Consider context (meaning): DO NOT choose an answer that changes the meaning of a sentence.
“sparks shoot from the chimney into the night sky” (15).
WRONG: “sparks shoot at the chimney in the night sky” (15).
#2, #11, #12
Slide9English
Watch for the misplaced modifier
“Having died down, she bricks up the firebox…” (16).
Ask: Who has died down? She did?
Correct: “Once the blaze dies down, she bricks up…”(16).
Ask: Who has died down? Oh, the blaze…
#14, pg.
16
Grammar Bytes: http
://www.chompchomp.com/handouts.htm
Slide10English
If you have to guess, use your ear…
Verb agreement/tense (#25,#38)
“He seen the handwriting on the wall” is
WRONG
Pronoun agreement (eliminate the 2
nd
person)
“Her and her mom went to the mall” is WRONG
“Her went to the mall” is WRONG
Slide11Final trick…
For all underlined items, RE-READ the sentence after you plug in your choices.
Slide12Reading
Comprehension
Directly stated (according to…)
Implied meaning (main idea, author’s tone/voice, etc.)
40 Questions
35 Minutes
4 Selections:
Social Studies Prose Fiction
Natural Sciences Humanities
Slide13Reading
Book Questions: The answer is directly stated
According to the…
In the passage…
1. Eliminate obvious wrong answers
2. If time allows, go back and match up the correct answer if you are unsure.
3. If time does not allow, make your best guess after eliminating answers.
Slide14Reading
Head Questions: Inferences
Main idea (Think umbrella…all details should fit under it)
Author’s purpose
Author’s feelings or attitude toward
Author’s tone
Vocabulary (Read the sentence again! Replace with the word you feel is correct.)
Slide15Reading
Review terms:
Figurative language: metaphor, simile, personification
Structure: narrative, sketch,
dialogue
main
idea, topic sentence, supporting detail, author’s tone
, purpose, etc
.
Slide16Reading
Underline:
First appearance of every Proper noun and label on the side
Highlight sequence words, such as “initial attempt” or “in earlier periods”
Make notes in the margins: 2-3 words that capture the main point
Note Reversal words: on the other hand, however, although, despite, etc.
Slide17Reading
Strategy: True or False?
Think of each answer as a T/F question. Three of the 4 are False!
Examples of Specific Words (usually indicate false): all, always, every, must, no, never, none
Examples of Vague words (more likely to appear in true statements): some, often, may, seem, most, usually, many
Slide18Reading
Save time! Use your own knowledge!
Who was the President of the United State in 1986?
A. Kennedy B. Johnson
C. Regan D. Clinton
Slide19Reading
According to the passage, the Civil Rights movement in America was LEAST active during which of the following 10-year periods?
A. 1860’s B. 1920’s
C. 1940’s D. 1960’s
*The ACT will not use factually incorrect articles!
Slide20Reading
Running out of time?
Look for questions that provide line or paragraph references. You will be able to answer them quickly without having to skim the entire article.
Avoid traps! Study the wrong answers to see how they try to trick you!