Free ACT English Question and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: I enjoy cleaning. " It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day, and, I always function better in a clean environment." You're home is your temple, I once overheard someone say. That is how I try to conduct my life. My top priorities include organizing the house, sweeping the floor, doing the dishes, and cleaning the kitchen counter. I sweep the floor briskly and thoroughly. My housemates love it when I do mop, even though I don't do it very often. Select the response that best edits the passage's emphasized passage. Pick "NO CHANGE" if the emphasized text is accurate as written.
- Your current choice: It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day, also, I always function better in a clean environment.
- It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day, and I always function better in a clean environment. (Correct answer)
- It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day and, also, I always function better in a clean environment.
- It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day; also I always function better in a clean environment.
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day, and I always function better in a clean environment.
The original sentence contains an unnecessary comma after the coordinating conjunction 'and.' When 'and' joins two independent clauses, a comma should precede it, but no comma should follow it unless it's part of a parenthetical element. Option B correctly removes this superfluous comma, making the sentence grammatically sound and improving its readability.
Question 2: The present is of no concern to us. We anticipate the future "as" too slow in coming, as if we could make it move faster; or we call back the past, to stop its rapid flight. We are so careless that we stroll through the eras in which we play no role and pass by the eras that only belong to us without giving them any thought. We are also so frivolous that we daydream about the eras that do not exist and neglect the eras that only we have. Because the present is usually painful, we try to keep it hidden from our view because it hurts us. If the present is nice, we lament its passing away. We think about setting up things that are out of our control for a future that we are unsure of arriving to while trying to sustain the present through the future. If we study our thoughts, we will discover that they are constantly focused on either the past or the future. We almost ever consider the present, and when we do, it's usually only to use it as a source of inspiration for the future. The past and the present are only ever our means; the future alone is our destination; the present is never our finish. Thus, we never truly live but only hope to live, and although we constantly plan for happiness, it is certain that we will never be able to experience it. Which of the following best describes how the author used the word "as" in the second sentence?
- as being (Correct answer)
- like
- if only
- while
Correct answer: as being
In the given sentence, 'as' functions to introduce a description or a state of being for 'the future,' meaning 'in the capacity of' or 'in the role of.' Replacing 'as' with 'as being' clarifies this meaning, indicating that the future is anticipated in the state of being too slow. This interpretation best captures the author's intent to describe how the future is perceived.
Question 3: Which of the following subordinating conjunctions, if used in place of the emphasized "if" in the statement below, will modify the meaning of the sentence the MOST? That bear won't attack us "if " we lay down and play dead.
- once
- if only
- after
- unless (Correct answer)
Correct answer: unless
The original sentence implies a conditional relationship: the bear won't attack *if* we play dead. Replacing 'if' with 'unless' completely reverses this condition. 'Unless' means 'if not,' so 'That bear won't attack us unless we lay down and play dead' implies the bear *will* attack us *if we do not* play dead. This creates the most significant change in the sentence's meaning by reversing the condition.
Question 4: Which of the following utilizes a subordinating conjunction in the wrong place?
- Although it was raining, they went hiking.
- They could not see where they were going.
- They had to whisper because it was late.
- None of these sentences are correct.
- All of these sentences are correct. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of these sentences are correct.
This question asks which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction incorrectly. Sentence A uses 'Although' correctly to introduce a subordinate clause. Sentence B does not contain a subordinating conjunction. Sentence C uses 'because' correctly to introduce a subordinate clause. Since all sentences are grammatically correct in their use (or lack thereof) of subordinating conjunctions, the correct answer is that 'All of these sentences are correct.'
Question 5: Select the solution that best completes the sentence's emphasized section. Select "NO CHANGE" if the underlined text is accurate exactly as it is written. Because it’s a federal holiday, "neither" the post office or the bank will be accessible on Monday.
- and
- nor (Correct answer)
- nor even
- and not even
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: nor
The correlative conjunction 'neither' always pairs with 'nor' to form a grammatically correct construction. The original sentence incorrectly used 'neither...or.' To properly express the idea that two negative options are true, the correct pairing is 'neither...nor.' Therefore, replacing 'or' with 'nor' creates the grammatically correct and idiomatic construction.
Question 6: According to legend, the Bonona stone collects the sun's rays and briefly looks brilliant in the dark when put in the sun. Same thing happened to me and this servant. I was so infatuated with the concept that Caroline had focused her gaze on his face, his cheek, and even his clothing at that precise time that I would not have parted from him for a thousand crowns. I was very glad to see him! Don't make fun of me, William. "Can that be a delusion which makes us happy?". Which of the following is a better and clear form of the sentence, "Can that be a delusion which makes us happy"?
- Is that a delusion which makes us happy?
- Can that which makes us happy be a delusion? (Correct answer)
- Would that which is a delusion make us happy?
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: Can that which makes us happy be a delusion?
In your response, do not alter the question's general meaning. This occurs in the situation of "Would that which is a delusion make us happy?" among the incorrect responses. The original question posed by the author was if anything that makes us joyful may also be a delusion, not the other way around. By inserting "be an illusion" between "that" and "which," the sentence uncomfortably splits the relative clause "that which makes us joyful." Keeping the relative phrase intact would be preferable, giving us the form, "Can that which makes us happy be a delusion?"
Question 7: Select the solution that best completes the sentence's highlighted section. Pick "NO CHANGE" if the emphasized text is accurate as written. We enjoyed going to Elizabeth art class, "and" the long drive over was starting to become a deterrent."
- but (Correct answer)
- therefore
- also
- and then
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: but
The sentence's first and second clauses each have their own independent clauses. "But" is the appropriate conjunction in this sentence since it shows a contrast (We like going to class BUT the drive is too lengthy).
Question 8: Select the response that most effectively changes the sentence's underlined phrase. Select "NO CHANGE if the text in the emphasized area is accurate as written." Tony and Sarah weren't ready enough for the tennis match that afternoon.
- either
- also
- and
- nor (Correct answer)
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: nor
Both "neither" and "either" are coupled with "nor," respectively. In this case, the proper grammatical pairing is "neither Danny nor Rebecca."
Question 9: Distinguishing between the various religious orders of inquiry is especially simple in the case of religions. Every religious event has a background and a lineage back to natural causes. The study of the Bible from this existential perspective, which the early church mostly ignored, is all that is included in what is now referred to as higher criticism of the Bible. What specific biographical circumstances did the holy authors use to produce their respective contributions to the holy book? When they made their statements, what specifically did they each have in mind? These are blatantly historical factual questions, and it is difficult to see how the answer to one of them can determine immediately the second question: What value might such a volume have for us as a life guide and revelation given its mode of origin? To answer this other question we must have already in our mind some sort of a general theory as to what the peculiarities in a thing should be which give it value for purposes of revelation; and this theory itself would be what I just called a spiritual judgment. Combining it with our existential judgment, we might indeed deduce another spiritual judgment as to the Bibles’ worth. Thus, if our theory of revelation-value were to affirm that any book, to possess it, must have been composed automatically or not by the free caprice of the writer, or that it "must exhibit no scientific and historic errors and express no local or personal passions, the Bible would probably fare ill at our hands." But if, on the other hand, our theory were to permit that a book might very well be a revelation despite flaws, passions, and conscious human composition, if only it were a true record of the inner experiences of great-souled individuals battling with the crises of his fate, then the verdict would be much more favorable. You see that judging worth just based on existential facts is insufficient; as a result, the best adepts of higher criticism never confuse the existential with the spiritual issue. With the same findings of fact in front of them, some people have one position, while others hold a different one, regarding the value of the Bible as a revelation, depending on their spiritual assessment of the foundation of values. What is the most readable version of the emphasized selection?
- either must have been composed automatically or not by the free caprice of the writer or that it must exhibit no scientific and historic errors and express no local or personal passions, the Bible would probably fare ill at our hands
- must have been composed automatically, neither by the free caprice of the writer nor that it must exhibit no scientific and historic errors and express no local or personal passions, the Bible would probably fare ill at our hands
- either must have been composed automatically (or, at least, not by the free caprice of the writer) or that it must exhibit no scientific and historic errors and express no local or personal passions, the Bible would probably fare ill at our hands (Correct answer)
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: either must have been composed automatically (or, at least, not by the free caprice of the writer) or that it must exhibit no scientific and historic errors and express no local or personal passions, the Bible would probably fare ill at our hands
Given the length of this statement, it is important to examine the author's logic when coming up with possible rephrasings. The author claims that if two standards of value are carefully applied, the position of the Bible will appear to be in doubt. (The author believes the following. We are not here to discuss his arguments for or against anything.) As follows: (1) To claim that the book was automatically written, or at the very least, that the author did not write it at random (2) That it must be free of historical and scientific inaccuracies as well as any expression of regional or personal bias The component that causes confusion is that (1) and (2) are connected by a "or," but (1) also contains a "or." Here, either 1 or 2 are the appropriate correlative conjunctions. The correct response, however, highlights the ""secondary" "or" in (1) in order to make this point obvious.
Question 10: The presidential election of 1800 was an "unusual and unique" contest in American history. The opponents were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson former friends who became rivals. "Jefferson had actually been Vice President under Adams, but had not supported the latter’s policies." "Jefferson leapt at the chance to unseat his former boss". Adams, too, would have enjoyed spending time on his farm more than dealing with political acrimony. Accordingly, he was too prideful to willingly relinquish his office. So, the two men who were most qualified for the position but least excited to have such a stressful job "became" the presidential candidates. The campaign was a "bitter partisan" one and included numerous personal attacks. Critics called Jefferson a Democratic-Republican "radical", he would lead the country down the bloody path of the French Revolution. Jefferson’s allies fired back, painting Adams as an anti-liberty autocrat. 'Adams was from Massachusetts". Adams even faced opposition from some extremists among his fellow Federalists and thus lacked the party unity required to win the election. In the end, Jefferson emerged victorious, winning 73 of the 138 electoral votes. Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated as "President, and Aaron" Burr was inaugurated as Vice President. The election was a milestone in American history: it was the first that shifted control of the White House to a different party, the first with a modern mudslinging campaign, and the first that truly tested whether the new nation would remain united despite all its divisions. Which of the following would be the LEAST acceptable replacement for the underlined section?
- consequently
- therefore
- as a result
- nevertheless (Correct answer)
Correct answer: nevertheless
The phrase "but" is accurate because the other three all show that Adams lacked party cohesion BECAUSE he ran afoul of fellow Federalists. The phrase "nevertheless" implies that Adams lacked party unity DESPITE the resistance he faced from within his own party, which is illogical given that the term "fellow" suggests that the opposition came from within his own party.
Question 11: Both supporters and opponents of Mr. Emerson have been in great numbers. He is revered as a philosopher, sage, and even a deity by some, while he is derided by others as an incomprehensible mystic who speaks incoherently only to enthrall bearded young men and foolish young women with pretty curls, all of whom made up the majority of his listeners and worshipers in the past. Though we don't place him in either class, we think he's not an ordinary individual. In fact, we consider him to be both one of our nation's earliest poets and one of its profound thinkers. He and we have, in fact, been in touch over a lengthy period of time, if only sometimes from a distance. We know him to be a well-dressed gentleman, a jovial companion, and a kind friend, whose generosity does not overlook people and waste itself in a nebulous altruism. So much, at least, we can say of the man, and this do we base not only upon former personal "acquaintance and upon our former study of his writings." What is the best form of the emphasized selection, "acquaintance and upon our former study of his writings"?
- acquaintance and also upon our former study of his writings
- acquaintance but upon our former study of his writings
- acquaintance but also upon our former study of his writings (Correct answer)
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: acquaintance but also upon our former study of his writings
In its current form, the statement misuses the correlative conjunctions "not only" and "but also." "Not only upon... and upon" is how it is phrased. The choice that inserts "but also" in place of the second component of the correlative pair is the right one.
Question 12: Travelling can be both fun stressful." Keep your passport on you at all times if you leave the country. The xenophobic may prefer a domestic vacation. Even a little road journey, though, can be more terrifying than sitting at home. Simply treating them to a movie might be wise. Select the response that best edits the passage's emphasized passage. Select "NO CHANGE" if the underlined text is accurate exactly as it is written.
- Travelling can be both fun and, stressful.
- Travelling can be both fun and stressful. (Correct answer)
- Travelling can be both fun, and, stressful.
- Travelling can be both fun, stressful.
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: Travelling can be both fun and stressful.
The coordinating conjunctions "both" and "and" are used in the appropriate sentence. With this pair of correlative conjunctions, commas are not required.
Question 13: Most Americans nowadays are accustomed to the concept of buying music and movies online. Even while some of these consumers still download these media files illegally, the public's perception of the issue has evolved. Most people were much less certain about the legality and illegality of downloading such files early in the history of digital media. Today, matters are quite different, "not only because of several important lawsuits but, indeed, because of the overall growth of relative inexpensive means of purchasing such digital content." Online file-sharing has undergone a cultural shift at the same time as this shift in consciousness. Users would frequently host servers that were openly and visibly available to other users as well as prospective law enforcement in the early days of illegal file-sharing. However, people now make use of a variety of well-thought-out obfuscation techniques. By using indirection, encryption, and other techniques, the modern illicit file-sharer makes it plain that they are aware that their behavior is prohibited. Which version of the pick in quote marks is the best?
- not only because of several important lawsuits but instead because of the overall growth of relative inexpensive means of purchasing such digital content
- not only because of several important lawsuits but, indeed, because of the overall growth of relative inexpensive means of purchasing such digital content
- not only because of several important lawsuits nor because of the overall growth of relative inexpensive means of purchasing such digital content
- not only because of several important lawsuits but also because of the overall growth of relative inexpensive means of purchasing such digital content (Correct answer)
Correct answer: not only because of several important lawsuits but also because of the overall growth of relative inexpensive means of purchasing such digital content
"As a correlative conjunction to the phrase ""but also,"" the phrase ""not only"" is used. It suggests that two things are combined, highlighting the existence of a second thing that is being thought about. Here, there are two causes for greater awareness: (1) ""Several significant court cases"" (2) ""the general expansion of low-cost content sharing methods"""
Question 14: "Mr. Jefferson has had a swarm "both of admirers but also of detractors." He is revered as a philosopher, sage, and even a deity by some, while he is derided by others as an incomprehensible mystic who speaks incoherently only to enthrall bearded young men and foolish young women with pretty curls, all of whom made up the majority of his listeners and worshipers in the past. Though we don't place him in either class, we think he's not an ordinary individual. In fact, we consider him to be both one of our nation's earliest poets and one of its profound thinkers. He and we have, in fact, been in touch over a lengthy period of time, if only sometimes from a distance. We know him to be a well-dressed gentleman, a jovial companion, and a kind friend, whose generosity does not overlook people and waste itself in a nebulous altruism. At least that much can be said about the man, and we rely this not only on our prior personal familiarity with him but also on our prior reading of his writings. Select the response that most accurately corrects the passage's bolded section. Select "NO CHANGE" if the bolded text is accurate and exactly as it is written.
- both of admirers and not of detractors (Correct answer)
- both admirers and with detractors
- both of admirers and of detractors (Correct answer)
- both of admirers or of detractors
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: both of admirers and not of detractors
The use of the correlative conjunction set "both... and. " is problematic in this choice. In its current form, the statement utilizes "but also" erroneously. The form "Both of admirers and not of detractors" is similarly erroneous, it should be noted, as it follows "and" with an abrupt negation ("not").
Question 15: Dogs are known for being very friendly, "and" cats are thought to be more aloof.
- moreover
- inasmuch
- so
- but (Correct answer)
- NO CHANGE
Correct answer: but
The conjunction "but" is the appropriate choice in this context because both the first and second parts of the sentence are separate clauses that also show a contrast.
Question 16: Choose the response that produces a statement that is precise, clear, and complies with the rules of standard written English to replace the emphasized piece. The emphasized passage as it appears in the phrase is replicated in one of the response options. "The last time it snowed, that was in February," my dad lost control of his car and hit a tree."
- snowed, February was the month,
- snowed, which was in February, (Correct answer)
- snowed, it was in February,
- snows, that was in February,
- was snowing, that was in February,
Correct answer: snowed, which was in February,
In this situation, we must choose between the words "which" and "that" to begin the clause that is delimited from the rest of the sentence by commas. "" ""That introduces information that is absolutely required to the meaning of the statement, while "which" introduces information that would not alter the meaning of the sentence if it were removed from the sentence. Commas are typically used to separate information that is not essential to the understanding of the sentence. The fact that the line ""The last time it snowed, my dad lost control of his automobile and hit a tree"" is still understandable in this instance shows that the information in the commas isn't necessarily important to the meaning of the sentence. Additionally, commas are used to separate the in question information from the rest of the sentence. Therefore, we should use "which" rather than "that.
Question 17: Choose the response that produces a statement that is precise, clear, and complies with the rules of standard written English to replace the emphasized area. Some prescription drugs can produce dangerous interactions when combined with other chemicals, "and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home."
- and you should always be telling your physician about any medications you take at home.
- although you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
- but you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
- and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
- so you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: so you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
The cause-and-effect reasoning in this sentence is flawed. The counsel given in the second portion of the sentence is justified by the first section of the sentence. Therefore, you should substitute a term that illustrates the cause-and-effect relationship for "and". If there is no contradiction or opposition in the statement, avoid using contrast words like "but" or "however.
Question 18: Choose the response that produces a statement that is precise, clear, and complies with the rules of standard written English to replace the emphasized piece. "Children can learn responsibility and how to take care of a pet."
- Caring for a pet, responsibility is something children learn.
- Caring for a pet responsibility is something children can learn.
- Caring for a pet, responsibility is learned by children.
- Caring for a pet, responsibility is something children can learn.
- Responsibility is something children can learn by caring for a pet. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Responsibility is something children can learn by caring for a pet.
The way the line is written, "caring for a pet" seems to be synonymous with "responsibility." It needs to be altered so that it is very apparent that "children" are "caring for a pet." The right response is "Taking care of a pet can help kids learn responsibility."
Question 19: Choose the response that produces a statement that is precise, clear, and complies with the rules of standard written English to replace the emphasized piece. "Only the time that will work" for everyone is in the evenings.
- Only the time that will work
- Only the time that will be working
- Only the time which will work
- Only the timing that will work
- The only time that will work (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The only time that will work
It's unclear what exactly the word "only" at the beginning of the statement is modifiying. The sentence makes the greatest sense if the term is relocated to make it obvious that it modifies "time." The phrase "The only time that will work" is the appropriate response option.
Question 20: Select the solution that best completes the sentence's emphasized section. Pick "NO CHANGE" if the emphasized text is accurate as written. Scientists have already sequenced the genomes of many "animals; as a result", they have now begun to map the epigenome.
- animals, as a result, they
- animals: as a result, they
- animals. A result of which they
- animals resulting from which they
- NO CHANGE (Correct answer)
Correct answer: NO CHANGE
Two independent clauses, or clauses with a subject and a verb that can stand alone as complete sentences, make up this sentence. This means that you must either use a semicolon or a comma followed by a conjunction to join them into a single compound statement. As it is written, the sentence joins the two distinct clauses with a semicolon. Additionally, the word "as a result," which serves as an adverb, is separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Question 21: Select the appropriate grammatical form of the following phrase: Laura and I attended a party to honor Alison's birthday.
- Yesterday Laura and I went to a party, and celebrated Alison's birthday.
- Yesterday Laura and I went to a party, and celebrated Alison's' birthday.
- Laura and I went to a party and celebrated Alison's birthday. (Correct answer)
- The sentence is correct as it is.
Correct answer: Laura and I went to a party and celebrated Alison's birthday.
In the original, there are two mistakes: (1) "Laura and me" should be changed to "Laura and I," and (2) "Alisons" should be changed to "Alison's" to make it possessive.
Free ACT English Question and Answers 1
I enjoy cleaning. " It’s a good way to unwind at the end of the day, and, I always function better in a clean environment." You're home is your temple, I once overheard someone say.
That is how I try to conduct my life.
My top priorities include organizing the house, sweeping the floor, doing the dishes, and cleaning the kitchen counter.
I sweep the floor briskly and thoroughly.
My housemates love it when I do mop, even though I don't do it very often.
Select the response that best edits the passage's emphasized passage.
Pick "NO CHANGE" if the emphasized text is accurate as written.
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