English Cram Sheet Note cards

ACT English tests standard written English and rhetorical skills in context. Most questions are really about a small set of repeatable rules: punctuation, sentence structure, agreement, modifiers, pronouns, verb tense/voice, and concise, logical writing.

Two big categories of questions:

Usage/Mechanics (Grammar & Punctuation): There is usually a right answer by rule.

Rhetorical Skills (Style/Organization): You choose what is most clear, relevant, logical, and consistent with the passage’s purpose.

Critical mindset: Don’t pick what “sounds right.” Prove it with a rule or with the passage’s meaning.

Core rule principle: Punctuation is structural. It shows how ideas connect (independent vs dependent clauses, essential vs nonessential information, lists, interruptions).

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Use this process for almost every ACT English question:

Read enough context

At least the full sentence; often the sentence before/after for transitions and pronouns.

Identify the question type

Grammar/punctuation: look for commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, verb forms, pronouns.

Style: look for wordiness, redundancy, vague wording.

Organization: “best place,” “best transition,” “add/delete,” “conclusion,” “introduction.”

If it’s punctuation, label the pieces

Independent clause (IC): can stand alone.

Dependent clause (DC): cannot stand alone.

Check whether the punctuation choice correctly joins/separates those structures.

For grammar, do a quick “core sentence” test

Cross out prepositional phrases and interruptions to find subject → verb.

Example core: “The collection of rare coins is valuable.” (subject = collection)

For style, choose the clearest + shortest that keeps meaning

Prefer active voice, specific words, and no redundancy.