ACT English

plurality

• ensure words agree

• “the scores that he worked to get show…”

• There will usually be a long modifier that distracts from the actual subject

• “Each of the taxis was blue” —> each implies each individual taxi = singular

Strategy questions

• If they request a purpose out of one the choices, then there can only be one logical choice! (use POE)

• For adding/deleting, ensure the reasoning for the answer choice is logical given the context

  • Sometimes, it can sound right but not make any sense if the passage is about something different

Order (of sentences, etc.)

• Look for transition words that indicate start, middle, finish

  • Not always obvious, sometimes it’s just what logically goes first

  • Get recommended a doctor —> Schedule an appointment —> Drive there

Correct sentences/answers are…

• Complete

• Consistent

• (the meaning is) Clear

• Concise

the process

• Identify topic

  • Read whole sentence

• POE

  • Eliminate clearly wrong answers

• Use the 4 C’s the find the best answer

• Trust your ear, but verify (USE COVER STRAT)

  • If it sounds right, it probably is, but always check

  • “The panel chose its/their nominee”

    • “Their” may sound right, but “panel” is singular!

Article agreement

• Singular nouns are always singular

• Their is always plural

• The family, council, etc. —> its, it’s

Pronouns

• Change depending on whether it is subject or object

• “() and I” is for subjects only

• “They pushed Caesar and me off the cliff”

  • Again, verify despite the ear: “I” may sound right but now it is the object, so “me”

  • to help: Cross off everything but the first person, and test the sentence

What do commas connect?

• Two independent, complete ideas!

  • Subject + verb

• I asked, but he didn’t hear —> correct

• I was hungry, and went to get food —> incorrect, ‘went to get food is not complete,’ again, just cross off the first half and test to see if it sounds right

verbs

avoid the passive voice, ACT prefers active voice