ACT Study Guide

English:

Comma rule 1

Seperates introductory words from the main part of the sentence

Comma rule 2

Hug words that are nonessential

Comma rule 3

Separates 2 independent clauses w a fanboy word between them

Independent, (fanboys) independent

Comma rule 4: The adjective test

If you can say the word and between the adjectives, they need a comma

Semicolon rule 1

Separates two independent clauses with no fanboys word

Semicolon rule 2

Thamo between two independent clauses needs to be hugged in a semicolon and comma

independant; thamo, independant

THAMO

Therefore, however, also, moreover, otherwise

Common conjunctive adverbs

Accordingly

Likewise

Afterwards

Consequently

Indeed

Nonetheless

Similarly

Still

Special THAMO words

Otherwise and so do not need a comma when they follow a semicolon

Colon rule

Follows an independent clause and introduces an example, explanation, short phrase, or list

Dash rule

Hug a major break or interruption in thought

Apostrophe rule 1

Indicates possession

When two nouns possess the same item or idea, the second idea is given the punctuation, not the first.

"Or" & "nor"

When it combines singular subjects, the subjects remain singular

ex: James or phylicia is traveling

Neither/nor and Either/or

Barriers that relate subjects without joining them - change the are to is

ex: neither Camille nor Theresa is chasing you

I in neither/nor and either/or

Placed second and followed by singular verb

NOTE

When or, nor, neither/nor, either/or are used with a combination of a singular and a plural noun, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.

each is one body

Singular verbs

Each is one body examples

Each

Everyone

Every one

Everybody

Anyone

Anybody

Someone

No one

Either

Neither

Effect

Noun

Affect

Verb

Fewer

Something you can actually count (less is an amount)

Its

Possessive

Which

Used as a part of a btw phrase and needs comma hug

That/which

Used with inanimate object (who is with humans)

Who

Subject, usually followed by a verb. Can substitute "he"

Whom

Object, usually followed by a noun or pronoun. Can substitute "him"

Good vs Well

Good is an adjective and well is an adverb

Transition words of cause/effect

Therefore, as a result, because, consequently, so, thus

Transition words of contrast

However, although, but, despite, on the other hand, though, while, yet

Transition words of examples, emphasis, similarity, and continuation

For example, for instance, in addition, in fact, likewise, moreover, similarly

Reading:

How to do it

skim first--> get the first 5/7, make up own answers in your head

Process of Elimination

Eliminate all the not possible answers

Summary Passages

Never too extreme, too detailed, or too vague

Extreme answers

eliminate right away

Context

always read entire paragraph about what question is asking

Age questions

do not infer, read where it says about age

instructions

read the instructions, make sure actually answering the question

"Xxx" ?

Quote questions, see how it affects the passage, not just what it means

"As a whole"

Do not only look for understanding, but how it changes the environment and mood as a whole

Science:

Elimination

eliminate all wrong answers right away

Graphing

create own graph then see how it compares

3 scientist questions

take time, understand each, read questions first. Underline