Problem 4 - 8 Practice Tests for the ACT 3rd

Question

F. NO CHANGE G. Because we had spent two summers practically living at the pool, it was Gretchen who knew that swimming was enjoyed by me. H. Having practically lived at the pool over two summers, the two of us, Gretchen knew it was swimming that I enjoyed. J. Gretchen knew I enjoyed swimming, as we had spent two summers practically living at the pool.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Choose Option J.

Step 1 - Read the Original Sentence

Read the given sentence to understand its structure and meaning: 'NO CHANGE'.

Step 2 - Analyze Option G

Option G: 'Because we had spent two summers practically living at the pool, it was Gretchen who knew that swimming was enjoyed by me.' This option is wordy and uses passive voice, making it less clear and direct.

Step 3 - Analyze Option H

Option H: 'Having practically lived at the pool over two summers, the two of us, Gretchen knew it was swimming that I enjoyed.' This sentence is confusing and awkwardly structured, making it less effective.

Step 4 - Analyze Option J

Option J: 'Gretchen knew I enjoyed swimming, as we had spent two summers practically living at the pool.' This option is clear and concise, providing the necessary context logically and effectively.

Step 5 - Determine the Best Option

Based on the analysis, Option J is the best choice because it is clear, concise, and logically structured.

Key Concepts

Sentence Structure

A well-structured sentence can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Good sentence structure involves a logical flow of ideas and correct placement of clauses, making sure each part of the sentence contributes to the overall meaning. In the provided exercise, Option J exhibits effective sentence structure by providing a clear and logical progression of ideas: 'Gretchen knew I enjoyed swimming, as we had spent two summers practically living at the pool'. Notice how this option naturally connects the cause (spending two summers at the pool) with the effect (Gretchen knowing the enjoyment of swimming).

Passive vs. Active Voice

The choice between passive and active voice can change how dynamic and engaging your writing is. Active voice, wherein the subject of the sentence performs the action, is more direct and energetic. Compare: 'swimming was enjoyed by me' (passive) with 'I enjoyed swimming' (active). The active voice clearly identifies the doer of the action and tends to be more straightforward. In our exercise, Options G and H use passive constructions, making them less clear. In contrast, Option J employs active voice, making it the preferable choice for effective and concise communication.

Conciseness in Writing

Conciseness involves expressing ideas clearly and succinctly, avoiding unnecessary words that can clutter the meaning. It helps in conveying your message more powerfully and prevents reader confusion. For instance, Option G states, 'Because we had spent two summers practically living at the pool, it was Gretchen who knew that swimming was enjoyed by me.' This is wordy and awkward. On the other hand, Option J simplifies this to 'Gretchen knew I enjoyed swimming, as we had spent two summers practically living at the pool.' This reduction in wordiness enhances clarity and readability.

Logical Flow in Sentences

Logical flow ensures that your sentences unfold in a coherent and understandable sequence, maintaining a natural progression that guides the reader effortlessly through your ideas. Each part of a sentence should logically follow from the previous part, creating a cohesive whole. In the exercise, Option J successfully demonstrates logical flow: 'Gretchen knew I enjoyed swimming, as we had spent two summers practically living at the pool.' Here, the sentence starts with the result (Gretchen's awareness), followed by the reason (the two summers at the pool), which maintains a natural order and makes the sentence easy to follow.