Problem 41 - 8 Practice Tests for the ACT 3rd

Question

A. NO CHANGE B. his accomplishment of many feats occurred. C. his many feats were accomplished. D. he accomplished many feats.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

D. he accomplished many feats.

Step 1 - Read the Sentence

Start by carefully reading the entire sentence to understand the context and what is being conveyed.

Step 2 - Identify the Subject and Verb

Determine the subject and the verb in the sentence. Look for what is doing the action and what action is being done.

Step 3 - Check for Conciseness and Clarity

Compare the options (A-D) for how concisely and clearly they communicate the intended meaning. Choose the option that conveys the same information in the most straightforward way.

Step 4 - Compare Each Option

A. NO CHANGE: Check if the original sentence is already the most concise and clear.B. his accomplishment of many feats occurred: This is wordy and less direct.C. his many feats were accomplished: This is in the passive voice and less concise.D. he accomplished many feats: This is clear, concise, and in the active voice.

Step 5 - Make a Decision

Based on the analysis, option D is the best choice because it is concise, clear, and in the active voice.

Key Concepts

sentence structure

Sentence structure is the way words and phrases are arranged to create sentences. To achieve effective sentence structure, make sure your sentences have a clear subject and verb. In our example, 'he accomplished many feats,' the subject is 'he,' and the verb is 'accomplished,' which makes the sentence straightforward and easy to understand. A good structure helps the reader quickly grasp the meaning without confusion. Avoid overly complex sentences that can distract from the main point.

conciseness

Conciseness means using the fewest words possible to express an idea. For ACT English preparation, practice identifying and removing unnecessary words. In the given options, 'his accomplishment of many feats occurred' is wordy and 'his many feats were accomplished' is less concise. The best choice, 'he accomplished many feats,' removes extra words and makes the sentence clearer. Conciseness improves readability and helps maintain the reader's attention.

active vs. passive voice

Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is crucial for clear writing. The active voice makes sentences more dynamic and direct. In active voice, the subject performs the action: 'he accomplished many feats.' In passive voice, the subject receives the action: 'many feats were accomplished by him.' Although both are grammatically correct, the active voice is generally preferred for its clarity and impact. Aim to use active voice whenever possible for stronger and more engaging sentences.

clarity in writing

Clarity in writing means that your sentences are straightforward and easy to understand. Clear writing avoids unnecessary jargon, overly complex sentences, and ambiguity. In our exercise, option D, 'he accomplished many feats,' is the clearest because it directly states who did what. Always strive for clarity by choosing precise words and constructing straightforward sentences. This helps ensure that your readers easily understand your message without frustration or misunderstanding.