Description
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction ix
Chapter 1 An Overview of the ACT English and Writing Tests 1
The Structure of the English Test 1
Content of the ACT English Test 4
The Content of the Writing Test 7
How to Use This Guide 7
Chapter 2 Taking the English Test 9
Approaching the Questions 9
Checking Your Answers 10
Types of Questions 11
Chapter 3 Conventions of Standard English: Sentence Structure, Formation, and Usage 37
Sentence Structure 38
Verbs and Verb Phrases 38
Indefinite Pronouns 41
Collective Nouns 42
Relative Clauses 42
Using the Relative Pronoun “Which” 43
Which versus That 44
Chapter 4 Conventions of Standard English Concepts and Sample Questions: Sentence Structure and Usage 47
Parallel Structure 48
Correlative Conjunctions 52
Pronouns and Antecedents 53
Sentence Fragments 58
Who versus Whom 61
Run-on, or Fused, Sentences 64
Modifiers 66
Subject-Verb Agreement 80
Verb Tense 84
Chapter 5 Conventions of Standard English and Sample Questions: Punctuation 99
Commas 100
Dashes 120
Parentheses 121
Colons 124
Semicolons 126
Apostrophes and Possession 128
Chapter 6 Production of Writing 135
Topic Development 135
Transitions between Sentences 136
Transitions between Paragraphs 144
Paragraph Placement 149
Conclusion Questions 153
Chapter 7 Knowledge of Language 171
Redundancy 171
Wordiness 178
Word Choice 181
Developing an Ear for Collocations 184
Chapter 8 An Overview of the ACT Writing Test 187
Subject Matter 189
Scoring 190
The Scoring Rubric 190
Chapter 9 The Setup of the Writing Test 193
Introductory Paragraph in the Prompt 195
Perspectives in the Prompt 195
Essay Task Box 196
Planning Page 196
Directions 199
Chapter 10 The Essay Structure 205
Organization 205
Addressing the Counterargument 208
Knowing What Is Expected for the Rubric Categories 210
Chapter 11 Writing Your Essay 213
Purpose and Point of View 215
Intended Audience and Tone 217
Prewriting 217
Timing During the Actual Test 219
Revising 220
Basic Strategies for Improving Your Writing 221
Revising Your First Drafts 222
Chapter 12 Strengthen Your Essay with Vocabulary, Writing Mechanics, and Other Strategies 223
Vocabulary 224
Varied Sentence Structures and Punctuation 224
Rhetorical Questions 224
Avoiding Simplistic Thinking 225
Brainstorming about Your Values 225
Building Your Fund of Knowledge 226
Avoid What You Don’t Know 227
Chapter 13 Sample Prompts and Essays with Analysis 229
Writing Test: Innovation 230
Writing Test: Students and Sleep 241
Chapter 14 Practice Questions 261
Chapter 15 Answers and Explanations 337
Answer Key 338
Explanatory Answers 340
Appendix: English Test Glossary 529
