ACT Reading Test 1 - Prose Fiction

The narrator’s point of view is that of:

• an omniscient observer.

• a member of the ship’s crew.

• another ship’s captain.

• a person watching from shore.

It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that the crew most likely did not play dominoes because:

• they were simply too tired.

• they did not get along well enough to play a game together.

• the Director would not have approved of game-playing.

• the sea was too rough.

Which of the following are explanations given by the narrator as to why the Lawyer used the ship’s only cushion?

I. He was very old.

II. He would not allow anyone else to use it.

III. He was greatl respected by the ship's crew.

• I and II only

• I only

• I and III only

• II only

As it is used in line 32 of the passage, the word placid most nearly means:

• calm.

• straightforward.

• nervous.

• playful.

According to the passage, how was Marlow unlike typical seamen?

• Marlow was content to stay in one place, while most men of the sea prefer to roam and explore.

• Marlow believed his home was the ship, while most sailors believed their home was the sea.

• Marlow found the sea inexplicable and full of secrets, while a typical sailor understands the mysteries of the water.

• Marlow wove complicated and ambigous tales, while most seamen prefer to tell simple and clear tales

It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that Marlow is about to tell a story:

• that explains why he is now a freshwater sailor.

• that is short and funny, like most of the stories he tells.

• that had a profound effect on him.

• about a man that he saved from drowning in a river.

According to the passage, how did the men aboard the Nellie feel about the Director?

• They respected and trusted him.

• They felt that he was lazy.

• They despised and rejected him.

• They thought that he was gloomy.

The reaction of the narrator to Marlow’s story can be most accurately described as:

• malicious annoyance.

• resigned tolerance.

• genuine interest.

• sincere appreciation.

According to the passage, which of the following was not an effect of the “bond of the sea” (line 15)?

• It allowed the men to look past each other’s criminal backgrounds.

• The men did not mind listening to each other’s meandering tales.

• It eased the loneliness of extended periods of time away from each other.

• The men were able to be more tolerant of each other’s beliefs.

The main point of the second paragraph is:

• The ship’s captain is better suited to be an aviator than a sailor.

• The captain is unaware of the great amount of hard work that lies ahead of him.

• An unqualified and inexperienced businessman is serving as the captain of the Nellie.

• The narrator and other crew members greatly respect their ship's captain