ACT English Tips

Why is there a comma here? At the start of the conflict, both sides felt a great deal of animosity.

• The first part is an introductory comma sandwich.

• The first part is a clause.

• The second part is a comma sandwich.

• The second part is an appositive.

However, therefore, and nonetheless are ______________

• verbs

• nouns

• prepositions

• transition words

When the English test asks wordy questions, you should ________.

• skip reading the question and go right to the answer choices

• underline important words in the question

• always reread the entire passage

• always look for commas

For questions about where you should add a sentence, you should ________________ in the question and sentence and _________ _______ those keywords are already discussed in the passage.

• underline keywords; identify where

• ignore the words; identify if

• underline every word; see if

• only read the answers; identify where

In general, don't separate an adjective and noun with a comma (unless there is a very good reason, such as a list).

• TRUE

• FALSE

In general, don't separate an subject and verb with a comma (unless there is a very good reason, such as an appositive).

• TRUE

• FALSE

Make sure to know and make notes on the ___________________ of each passage and each paragraph in the passage.

• main idea

• author

• number of words

• number of paragraphs

Which of the following is a strategy for identifying the main idea of a passage on the ACT English section?

• A) Focus on the first sentence of each paragraph.

• B) Look for repeated words or phrases.

• C) Count the number of sentences in the passage.

• D) Identify the longest paragraph.

What is the purpose of transition words in a sentence?

• A) To introduce a new topic.

• B) To connect ideas smoothly.

• C) To emphasize a point.

• D) To conclude a paragraph.

When should you use a semicolon in a sentence?

• A) To separate items in a list.

• B) To join two independent clauses.

• C) To introduce a quote.

• D) To end a sentence.