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ACT English practice questions

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Question 1Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The museum's new wing, which opened last spring, feature several works by local artists." Which choice best fixes the underlined portion "feature"?

  1. features Correct answer.
  2. featuring
  3. have featured
  4. feature

Explanation

The subject is "wing," a singular noun, so the verb must be singular as well. The interrupting phrase "which opened last spring" does not change the number of the subject. "Features" agrees with the singular subject.

Question 2Production of Writing

A student is writing a paragraph about the benefits of urban gardens. Which sentence is the best topic sentence for the paragraph?

  1. Some gardens grow tomatoes, while others grow peppers and herbs.
  2. Urban gardens give city residents fresh produce, green space, and a stronger sense of community. Correct answer.
  3. In 2019, a study measured soil quality in twelve community gardens.
  4. Many people live in cities, and many people also enjoy gardening.

Explanation

A topic sentence should state the paragraph's main idea and preview the supporting points that follow. Only the first option names the overall benefits that the rest of the paragraph would develop. The other options are details or broad statements rather than a controlling idea.

Question 3Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The recipe calls for three cups of flour, two eggs, and a teaspoon of salt." Which choice best describes the function of the commas in this sentence?

  1. They join two independent clauses.
  2. They introduce a direct quotation.
  3. They separate items in a series. Correct answer.
  4. They set off a nonessential clause.

Explanation

The commas divide three parallel items in a list: cups of flour, two eggs, and a teaspoon of salt. This is the standard use of commas to separate items in a series.

Question 4Production of Writing

A writer wants to add a sentence that smoothly connects the following two sentences: "The trail was steep and rocky. Most hikers reached the summit before noon." Which choice best links the ideas?

  1. The trail was steep and rocky, for most hikers reached the summit before noon.
  2. The trail was steep and rocky, but most hikers reached the summit before noon. Correct answer.
  3. The trail was steep and rocky, so most hikers reached the summit before noon.
  4. The trail was steep and rocky; most hikers reached the summit before noon.

Explanation

The two ideas contrast: the trail was difficult, yet hikers still arrived early. A contrast word like "but" correctly signals that relationship. A semicolon alone would not express the contrast as clearly.

Question 5Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The company announced that it would release its annual report next week." Which choice best describes the underlined word "its"?

  1. A possessive pronoun referring to the company Correct answer.
  2. A plural pronoun referring to the reports
  3. An adverb modifying "release"
  4. A contraction meaning "it is"

Explanation

"Its" is a possessive pronoun showing ownership, and here it refers back to "the company." The contraction "it's" (it is) would not fit this sentence.

Question 6Production of Writing

A paragraph currently ends with this sentence: "In short, the festival brought the whole town together." Which choice best describes the role of this sentence in the paragraph?

  1. It concludes and summarizes the paragraph's main point. Correct answer.
  2. It provides a counterargument.
  3. It introduces a new supporting detail.
  4. It shifts the paragraph to a new topic.

Explanation

The phrase "In short" signals a summary, and the sentence restates the paragraph's central idea. Concluding sentences often restate the main point in a fresh way.

Question 7Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The scientist who discovered the vaccine, won a major award." Which choice best fixes the punctuation error?

  1. The scientist who discovered the vaccine won a major award. Correct answer.
  2. The scientist, who discovered the vaccine won a major award.
  3. The scientist who discovered the vaccine; won a major award.
  4. The scientist, who discovered the vaccine, won a major award.

Explanation

The clause "who discovered the vaccine" is essential to identify which scientist is meant, so it should not be set off by commas. Removing the comma produces a correctly punctuated sentence.

Question 8Production of Writing

A student is writing a persuasive essay arguing that the school day should start later. Which sentence would best serve as a thesis statement?

  1. Many schools across the country begin classes before eight in the morning.
  2. Sleep is important for teenagers, according to several articles.
  3. Some students ride the bus, and others walk to school.
  4. Starting the school day later would improve student health and academic performance. Correct answer.

Explanation

A thesis statement presents the central claim of an argument in a way that the essay can support. The second option clearly states a position with two reasons to develop. The others are background facts or observations.

Question 9Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "Walking through the park, the flowers looked beautiful to Maya." Which choice best fixes the dangling modifier?

  1. Walking through the park, the flowers looked beautiful.
  2. Walking through the park, Maya thought the flowers looked beautiful. Correct answer.
  3. Walking through the park, beauty was seen in the flowers by Maya.
  4. The flowers, walking through the park, looked beautiful to Maya.

Explanation

A participial phrase at the start of a sentence must describe the subject that follows. In the original, the flowers appear to be walking. Naming Maya as the subject makes the modifier logically attach to the person walking.

Question 10Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The team played well; however they lost the championship game." Which choice best fixes the punctuation?

  1. The team played well; however, they lost the championship game. Correct answer.
  2. The team played well, however they lost the championship game.
  3. The team played well however; they lost the championship game.
  4. The team played well; however they lost, the championship game.

Explanation

A conjunctive adverb like "however" that joins two independent clauses takes a semicolon before it and a comma after it. The first option follows this pattern correctly.

Question 11Production of Writing

A writer wants to combine these sentences: "The bridge was closed for repairs. Drivers had to take a longer route." Which choice best combines them while showing cause and effect?

  1. Because the bridge was closed for repairs, drivers had to take a longer route. Correct answer.
  2. The bridge was closed for repairs; drivers had to take a longer route.
  3. The bridge was closed for repairs, but drivers had to take a longer route.
  4. The bridge was closed for repairs, and drivers had to take a longer route.

Explanation

The closure caused drivers to take a longer route, so a cause-and-effect connector is most precise. "Because" clearly establishes that relationship. The other options either leave the relationship vague or signal the wrong one.

Question 12Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "Each of the students in the advanced seminar submit a research paper at the end of the term." Which choice best fixes the underlined portion "submit"?

  1. submits Correct answer.
  2. have submitted
  3. submit
  4. are submitting

Explanation

The subject is "Each," which is singular, so the verb must be singular. The phrase "of the students in the advanced seminar" does not change the subject's number. "Submits" is the correct singular form.

Question 13Production of Writing

A paragraph describes a hiker's difficult climb and ends: "Reaching the peak, she felt a rush of pride." Which choice best describes why this is an effective concluding sentence?

  1. It restates the paragraph's main point in a fresh, vivid way. Correct answer.
  2. It introduces a new character to the story.
  3. It shifts the paragraph's focus to a different topic.
  4. It provides statistical evidence for the paragraph's claim.

Explanation

An effective concluding sentence often echoes the paragraph's main idea while adding imagery or emphasis. This sentence captures the reward of the climb vividly rather than merely repeating earlier wording.

Question 14Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The novel, which was published in 1925, is set in the 1920s." Which choice best describes the function of the commas?

  1. They separate items in a list.
  2. They mark the start of a direct quotation.
  3. They join two independent clauses.
  4. They set off a nonessential clause. Correct answer.

Explanation

The clause "which was published in 1925" adds extra information that could be removed without changing the basic meaning. Commas set off such nonessential clauses.

Question 15Production of Writing

A student wants to add a sentence to a paragraph about recycling. Which sentence best supports the claim that recycling saves energy?

  1. Some cities have made recycling mandatory.
  2. Recycling programs vary widely from one community to another.
  3. Many people keep separate bins for paper and plastic.
  4. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for about three hours. Correct answer.

Explanation

A supporting sentence should provide evidence directly tied to the claim. The first option gives a concrete example of energy savings, which is exactly what the claim asserts. The others address recycling practices without mentioning energy.

Question 16Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The council approved the new budget, it will take effect in July." Which choice best fixes the punctuation error?

  1. The council approved the new budget; and it will take effect in July.
  2. The council approved the new budget, it will take effect in July.
  3. The council approved the new budget, and it will take effect in July. Correct answer.
  4. The council approved the new budget it will take effect in July.

Explanation

The original is a comma splice because it joins two independent clauses with only a comma. Adding a coordinating conjunction like "and" after the comma correctly joins the clauses.

Question 17Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "Neither the coach nor the players was satisfied with the result." Which choice best fixes the underlined portion "was"?

  1. were Correct answer.
  2. has been
  3. is
  4. was

Explanation

With "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closer to it, which is "players," a plural noun. The plural verb "were" is therefore correct.

Question 18Production of Writing

A writer is revising a paragraph and wants to remove a sentence that does not belong. Read the paragraph: "(1) Bees play a vital role in pollinating crops. (2) Their work helps farmers produce fruits and vegetables. (3) My cousin keeps bees as a hobby. (4) Without pollinators, many food supplies would decline." Which sentence should be removed?

  1. Sentence 1
  2. Sentence 3 Correct answer.
  3. Sentence 2
  4. Sentence 4

Explanation

The paragraph's focus is the importance of bees as pollinators for agriculture. Sentence 3 introduces a personal hobby that is unrelated to that focus. Removing it keeps the paragraph unified.

Question 19Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The report, which was written by the committee, were published last week." Which choice best fixes the underlined portion "were"?

  1. have been
  2. was Correct answer.
  3. were
  4. are

Explanation

The subject is "report," a singular noun, so the verb must be singular. The nonessential clause "which was written by the committee" does not affect the subject's number. "Was" is the correct singular past-tense form.

Question 20Production of Writing

A student is writing a paragraph explaining how a bill becomes a law. Which organizational pattern is most appropriate?

  1. Problem and solution
  2. Cause and effect
  3. Comparison and contrast
  4. Chronological order Correct answer.

Explanation

A process like a bill becoming a law unfolds in a sequence of steps, so chronological order best fits. Organizing the steps in time order helps readers follow the process clearly.

Question 21Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The hikers packed water, snacks and a map." A writer wants to follow standard punctuation conventions for a series. Which choice best edits the sentence?

  1. The hikers packed water snacks, and a map.
  2. The hikers packed water, snacks, and a map. Correct answer.
  3. The hikers packed water; snacks; and a map.
  4. The hikers packed water, snacks and, a map.

Explanation

In a series of three or more items, commas should separate each item, including one before the final conjunction. The first option applies this pattern consistently.

Question 22Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The professor explained the theory clearly, she used several examples." Which choice best fixes the sentence?

  1. The professor explained the theory, clearly she used several examples.
  2. The professor explained the theory clearly, she used, several examples.
  3. The professor explained the theory clearly; she used several examples. Correct answer.
  4. The professor explained the theory clearly, so she used several examples.

Explanation

The sentence contains two independent clauses joined only by a comma, which is a comma splice. A semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses.

Question 23Production of Writing

A writer wants to replace the vague word "things" in this sentence: "The volunteers did many things to help the shelter." Which revision is most precise?

  1. The volunteers did many things to help the shelter, which was nice.
  2. The volunteers did lots of stuff to help the shelter.
  3. The volunteers did many activities of various kinds to help the shelter.
  4. The volunteers cleaned kennels, walked dogs, and sorted donations to help the shelter. Correct answer.

Explanation

Precise writing replaces vague words with specific, concrete details. The third option names exact actions, giving readers a clear picture. The others remain vague or add empty commentary.

Question 24Production of Writing

A paragraph opens with: "Although the new library opened only a year ago, it has already become a community hub." Which choice best describes the function of the opening word "Although"?

  1. It signals that the sentence will list examples.
  2. It introduces a contrast between expectation and outcome. Correct answer.
  3. It indicates that the sentence will summarize the paragraph.
  4. It introduces a cause-and-effect relationship.

Explanation

"Although" is a subordinating conjunction that signals concession or contrast. Here it sets up the idea that the library's quick success is somewhat surprising given how recently it opened.

Question 25Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The manager asked the employees to submit their reports by Friday." Which choice best describes the antecedent of "their"?

  1. The reports
  2. The employees Correct answer.
  3. The manager
  4. Friday

Explanation

An antecedent is the noun that a pronoun refers back to. "Their" refers to the employees, who are the ones submitting reports.

Question 26Production of Writing

A writer is drafting a paragraph about the benefits of urban gardens and wants to add a topic sentence that clearly states the paragraph's main idea. Which sentence would best serve as a topic sentence for a paragraph explaining why urban gardens benefit city neighborhoods?

  1. Some cities have more parks than others, and this varies widely by region.
  2. My aunt has grown tomatoes on her balcony for as long as I can remember.
  3. Urban gardens can be difficult to maintain, and many of them fail within a year.
  4. Urban gardens provide fresh produce, green space, and shared gathering areas that strengthen city neighborhoods. Correct answer.

Explanation

A topic sentence should announce the paragraph's controlling idea, here the benefits of urban gardens, so readers know what the supporting details will develop. The chosen sentence names three specific benefits that later sentences could explain. The other choices either narrow to a personal anecdote, drift to an unrelated comparison, or state a drawback that would not introduce a benefits paragraph.

Question 27Production of Writing

A student is writing a paragraph that explains the steps for registering to vote. Which organizational pattern is most appropriate for this paragraph?

  1. Cause and effect
  2. Comparison and contrast
  3. Chronological order Correct answer.
  4. Order of importance

Explanation

A process or set of steps is clearest when presented in the sequence in which the steps occur, which is chronological order. Readers can follow each action in turn. Contrast, cause and effect, and order of importance organize different kinds of content and would obscure a step-by-step process.

Question 28Production of Writing

A writer wants to replace the vague word "stuff" in this sentence: "The museum displayed stuff from ancient Egypt." Which choice best replaces "stuff" with a precise word?

  1. artifacts Correct answer.
  2. assortments
  3. materials
  4. items

Explanation

Precise word choice names the specific category of thing being discussed; objects from ancient Egypt displayed in a museum are best called artifacts. "Artifacts" conveys both the historical and the cultural meaning that "stuff" leaves out. The other words are either still vague or inaccurate for museum objects.

Question 29Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The new policy takes effect on Monday, employees should read the handbook before then." Which choice best fixes the comma splice?

  1. Monday, employees should read the handbook before then.
  2. Monday employees, should read the handbook before then.
  3. Monday, and reading the handbook before then by employees.
  4. Monday; employees should read the handbook before then. Correct answer.

Explanation

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma. A semicolon correctly separates two closely related independent clauses. The other options either keep the splice, misplace the comma, or create a garbled construction.

Question 30Production of Writing

A paragraph about the invention of the telephone begins: "Many people believe Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone alone." Which sentence would best follow to develop this idea?

  1. Bell was born in Scotland in 1847 and later moved to Canada.
  2. Telephones today are smaller and more powerful than early models.
  3. In fact, several inventors contributed key advances that made the device possible. Correct answer.
  4. The telephone is one of the most important inventions in history.

Explanation

The opening sentence introduces a common belief, so the next sentence should develop or qualify that belief. A sentence noting that several inventors contributed directly elaborates on the idea that the invention was not a solo effort. The other options shift to biography, modern comparison, or general praise without developing the stated idea.

Question 31Production of Writing

A writer wants to combine these sentences: "The recipe requires fresh basil. The recipe also requires ripe tomatoes." Which choice best combines them?

  1. The recipe requires fresh basil and ripe tomatoes. Correct answer.
  2. The recipe requires fresh basil, it also requires ripe tomatoes.
  3. The recipe requires fresh basil, ripe tomatoes are also required.
  4. The recipe requires fresh basil; ripe tomatoes.

Explanation

Combining two sentences with the same subject and verb is most concise when the shared elements are stated once and the objects are joined with a conjunction. "Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes" does this cleanly. The other options create a splice, a redundant clause, or a fragment.

Question 32Production of Writing

A student is writing a report on the water cycle and wants to add a concluding sentence to a paragraph describing evaporation. Which sentence would best conclude that paragraph?

  1. Rainfall amounts vary greatly from one region to another.
  2. Condensation, meanwhile, occurs when vapor cools and forms droplets.
  3. Water covers roughly seventy percent of Earth's surface.
  4. Evaporation, then, is the first stage that sets the entire cycle in motion. Correct answer.

Explanation

A concluding sentence should summarize or reinforce the paragraph's focus rather than introduce a new subtopic. The sentence identifying evaporation as the stage that begins the cycle ties the paragraph together. The other choices introduce condensation, regional rainfall, or global water coverage, which belong elsewhere.

Question 33Production of Writing

A writer wants to add a transition at the start of a sentence that presents a contrasting idea to the one just stated. Which word or phrase best signals contrast?

  1. For example
  2. However Correct answer.
  3. Therefore
  4. Similarly

Explanation

Transitions signal the logical relationship between ideas. "However" marks a contrast or concession between the previous statement and the new one. "Therefore" signals a result, "similarly" signals agreement, and "for example" introduces an illustration.

Question 34Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The volunteers who organized the fundraiser, worked late into the evening." Which choice best fixes the punctuation?

  1. The volunteers who, organized the fundraiser worked late into the evening.
  2. The volunteers who organized the fundraiser; worked late into the evening.
  3. The volunteers who organized the fundraiser worked, late into the evening.
  4. The volunteers, who organized the fundraiser, worked late into the evening. Correct answer.

Explanation

A nonessential relative clause is set off by commas on both sides. Because "who organized the fundraiser" merely adds information about "the volunteers," it should be enclosed by a pair of commas. The other options place commas or semicolons so that they break the sentence incorrectly.

Question 35Production of Writing

A student is writing a persuasive essay arguing that schools should offer more after-school programs. Which sentence would best serve as the essay's thesis statement?

  1. After-school programs are offered in some districts but not others.
  2. Schools should expand after-school programs because they improve student safety, engagement, and academic performance. Correct answer.
  3. Many students participate in activities after school.
  4. My brother attends an after-school program twice a week.

Explanation

A thesis statement for a persuasive essay must take a clear position and preview the reasons that will support it. The chosen sentence states a recommendation and lists three supporting benefits. The other options are neutral observations or personal details that do not assert an argument.

Question 36Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The committee reviewed the proposal carefully, they identified several problems." Which choice best fixes the sentence?

  1. The committee reviewed the proposal carefully, and they identified several problems. Correct answer.
  2. The committee reviewed the proposal carefully, identifying, several problems.
  3. The committee reviewed the proposal carefully; identifying several problems.
  4. The committee reviewed the proposal carefully they identified several problems.

Explanation

Two independent clauses joined without adequate punctuation create a run-on. Adding the coordinating conjunction "and" after the comma correctly joins the two clauses. The other options remove necessary punctuation, create a fragment, or misplace a comma.

Question 37Production of Writing

A writer is revising a paragraph and wants to remove the sentence that does not belong. Read the paragraph: "(1) Coral reefs support an enormous variety of marine life. (2) Many species of fish depend on reefs for food and shelter. (3) Reefs also protect coastlines from storm damage. (4) Snorkeling is a popular vacation activity in tropical regions. (5) Healthy reefs therefore benefit both ecosystems and coastal communities." Which sentence should be removed?

  1. Sentence 2
  2. Sentence 4 Correct answer.
  3. Sentence 5
  4. Sentence 3

Explanation

The paragraph's focus is the ecological and protective value of coral reefs. Sentence 4 shifts to vacation activities and does not support that focus. The other sentences all contribute to the paragraph's central idea.

Question 38Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The researcher presented her findings at the conference, she answered questions afterward." Which choice best revises the sentence to avoid a comma splice?

  1. The researcher presented her findings at the conference, she then answered questions afterward.
  2. The researcher presented her findings at the conference, answering questions afterward, she did.
  3. The researcher presented her findings at the conference and answered questions afterward. Correct answer.
  4. The researcher presented her findings, at the conference, she answered questions afterward.

Explanation

When two clauses share the same subject and describe related actions, they can often be combined into a single clause joined by a conjunction. Doing so removes the splice and tightens the sentence. The other options either retain the splice or produce awkward and ungrammatical constructions.

Question 39Production of Writing

A student is writing a paragraph comparing two types of renewable energy, solar and wind. Which organizational pattern is most appropriate for this paragraph?

  1. Spatial description
  2. Order of importance
  3. Comparison and contrast Correct answer.
  4. Chronological order

Explanation

When a paragraph examines similarities and differences between two subjects, comparison and contrast is the natural organizing pattern. It allows the writer to address each point of similarity or difference in turn. Chronological order, spatial description, and order of importance organize different kinds of information.

Question 40Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "Neither the manager nor the employees was informed about the schedule change." Which choice best fixes the subject-verb agreement error?

  1. Neither the manager nor the employees has been informed about the schedule change.
  2. Neither the manager nor the employees were informed about the schedule change. Correct answer.
  3. Neither the manager nor the employees was being informed about the schedule change.
  4. Neither the manager nor the employees is informed about the schedule change.

Explanation

With "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. The closer subject here is "employees," which is plural, so the plural verb "were" is required. The other options keep singular verbs or create tense inconsistencies.

Question 41Production of Writing

A writer wants to add a transition at the start of a sentence that draws a conclusion from the evidence just presented. Which word or phrase best signals a conclusion?

  1. For instance
  2. Consequently Correct answer.
  3. Nevertheless
  4. In contrast

Explanation

"Consequently" signals that the following statement is a result or conclusion drawn from what came before. "Nevertheless" and "in contrast" signal contrast, while "for instance" introduces an example. Choosing the transition that matches the logical relationship keeps the paragraph coherent.

Question 42Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The scientist studied the samples carefully she recorded every result." Which choice best fixes the run-on sentence?

  1. The scientist studied the samples carefully, she recorded every result.
  2. The scientist studied the samples carefully and recorded every result. Correct answer.
  3. The scientist studied the samples carefully, recording, every result.
  4. The scientist, studied the samples carefully she recorded every result.

Explanation

Two independent clauses with the same subject can be joined into one clause using a conjunction, which removes the run-on. This version also eliminates the repeated subject and reads smoothly. The other options retain the run-on or introduce misplaced commas.

Question 43Production of Writing

A paragraph opens with this sentence: "The city's new bike-share program has exceeded expectations in its first year." Which sentence would best support this claim?

  1. The program recorded more than fifty thousand rides in its first six months. Correct answer.
  2. The city also plans to repave several downtown streets.
  3. Some residents prefer to drive rather than cycle to work.
  4. Bike-share programs exist in many cities around the world.

Explanation

A supporting sentence should provide specific evidence for the claim being made. Ridership data directly demonstrates that the program exceeded expectations. The other options offer general background, an unrelated preference, or an unrelated city project.

Question 44Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The novel that won the prize, was written by a first-time author." Which choice best fixes the punctuation?

  1. The novel that won the prize was written by a first-time author. Correct answer.
  2. The novel, that won the prize, was written by a first-time author.
  3. The novel that won the prize; was written by a first-time author.
  4. The novel that, won the prize was written by a first-time author.

Explanation

A restrictive relative clause, one that identifies which novel is meant, is not set off by commas. Because "that won the prize" is essential to identifying the novel, no comma should separate it from the rest of the sentence. The other options add punctuation that incorrectly interrupts the clause.

Question 45Production of Writing

A student is writing a paragraph that explains why a local river has become cleaner over the past decade. Which organizational pattern is most appropriate for this paragraph?

  1. Spatial description
  2. Comparison and contrast
  3. Cause and effect Correct answer.
  4. Chronological order

Explanation

Explaining why something happened calls for a cause-and-effect structure that links events to their outcomes. The paragraph would trace the causes, such as new regulations or cleanup efforts, to the effect of cleaner water. The other patterns organize information differently and would not explain the reasons for the change.

Question 46Production of Writing

A writer wants to replace the word "good" in this sentence: "The study produced good evidence for the new treatment." Which choice best replaces "good" with a precise word?

  1. okay
  2. fine
  3. nice
  4. compelling Correct answer.

Explanation

Precise word choice conveys the specific quality being described. "Compelling" indicates evidence that is strong and persuasive, which fits a scientific study. The other words are vague or informal and do not sharpen the meaning.

Question 47Production of Writing

A student is writing an essay about the causes of the American Revolution and wants to revise the thesis statement: "The American Revolution was a big event in history." Which revision best creates a clear, arguable thesis?

  1. The American Revolution involved many people and places.
  2. The American Revolution happened in the eighteenth century.
  3. The American Revolution was driven primarily by disputes over taxation and representation. Correct answer.
  4. Many books have been written about the American Revolution.

Explanation

A strong thesis states a specific, arguable claim that the essay can support with evidence. The chosen revision identifies particular causes, giving the essay a clear direction. The other options are vague, factual, or descriptive rather than arguable.

Question 48Production of Writing

Read this sentence: "The engineers who designed the bridge, which opened last spring, was honored at the ceremony." Which choice best fixes the sentence?

  1. The engineers who designed the bridge, which opened last spring, was honored at the ceremony.
  2. The engineers, who designed the bridge which opened last spring, was honored at the ceremony.
  3. The engineers who designed the bridge which opened last spring, was honored at the ceremony.
  4. The engineers who designed the bridge, which opened last spring, were honored at the ceremony. Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject of the main clause is "engineers," a plural noun, so the verb must be plural: "were honored." The intervening relative clauses do not change the subject. The other options keep the singular verb or mishandle the punctuation of the clauses.

Question 49Production of Writing

A writer is revising a paragraph and wants to improve its coherence. Read the paragraph: "(1) The library extended its weekend hours. (2) Students had requested more study space. (3) Attendance on Saturdays rose sharply. (4) The parking lot near the library is often full." Which change would best improve the paragraph's coherence?

  1. Combine sentences 1 and 2 with a semicolon.
  2. Add a transition such as "As a result" at the start of sentence 3. Correct answer.
  3. Move sentence 4 so that it follows sentence 1.
  4. Delete sentence 2 because it is shorter than the others.

Explanation

Sentence 3 reports an effect of the extended hours, so a cause-and-effect transition clarifies how it connects to the preceding sentences. This strengthens the logical flow of the paragraph. Moving or deleting unrelated sentences, or joining clauses mechanically, does not improve coherence.

Question 50Production of Writing

A student is writing a paragraph and wants to make the following sentence more concise: "Due to the fact that the weather was bad, the game was canceled." Which revision is most concise while preserving the meaning?

  1. Because the weather was bad, the game was canceled. Correct answer.
  2. The game was canceled, and the reason was because of the bad weather.
  3. On account of the fact that the weather was bad, the game was canceled.
  4. The weather was bad, and the game was canceled because of that fact.

Explanation

Concise writing replaces wordy phrases with shorter equivalents; "due to the fact that" can be reduced to "because." The chosen revision preserves the causal meaning with fewer words. The other options retain or expand the wordiness.