ACT flashcards
ACT · Build recall with a focused review session.
33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Comma splice
- Two independent clauses joined only by a comma. Fix with a period, semicolon, or a comma plus coordinating conjunction.
- Dangling modifier
- An introductory descriptive phrase whose intended noun is missing or misplaced, so the phrase appears to describe the wrong subject.
- Essential vs. nonessential clause
- An essential clause identifies the noun and takes no commas; a nonessential clause adds extra information and is set off by commas.
- Subject-verb agreement rule
- The verb must match the true subject, ignoring intervening prepositional phrases. Singular indefinite pronouns such as each and everyone take singular verbs.
- Colon use
- A colon follows a complete independent clause and introduces an explanation, list, or example. It never separates a verb from its object.
- Transition logic categories
- Contrast transitions signal opposition (however), cause-effect transitions signal results (therefore), and addition transitions signal continuation (moreover).
- Slope formula
- Slope equals the change in y divided by the change in x between two points: m = (y2 − y1)/(x2 − x1).
- Quadratic formula
- x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)]/(2a) solves ax² + bx + c = 0 for any quadratic equation with real or complex roots.
- Discriminant
- The value b² − 4ac. Positive gives two real solutions, zero gives one, and negative gives no real solutions.
- Circle equation
- (x − h)² + (y − k)² = r² describes a circle with center (h, k) and radius r on the coordinate plane.
- Average speed
- Average speed equals total distance divided by total time, not the arithmetic mean of the separate speeds traveled.
- Exponential growth formula
- y = a(1 + r)^t models growth where a is the starting amount, r the rate per period, and t the number of periods.
- Arithmetic sequence term
- The nth term equals a₁ + (n − 1)d, where a₁ is the first term and d is the constant common difference.
- Perpendicular slopes
- Two lines are perpendicular when their slopes are negative reciprocals, so the product of the slopes equals −1.
- Logarithm product rule
- The log of a product equals the sum of the logs: log(ab) = log a + log b, valid for positive a and b.
- Main idea definition
- The main idea combines the passage topic with the author's central point and must account for the entire passage, not one detail.
- Inference question rule
- The correct answer must be logically forced by stated evidence. A plausible idea the passage does not support is incorrect.
- Vocabulary in context
- Substitute each answer choice into the original sentence and select the meaning that fits the surrounding logic and tone.
- Function question
- A function question asks why a sentence or paragraph exists - to illustrate, contrast, define, or transition - not what it literally says.
- Paired passage strategy
- First determine whether the two passages agree, disagree, or qualify each other, then evaluate which evidence choice supports that relationship.
- Extreme language trap
- Answer choices with always, never, all, or none are usually wrong unless the passage itself states that absolute claim.
- Independent variable
- The variable the researcher deliberately manipulates or changes in an experiment; it is plotted on the x-axis of a graph.
- Dependent variable
- The variable measured as a result of changes to the independent variable; it is plotted on the y-axis of a graph.
- Controlled variable
- A factor held constant across all trials so that it cannot explain differences in the dependent variable.
- Validity vs. reliability
- Validity means the experiment measures what it claims; reliability means repeated trials produce consistent, reproducible results.
- Density formula
- Density equals mass divided by volume (D = m/V), commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter or per milliliter.
- Correlation vs. causation
- Correlation means two variables change together; causation requires a controlled experiment that isolates the variable and rules out confounds.
- Viewpoint conflict question
- Identify each scientist's claim and cited evidence, then locate the specific point where the claims diverge or conflict.
- ACT essay scoring
- The optional essay is scored 2–12 across four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions.
- Three perspectives task
- The prompt gives an issue and three perspectives; a top essay analyzes all three and develops a nuanced position engaging them.
- Ideas and Analysis domain
- This essay score rewards a precise thesis and evaluation of relationships, assumptions, and implications among the given perspectives.
- Development and Support domain
- This essay score rewards specific, relevant examples and reasoning rather than vague or generalized assertions about the issue.
- Body paragraph structure
- State a claim, supply concrete evidence, then explain how that evidence supports the thesis and connects to the next point.