The ACT English portion is unlike the SAT Writing in that it requires a more holistic understanding of English grammar. The SAT’s single-question format is conducive to formulaic errors that, while tricky, can be narrowed down to a handful of inconspicuous grammar mistakes. The ACT English, on the other hand, features a wider variety of […]
When it comes down to identifying grammar errors in a sentence, you really cannot afford to overlook the dynamic duo of the grammar world: independent and dependent clauses. A clause is an expression (group of words) that includes both a subject and a verb. The difference between the independent and the dependent clause is simple: […]
If you’re looking to boost your ACT English score, there are lots of small things you can do to make a difference quickly. Try out the following suggestions:
Redundant phrases are those that unnecessarily repeat information. Redundancies are so common in everyday speech that it’s easy to overlook them. For example, examine the seemingly faultless sentence “I have to use the ATM machine, but I forgot my PIN number.” There are two errors of redundancy in this sentence: ATM stands for Automated Teller […]
If you’ve taken the ACT before or have started studying for it, you’ve probably noticed that some of the ACT Reading section contains test questions with words like “Except,” “Not,” or “Least” in them. Use this 4-step strategy for better scores on this question-type! Animals have demonstrated long ago that they not only have […]
Yes, I’m sure all of you know what a conjunction is. We’ve all heard the famous song on “School House Rock.” (If you haven’t, please youtube it; you’re missing out on some pretty essential pop culture.) My goal is not to tell you the difference between “and,” “but,” and “or.” My goal is to explain […]
Meaning-in-context questions are one of the most common question types in the Reading section of the ACT. These questions ask you to decipher the definition of a word or the meaning of a phrase or sentence used in a passage. Practice is important for mastering these questions, which can use words with multiple meanings. The […]
Making a generalization questions will challenge your ability to draw conclusions and identify a passage’s purpose. You’ll need to read the passage closely, but quickly, to get these questions correct. In order to get every making a generalization question correct on test day, make sure you know these three tips: Now, use these three tips […]
One question type you are bound to encounter on the ACT Reading is a tone question. The tone of any given passage is the author’s emotion or feeling, usually towards his subject. An author’s style is the particular way he uses language to reflect his unique authorial voice. Most style or tone questions will include […]
On the ACT Reading, “inference” questions ask you to make a reasoned judgment about the passage that goes beyond the material on the page. An “implication” is an idea that an author will suggest but not state directly; inference questions test your ability to spot the author’s implications without straying too far from the text. […]