English Rhetoric Success on the ACT

Presentation taken from

Ene-Kaja Chippendale, Ph.D.2013-2014

For Schools

Important InformationThe English test has 5 passages and 75 questions: 9 min. per passage

Set a goal score

21 48/75 correct25 58/75 correct31 69/75 correct

Know that 1:5 (20%) of the questions are “NO CHANGE,” meaning that the underlined portion is correct. DON’T OVERCORRECT! There may be 2 to 3 NO CHANGE responses in a row.

Pacing: use your time well

Cover all 5 passages, skipping the long questions if time is a problem. Be careful to match question numbers with answer numbers so you don’t lose your place.

When the 5 minute warning is called, look over your answer sheet and make sure EVERY BUBBLE IS FILLED. There is no penalty for incorrect answers!

Get a watch!• At the beginning of the test, set the watch -

to high noon if you use analog watch. A digital watch is better BUT……

• DO NOT get a watch that makes noise

(no beeps, buzzes, or tones)• PRACTICE with

the watch at home

(9 minutes per passage)

Rhetorical Questions: The “Rhetorical Questions” fall into several general categories. The most common ones includeI. “Wordiness” questions The same answer is given, but it is worded four different ways.

ALWAYS pick the shortest answer.

 II. “Omit” Decide if the underlined portion is necessary or not.

III. “Best-Word Choice” questions Choose what word best fits the criteria of each question.

 IV. “Add-on” or “Kept/Deleted”Decide whether something added (or taken away) from the text is desirable.  

V. “Least Acceptable” questions Trickiest and most often missed because students overlook the

EXCEPT or NOT in the question.

I. “Wordiness” questions (where the author says the same thing four ways)

1. Ms. Komiyama moved to her house in 1948, when she had reached the age of eighteen years old.A. NO CHANGEB. her age was eighteen years old.C. she had attained eighteen years in age.D. she was eighteen years old.

ALWAYS PICK THE SHORTEST ANSWER!

1. Ms. Komiyama moved to her house in 1948, when

she had reached the age of eighteen years old.

A. NO CHANGE

B. her age was eighteen years old.

C. she had attained eighteen years in age.

D. she was eighteen years old.

2. In both these cases, Grant recognized a need and focused his skills, imagination, and intelligence for devising a way to fill that need.

A. NO CHANGE

B. a lack of something that was needed

C. that a need was in existence

D. a need that was out there

2. In both these cases, Grant recognized a need and focused his skills, imagination, and intelligence for devising a way to fill that need.

A. NO CHANGE

B. a lack of something that was needed

C. that a need was in existence

D. a need that was out there

3. During World War II, the United States and Canadian governments, whose countries border each other, unjustly relocated many people of Japanese descent.

A. NO CHANGEB. governments, who share a national border,C. governments, geographically linked by a joint

border,D. governments

3. During World War II, the United States and Canadian governments, whose countries border each other, unjustly relocated many people of Japanese descent.

A. NO CHANGE

B. governments, who share a national border,

C. governments, geographically linked by a joint border,

D. governments

4. The songs and dances she cherished chronicled life, death,

and to have a rebirth; they celebrated creation and

revolution; they celebrated seasons and the harvest.

A. NO CHANGE

B. rebirth

C. to be reborn;

D. to have a rebirth

II. “OMIT the underlined portion”

--Always read the “OMIT the underlined portion” option first, leaving out the part that is underlined.

--If it’s correct and makes sense, select this option and move on!

1. Even astronauts orbiting the earth chew sugar-free bubble gum while in orbit.

A. NO CHANGE B. during their time in space C. which does not have sugar in itD. OMIT the underlined portion and

end the sentence with a period.

2. A few corroded pennies, their coppery surfaces pitted and had been tarnished, blended with the soil.

F. NO CHANGE

G. they were

H. were

J. OMIT the underlined portion

3. While I did not know if my grandparents had always thought that way. I also did not know, yet, whether they would approve of my clothing or the apparent lack of authority my father had over me.

A. NO CHANGE

B. As

C. OMIT the underlined portion

D. Although

4. Each species being a different size, shape, color, and heat.

A. NO CHANGE

B. having

C. has

D. OMIT the underlined portion

Exception!

(needs to read as a complete thought)

“Correct Word Choice”Remember that if two answers say the same thing, both are wrong!

Perhaps the celebration of New Year’s Day in Korean culture is heightened; it is thought of as everyone’s birthday party.

A. NO CHANGE

B. raised

C. lifted

D. lighted

“Correct Word Choice”

Perhaps the celebration of New Year’s Day in Korean culture is heightened; it is thought of as everyone’s birthday party.

A. NO CHANGE

B. raised

C. lifted

D. lighted

Even something as visibly simple or natural as computing a person’s age can prove to be not so clear cut.

F. NO CHANGE

G. apparently

H. entirely

J. fully

Even something as visibly simple or natural as computing a person’s age can prove to be not so clear cut.

F. NO CHANGE

G. apparently

H. entirely

J. fully

III. “Best –Word Choice questions” look for the key words in the question!

1. Alligators can go through water at astonishing speeds.

The writer wants to emphasize here how quickly alligators move. Which choice would most dramatically achieve this effect?

A. NO CHANGE

B. proceed

C. streak

D. advance

1. Alligators can go through water at astonishing speeds.

The writer wants to emphasize here how quickly alligators move. Which choice would most dramatically achieve this effect?

A. NO CHANGE

B. proceed

C. streak

D. advance

p. 75

2. … I stare into the mirror at myself and at the mound of long black braids. “Beautiful,” Renee

proclaims, “just like Janet Jackson.”

Which choice would most effectively emphasize the sense of approval in Renee’s Statement?

A. NO CHANGEB. verbalizes,C. comments, D. remarks,

2. … I stare into the mirror at myself and at the mound of long black braids. “Beautiful,” Renee

proclaims, “just like Janet Jackson.”

Which choice would most effectively emphasizethe senses of approval.

A. NO CHANGEB. verbalizes,C. comments, D. remarks,

3. In 1970, the school board in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, approved a dress code that prohibited students from wearing certain types of clothing. The school board members believed that wearing “play clothes” to school made the students lax and indifferent toward their school work, while more formal attire established a positive educational climate.

Given that all of the choices are true, which one would best illustrate the term “dress code” as it is used in this sentence? A. NO CHANGE B. clothing that was inappropriate. C. clothing, including sandals, bell-bottom pants, and

“dungarees” (blue jeans). D. clothing that is permitted in some schools today.

BIG TIP!! DON’T FORGET

Whenever you see the words “illustrate”or “examples” in a question, look for the answer that gives specific details or examples.

3. In 1970, the school board in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, approved a dress code that prohibited students from wearing certain types of clothing. The school board members believed that wearing “play clothes” to school made the students lax and indifferent toward their school work, while more formal attire established a positive educational climate.

Given that all of the choices are true, which one would best illustrate the term “dress code” as it is used in this sentence? A. NO CHANGE B. clothing that was inappropriate. C. clothing, including sandals, bell-bottom pants, and dungarees” (blue jeans). D. clothing that is permitted in some schools today.

4. We observe thunderstorms over Stampede Pass in the Cascade Range or into Hells Canyon on the Snake River, and when lightning starts a fire, we get ready to jump.

Which choice would most effectively emphasize the vigor and energy that are an essential part of the work of smoke jumping?

F. NO CHANGE G. followH. attendJ. chase

4. We observe thunderstorms over Stampede Pass in the Cascade Range or into Hells Canyon on the Snake River, and when lightning starts a fire, we get ready to jump.

Which choice would most effectively emphasize the vigor and energy that are an essential part of the work of smoke jumping?

F. NO CHANGE

G. follow

H. attend

J. chase

5. I’m not talking about imaginary creatures but about deliciously real morel mushrooms—funny looking, textured, edible fungi that appear in springtime.

Given that all the choices are true, which one most specifically describes the appearance of a morel mushroom for readers who have never seen one?

A. NO CHANGE

B. earthy, oddly amusing, interesting-looking

C. odorless and unusually shaped

D. sand-colored, cone-shaped, sponge-like

5. I’m not talking about imaginary creatures but about deliciously real morel mushrooms—funny looking, textured, edible fungi that appear in springtime.

Given that all the choices are true, which one most specifically describes the appearance of a morel mushroom for readers who have never seen one?

A. NO CHANGE

B. earthy, oddly amusing, interesting-looking

C. odorless and unusually shaped

D. sand-colored, cone-shaped, sponge-like

6. It is clear that popcorn has been given a permanent role in the modern American diet.

Which choice best emphasized the writer’s belief that America’s interest in popcorn will continue into the future?

A. NO CHANGEB. an early roleC. a genuine positionD. a reasonable purpose

6. It is clear that popcorn has been given a permanent role in the modern American diet.

Which choice best emphasized the writer’s belief that America’s interest in popcorn will continue into the future?

A. NO CHANGEB. an early roleC. a genuine positionD. a reasonable purpose

IV. “Add on” YES/NO questions

These are rhetorical questions that ask you to decide whether an author should add or delete another line or two of text.

For YES/NO questions, always look at the two “NO” answers first.

Most (though not all) add-on sentences provide irrelevant material.

At this point, the writer is considering adding the following sentence. A microwave is an electromagnetic wave usually between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength.

Would this be a relevant addition at this point in the essay?F. Yes, because it supports the point that researchers had to do a great deal of experimenting before they could get popcorn to pop in a microwave.

G. Yes, because it provides scientific information that helps the reader to understand why microwave popcorn was so successful.

H. No, because it distracts the reader from the focus of the essay and does not logically fit at this point.

J. No, because the information presented is too detailed for such an informal essay.

(Note: The passage discusses growth of interest in popcorn because of the popularity of microwaves.)

At this point, the writer is considering adding the following sentence. A microwave is an electromagnetic wave usually between one millimeter and one meter in wavelength.

Would this be a relevant addition at this point in the essay?F. Yes, because it supports the point that researchers had to do a great deal of experimenting before they could get popcorn to pop in a microwave.

G. Yes, because it provides scientific information that helps the reader to understand why microwave popcorn was so successful.

H. No, because it distracts the reader from the focus of the essay and does not logically fit at this point. (focus is on interest & popularity)

J. No, because the information presented is too detailed for such an informal essay.

(Note: The passage discusses growth of interest in popcorn because of the popularity of microwaves.)

EXCEPTION!

Another “Add-on” question on the ACT uses a slightly different format.

It asks if the line(s) should be “kept” or “deleted”

For these choices, read the KEPT options first; one of them is usually the correct answer.

Text: The individuals who are passionate about these highway beautification programs point out that native plants along a roadway do more than beautify the area.

The writer is considering deleting the phrase “who are passionate about these highway beautification programs” from the preceding sentence. Should the phrase be kept or deleted?

A. Kept, because it indicates the paragraph’s focus on the people who founded federal wildflower programs.

B. Kept, because it clarifies the term individuals and contributes to the logic of the paragraph.

C. Deleted, because the first paragraph of the essay has already established that people are passionate about wildflowers.

D. Deleted, because it draws attention away from the wildflowers and places it on the people.

Text: The individuals who are passionate about these highway beautification programs point out that native plants along a roadway do more than beautify the area.

The writer is considering deleting the phrase “who are passionate about these highway beautification programs” from the preceding sentence. Should the phrase be kept or deleted?

A. Kept, because it indicates the paragraph’s focus on the people who founded federal wildflower programs. (?)

B. Kept, because it clarifies the term individuals and contributes to the logic of the paragraph.

C. Deleted, because the first paragraph of the essay has already established that people are passionate about wildflowers. (No.)

D. Deleted, because it draws attention away from the wildflowers and places it on the people. (huh?)

V. “Least Acceptable” These are the trickiest

of the rhetoric questions. There are generally at least

5 or 6 on the test.

Beware!

• You are now changing gears and looking for the incorrect or inaccurate answer or word choice.

• Read the answer choices as True/False.

• The False choice is always the correct answer.

V. “Least Acceptable”

Text: It is pleasant to see vacationers enjoying my

hometown so much.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A. noticeB. observeC. enjoyD. watch

Remember to eliminate choices that do or say the same thing.

Text: It is pleasant to see vacationers enjoying my

hometown so much.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A. noticeB. observeC. enjoyD. watch

Text: Last week some fellow passengers and I watched an elderly man with a portable chessboard playing chess against himself.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. who playedB. as he playedC. playedD. who was playing

Text: Last week some fellow passengers and I watched an elderly man with a portable chessboard playing chess against himself.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. who played (ok)B. as he played (ok)C. played (wrong!)D. who was playing (ok)

Text: She worked for thirty years as a teacher and librarian in the field of education in Baltimore public schools.

Which of the following words or phrases from the preceding sentence is LEAST necessary and could therefore be deleted?

A. thirtyB. and librarianC. in the field of educationD. Baltimore public

Text: She worked for thirty years as a teacher and librarian in the field of education in Baltimore public schools.

Which of the following words or phrases from the preceding sentence is LEAST necessary and could therefore be deleted?

A. thirtyB. and librarianC. in the field of education (obvious)D. Baltimore public

Text: Grandpa said that, in their old age, he and Grandma had often stumbled on those rough-hewn cobblestones.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A. recitedB. explainedC. pointed outD. stated

Text: Grandpa said that, in their old age, he and Grandma had often stumbled on those rough-hewn cobblestones.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable here?

A. recitedB. explainedC. pointed outD. stated

Text: Well, my decade-old hairstyle had begun to look like a tarnished crown, so I opted for something new--a braid extension.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. decided on

B. wished on

C. went for

D. chose

Text: Well, my decade-old hairstyle had begun to look like a tarnished crown, so I opted for something new--a braid extension.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. decided on

B. wished on

C. went for

D. chose

Text: Outside Navajo communities such exposure is rare which greatly contributes to its success.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. rare; this

B. rare this

C. rare. This

D. rare, a factor that

Text: Outside Navajo communities such exposure is rare which greatly contributes to its success.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

A. rare; this

B. rare this

C. rare. This

D. rare, a factor that

Rhetorical Review:

I. “Wordiness” questions The same answer is given, but it is worded four different ways.

ALWAYS pick the shortest answer.

 II. “Omit” Decide if the underlined portion is necessary or not.

III. “Best-Word Choice” questions Choose what word best fits the criteria of each question.

 IV. “Add-on Yes/No” or “Kept/Deleted”Decide whether something added (or taken away) from the text is desirable.  Check the NO and KEPT answers first.

V. “Least Acceptable” questions Trickiest and most often missed because students overlook the

EXCEPT, LEAST or NOT in the question.