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ACT English Unit 1: Production of Writing

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Unit 1: Production of Writing

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Question 1

An essayist argues that social media has increased political polarization. The essay's introduction ends: "Social media platforms have reshaped how people consume news. This essay will examine three ways these platforms have deepened political divides." The writer is considering moving this last sentence to the conclusion instead. Would this be an effective revision?

A.Yes, because thesis statements belong in conclusions in academic essays.B.Yes, because the roadmap sentence distracts from the opening hook.C.No, because the roadmap sentence in the introduction helps readers understand the essay's scope and organization before they begin reading.D.No, because adding any sentence to the conclusion would make it too long.

Question 2

A writer drafting an essay about the science of sleep writes: "Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function. Additionally, chronic sleep loss is linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Furthermore, teenagers need 8–10 hours per night for healthy development." The underlined word "Furthermore" is being reconsidered. Which transition word would most logically fit between these specific sentences?

A.Furthermore (no change)B.However,C.In particular,D.As a result,

Question 3

A student essays, "The rainforest provides habitat for more than half of the world's species. Deforestation destroys these habitats at an alarming rate. Although conservation efforts have had limited success. Scientists worry that dozens of species go extinct every day." The underlined portion "Although conservation efforts have had limited success." needs revision. What is the most likely issue?

A.The sentence introduces an irrelevant idea that should be deleted entirely.B.The sentence is a fragment created by the subordinating conjunction "although," which requires a main clause to complete the thought.C.The sentence should begin with a comma, not a period, because it continues the previous sentence.D.The word "although" should be replaced with "however" to create a correct contrast.

Question 4

A student writing an essay about space exploration wants to emphasize that private companies have changed the industry. The essay currently reads: "NASA's Apollo program put the first humans on the moon. The agency later developed the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station." Which sentence, if added at the end of this passage, would best set up a discussion of how private companies have transformed space exploration?

A."Space exploration has always inspired public imagination and scientific curiosity."B."The moon landing in 1969 was watched by an estimated 600 million people worldwide."C."For decades, government agencies dominated space exploration — but that era is now giving way to a new generation of private pioneers."D."The Space Shuttle program was officially retired in 2011 after 135 missions."

Question 5

A student's essay on climate change contains this passage: "Polar ice caps are melting at an accelerating rate. Sea levels have risen approximately 8 inches since 1880. Scientists warn that current emissions trajectories could result in 2–3 feet of additional rise by 2100. Many people enjoy going to the beach." The writer wants to revise the passage for unity. What is the best course of action?

A.Keep the passage as written; the final sentence provides an emotional connection for readers.B.Delete the sentence "Many people enjoy going to the beach."C.Replace "Many people enjoy going to the beach" with "Beach tourism generates billions of dollars annually."D.Move the sentence about beach enjoyment to the introduction.

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Question 6

An essay about Japanese architecture includes this passage: "Traditional Japanese buildings use sliding shoji screens instead of solid walls. These screens allow natural light to filter through rice paper panels, creating soft interior light. The result is a sense of harmony between the inside and outside world, which Japanese aesthetics prizes above all." The writer wants to add a sentence at the end that serves as a bridge to the next paragraph, which discusses how modern architects have incorporated these principles. Which addition best serves that purpose?

A."Japan's aesthetic traditions have their roots in Zen Buddhism and Shinto philosophy."B."This principle — that architecture should blur the boundary between built space and nature — has become one of Japan's most enduring gifts to modern design worldwide."C."Shoji screens are now available for purchase in Western home improvement stores."D."Japan's traditional buildings also feature steeply pitched roofs designed to shed heavy snowfall."

Question 7

A student is drafting an essay about the history of lighthouses. The introduction reads: "For centuries, lighthouse keepers lived isolated lives tending their lights. The lighthouse at Cape Hatteras stands 198 feet tall. Their dedication saved countless sailors from shipwreck." The writer wants to improve the focus of the introduction. Which revision best addresses this goal?

A.Keep the introduction as written.B.Delete the sentence "The lighthouse at Cape Hatteras stands 198 feet tall."C.Move the sentence about Cape Hatteras to the conclusion.D.Add a sentence explaining why lighthouses are built tall.

Question 8

A writer is concluding an essay arguing that public libraries are essential community institutions. The current final sentence reads: "Libraries offer free internet access, books, and community programs." Which revision would make the conclusion more effective by reinforcing the essay's argument?

A.Keep the sentence as is.B."In short, to lose a library is to lose a gathering place, an equalizer, and a lifeline — institutions that no community can afford to sacrifice."C."Libraries were first established in ancient Egypt and have existed in many forms throughout history."D."Some people prefer using the internet from home instead of visiting a library."

Question 9

Consider this paragraph from an essay about urban gardening: "Community gardens reduce food insecurity in low-income neighborhoods. They also provide green space that lowers stress. [Sentence 3] Moreover, volunteers report a strong sense of belonging and purpose." The writer wants to add a sentence in the [Sentence 3] position that smoothly connects the ideas about green space and community belonging. Which choice best achieves this?

A."Growing tomatoes and peppers is a popular choice for first-time gardeners."B."Beyond their physical benefits, these shared spaces foster human connection."C."The first community garden in the United States opened in Detroit in 1894."D."However, community gardens require significant funding and volunteer coordination."

Question 10

An essay about the architect Frank Lloyd Wright contains this paragraph: "Wright's 'organic architecture' philosophy held that buildings should harmonize with their natural environment. His masterpiece Fallingwater, built over a Pennsylvania waterfall in 1939, embodies this principle. [BLANK] Critics initially doubted the structure's stability, but it has endured for decades." Which sentence best fills the [BLANK] position to maintain the paragraph's logical flow?

A."Wright was born in Wisconsin in 1867 and studied engineering at the University of Wisconsin."B."The house cantilevers dramatically over the waterfall, appearing to grow from the rocky landscape itself."C."Many of Wright's clients were wealthy industrialists seeking distinctive homes."D."Architecture schools today continue to debate the merits of modernism versus postmodernism."

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Question 11

A writer's essay argues that mandatory physical education in high schools improves academic performance. The essay includes this sentence: "Studies show that aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, enhancing concentration." The writer considers adding the following sentence immediately after: "Many students find gym class to be their favorite period of the school day." Should the writer make this addition?

A.Yes, because it shows student enthusiasm, which supports the argument for keeping physical education.B.Yes, because it provides a human interest detail that makes the essay more relatable.C.No, because it shifts focus from academic benefits to student preferences, undermining the argumentative coherence.D.No, because it contradicts the claim about academic performance.

Question 12

A writer is revising an essay about urban noise pollution. The current paragraph reads: "Chronic exposure to traffic noise has been linked to cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, and reduced cognitive performance in children. Noise can be measured in decibels. City planners have begun requiring acoustic barriers alongside major highways." Which revision best improves the paragraph's organization?

A.Keep the paragraph as written; the decibel sentence provides necessary context.B.Delete the sentence "Noise can be measured in decibels" and add a sentence connecting health effects to the policy response.C.Move the sentence "Noise can be measured in decibels" to the beginning of the paragraph.D.Replace "City planners have begun requiring acoustic barriers" with a second sentence about sleep disorders.

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