Take this Quiz: ACT English — does this sentence earn its place? | Zestly

Question 1

"The Marbury Botanical Garden recently installed a new irrigation system to save water. This system uses moisture sensors to deliver water only when necessary. The garden's gift shop sells a variety of locally made honey. By reducing waste, the garden expects to lower its annual utility costs." Should the writer keep or delete the sentence about the gift shop?

Accepted Answer

Delete it, because it introduces a topic unrelated to the paragraph's focus on the irrigation system.

Answer

Keep it, because it explains how the garden funds its new irrigation technology.

Answer

Delete it, because it contradicts the paragraph's focus on water conservation.

Answer

Keep it, because it provides interesting information about the garden's revenue sources.

Question 2

"Dr. Aris Thorne discovered that the migration patterns of the Silver-Winged Moth are influenced by nocturnal light pollution. His team tracked three thousand moths over five years. The study was published in the Journal of Entomology. These findings suggest that urban expansion poses a significant threat to moth populations." The writer wants to add a sentence to introduce the paragraph's subject. Which of the following best achieves this?

Accepted Answer

The Silver-Winged Moth has long been a subject of fascination for naturalists due to its unique migration habits.

Answer

Urban expansion has increased significantly in the last decade.

Answer

Many species of moths are currently facing extinction.

Answer

Dr. Aris Thorne is a leading expert in the field of lepidopterology.

Question 3

"The Zephyr Corporation recently implemented a four-day work week for all employees. Productivity metrics show a twelve percent increase in output since the change. The company's headquarters are located in a modern glass building. Employee satisfaction surveys indicate a higher morale among staff members." What would be lost if the writer removed the sentence about the company's headquarters?

Accepted Answer

Nothing essential, as the sentence provides descriptive detail that does not advance the paragraph's argument.

Answer

A key piece of evidence supporting the claim that the four-day work week is beneficial.

Answer

The context needed to understand why the company decided to change its work schedule.

Answer

The primary conclusion regarding the success of the new policy.

Question 4

"The construction of the new bridge in Oakhaven was completed three months ahead of schedule. Engineers used high-strength steel to ensure the structure could withstand severe weather. The local high school band performed at the opening ceremony. This early completion will allow the city to reduce traffic congestion sooner than expected." Should the writer keep or delete the sentence about the high school band?

Answer

Keep it, because it provides a sense of community involvement in the project.

Answer

Keep it, because it explains why the opening ceremony was so well attended.

Answer

Delete it, because it is factually inaccurate regarding the bridge's construction timeline.

Answer

Delete it, because it introduces a detail that is irrelevant to the paragraph's focus on the bridge's construction and impact.

Question 5

"Chef Elena Rossi uses only locally sourced ingredients at her restaurant, The Hearth. She believes that freshness is the key to creating authentic flavors. The restaurant sits near a busy train station. By supporting local farmers, she ensures that her menu reflects whatever is in season." The writer wants to add a sentence giving an example of the claim about local sourcing. Which choice best achieves that?

Answer

Chef Rossi has been cooking professionally for over twenty years.

Answer

Her heirloom tomatoes, for instance, come from a farm five miles outside town.

Answer

Customers travel from across the city to eat at her restaurant.

Answer

The Hearth has received several awards for its interior design.

Question 6

"The city council has proposed a plan to expand the public park system. The plan includes adding ten miles of walking trails and three new playgrounds. The trails would connect four neighborhoods that currently have no park within walking distance. This expansion aims to improve the physical health and well-being of local residents." Suppose the writer's goal had been to explain how the city will pay for the expansion. Would this paragraph accomplish that goal?

Answer

No, because the paragraph says what the expansion includes and what it is meant to achieve, but never mentions money at all.

Answer

No, because the paragraph does not say when construction would begin.

Answer

Yes, because it names the city council, which controls the budget.

Answer

Yes, because it lists the specific trails and playgrounds that would be built.