About 60% of the questions are based on repetitive problem types, making them essential to understand and master.
Key Problem Types
1. Choosing an Appropriate Word or Phrase
Percentage: 12%
Objective: Determine the most meaningful word or phrase in a given context.
Strategy:
Understand the passage content before and after the point in question.
Select the option that connects most meaningfully with the ideas presented before and after.
2. Participial Phrase Fragments
Percentage: 11%
Objective: Identify and correct sentence fragments.
Strategy:
Ensure each sentence is complete.
Example: “He walked to the.” (fragment) vs. “He walked to the store.” (complete)
3. Joining Poorly Connected Clauses with Punctuation
Percentage: 10-11%
Objective: Correctly use punctuation to connect clauses.
Strategy:
Identify if clauses are independent or dependent.
Use appropriate punctuation (e.g., semicolon, dash) to connect them properly.
Example: Incorrect: “There was only one thing left to do before leaving from home. Putting the suitcases in the trunk.” Correct: “There was only one thing left to do before leaving from home—putting the suitcases in the trunk.”
4. Deleting Redundant and Wordy Material
Percentage: 10-11%
Objective: Remove unnecessary or repetitive information.
Strategy:
Identify if the underlined portion has already been covered elsewhere.
If repetitive, choose the “delete” option.
5. Verb Tense, Voice, and Pronoun Person
Percentage: 10-11%
Objective: Correct verb tense, voice (active/passive), and pronouns.
Strategy:
Ensure verb tense matches the context (past, present, future).
Use appropriate pronouns.
Example: Correct possessive forms (e.g., “members’ votes” for plural possessive).
6. Using a Passage Element to Accomplish a Specific Purpose
Percentage: 8%
Objective: Choose words that best emphasize the intended meaning.
Strategy:
Identify the term that best conveys the required emphasis.
Example: “stimulated” vs. “encouraged” based on the context of growth.
Additional Resources
Check out more in-depth videos on ACT English punctuation and grammar from Five Academy.
Access to skill-focused problem sets and paid content on the Five Academy website.
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering these key problem types can significantly improve your ACT English score.
Practice with targeted exercises to gain proficiency.
For more detailed learning, refer to the linked videos and content on the Five Academy website.