ACT Success - English Practice #1
In the passages that follow, certain words and phrases appear in brackets { }. In the questions, you will find alternatives for the bracketed part. In most cases, you are to choose the option that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE.”
You will also find questions about a section of the passage, or about the passage as a whole. These questions do not refer to a bracketed portion of the passage. For each question, choose the alternative you consider best. Read each passage through once before you begin to answer the questions that accompany it. For many of the questions, you must read several sentences beyond the question to determine the answer.[1] One of the most exciting scientific discoveries of 2024 is the identification of a "super-Earth" in the habitable zone of its star system, known as TOI-715 b. This exoplanet, located about 137 light-years away, has captured the attention of astronomers due to its potential to host liquid water on its surface. {It's roughly 1.5 times the size of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star}, which is cooler and smaller than our Sun. This positioning in the “conservative” habitable zone means that the planet has the right conditions for water to exist, provided that other factors, such as a suitable atmosphere, align as well.
[2] The discovery was made using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), and further observations by the James Webb Space Telescope are expected to provide more insights into its atmospheric composition, possibly even indications of life.
[3] In another groundbreaking achievement, researchers observed an ultra-rare radioactive decay process that could provide new insights into physics beyond the Standard Model. {This observation involves a process where a nucleus decays without emitting neutrinos, which challenges current understandings of particle physics.} Such findings could pave the way for more comprehensive theories about the fundamental forces of nature and the building blocks of the universe.
[4] Additionally, advances in sustainable chemistry have been notable this year, particularly in the development of environmentally friendly catalysts. Traditionally, catalysts used in chemical reactions often contain expensive and toxic metals. Scientists have now developed alternatives using earth-abundant, non-toxic materials that can drive chemical reactions more efficiently, reducing both cost and environmental impact. This innovation could significantly lower the carbon footprint of various industries that rely on catalysis for production.
[5] These discoveries highlight the dynamic progress across multiple scientific fields, from astronomy to physics and sustainable technology, reflecting an ongoing revolution in our understanding of the universe and our approach to preserving it.Question 1
In sentence structure and clarity, how should the bracketed portion “{It's roughly 1.5 times the size of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star}” be revised to improve the sentence?NO CHANGE
It is about 1.5 times the size of Earth, orbiting a red dwarf star.
Roughly 1.5 times the size of Earth, it orbits a red dwarf star.
It's roughly 1.5 times Earth’s size and a red dwarf star it orbits.
Question 2
Which of the following changes best maintains consistency in tense in the sentence “{This observation involves a process where a nucleus decays without emitting neutrinos, which challenges current understandings of particle physics.}”?NO CHANGE
This observation involved a process where a nucleus decayed without emitting neutrinos, which challenges current understandings of particle physics.
This observation involves a process where a nucleus decays without emitting neutrinos, challenging current understandings of particle physics.
This observation involves a process where a nucleus decays without emitting neutrinos, and it has challenged current understandings of particle physics.
Question 3
In paragraph [1], the phrase “{It's roughly 1.5 times the size of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star}” could be revised for conciseness. Which option is the most concise and accurate?NO CHANGE
Being roughly 1.5 times larger than Earth and orbiting a red dwarf star.
Roughly 1.5 times Earth’s size, orbiting a red dwarf star.
Being 1.5 times the size of Earth while orbiting a red dwarf star.
Question 4
Which of the following provides the best transition between paragraphs [2] and [3]?
While astronomy discoveries are exciting, physicists are also making breakthroughs.
Similarly, the field of particle physics has experienced groundbreaking discoveries.
This discovery adds to a series of recent scientific achievements.
On the other hand, breakthroughs are also happening in particle physics.
Question 5
What is the best way to combine the sentences in the following part of paragraph [1]? “{This exoplanet, located about 137 light-years away, has captured the attention of astronomers due to its potential to host liquid water on its surface. It's roughly 1.5 times the size of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star}.”This exoplanet, located about 137 light-years away and roughly 1.5 times the size of Earth, orbits a red dwarf star and has captured the attention of astronomers for its potential to host liquid water.
This exoplanet is located 137 light-years away, it is roughly 1.5 times Earth’s size, and astronomers are excited by its potential for liquid water.
Located 137 light-years away, this exoplanet has captured astronomers’ attention, and it is about 1.5 times the size of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star, showing potential to host water.
The exoplanet is located 137 light-years away, orbits a red dwarf star, and it’s 1.5 times the size of Earth.
Question 6
In paragraph [4], what is the best way to revise the bracketed portion “{using earth-abundant, non-toxic materials}”?NO CHANGE
using materials that are abundant and non-toxic on Earth
using materials both abundant and non-toxic
using abundant non-toxic materials from Earth
Question 7
Which of the following would best conclude paragraph [5], reinforcing the theme of scientific progress?
Thus, science is always evolving and leading us toward new and important discoveries.
As a result, each discovery, whether in space or on Earth, brings us closer to a more sustainable future.
Accordingly, the discoveries of 2024 demonstrate the innovative spirit of researchers across disciplines.
Overall, scientific discoveries like these will always captivate public interest.
Question 8
Which of the following versions of the bracketed portion in paragraph [1] “{This positioning in the ‘conservative’ habitable zone means that the planet has the right conditions for water to exist, provided that other factors, such as a suitable atmosphere, align as well}” best clarifies the sentence?NO CHANGE
The location in the habitable zone of the planet means that conditions may be right for water to exist, assuming there is a suitable atmosphere.
The planet, being in the conservative habitable zone, might have conditions suitable for water, assuming it also has a suitable atmosphere.
Being in this “conservative” habitable zone, the planet has the right conditions for water to exist, given that other factors, like a suitable atmosphere, align as well.
Question 9
Which of the following versions of the bracketed portion in paragraph [3] “{Such findings could pave the way for more comprehensive theories about the fundamental forces of nature and the building blocks of the universe}” best improves the clarity of the sentence?NO CHANGE
These findings may lead to more comprehensive theories that help us better understand nature’s forces and the structure of the universe.
These findings could lead to better theories about nature’s fundamental forces and the universe’s building blocks.
The findings could inspire new theories about the fundamental forces of nature and the composition of the universe.
Question 10
What is the best placement of paragraph [2] to improve the logical flow of the passage?
Keep it where it is.
Place it after paragraph [3].
Place it before paragraph [5].
Place it before paragraph [4].
Teach with AI superpowers
Why teachers love Class Companion
Import assignments to get started in no time.
Create your own rubric to customize the AI feedback to your liking.
Overrule the AI feedback if a student disputes.