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] Matthew Henson’s journey to the North Pole is a forgotten chapter of American exploration, a testament to both skill and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Born in 1866 to free tenant farmers in Maryland, Henson faced poverty and racism throughout his early life. By age 12, he {ran-away} from home and found work aboard a ship, where he learned to navigate, read, and write under the mentorship of a captain who believed in his potential. That experience would {prove invaluable later on.} [2] In 1891, Henson joined Robert Peary for the first of many Arctic expeditions. For nearly two decades, the two men explored Greenland and Canada’s northern reaches, enduring some of the harshest conditions known to man. Henson not only became fluent in the Inuit language but also learned essential survival skills, such as {dog-sledding} and hunting, from the local communities. His contributions went far beyond the role of a mere assistant; he was vital to the logistics and success of these missions. [3] On April 6, 1909, Henson was the first of Peary’s team to step onto what they believed was the North Pole. His account, recorded in his memoir, {A Negro Explorer at the North Pole,} recalls the exhaustion and triumph of that moment. Peary, however, received nearly all the credit. Upon returning home, Henson’s contributions were largely ignored due to the color of his skin. Only decades later, when Peary’s claims were scrutinized, did Henson’s role begin to emerge from the shadows. In 1944, he was awarded a Congressional medal, though recognition came too late to fully honor his achievements {during his life.} [4] Henson's story speaks not only to the racism he faced but also to the resilience that defined him. He didn’t just survive the Arctic; he thrived in it. Today, his legacy is better understood, a reminder of the many African Americans {whose} accomplishments have been sidelined in history's telling.
Class Companion
Question 1
By age 12, he {ran-away} from home and found work aboard a ship, where he learned to navigate, read, and write under the mentorship of a captain who believed in his potential.
NO CHANGE
run-away
ran away
runned away
Question 2
That experience would {prove invaluable later on.} What is the most effective version of the selection in brackets?
NO CHANGE
prove invaluable later.
prove invaluable on.
have proved invaluable later.
Question 3
Henson not only became fluent in the Inuit language but also learned essential survival skills, such as {dog-sledding} and hunting, from the local communities. Which choice best corrects the selection in brackets?
NO CHANGE
dog sledding
dogsledding
dog-sled’s
Question 4
His account, recorded in his memoir, {A Negro Explorer at the North Pole,} recalls the exhaustion and triumph of that moment. Which choice most effectively corrects the selection in brackets?
NO CHANGE
A Negro Explorer at the North Pole,
A Negro Explorer at the North Pole
A Negro Explorer at the North Pole;
Question 5
Henson’s contributions were largely ignored due to the color of his skin. Only decades later, when Peary’s claims were scrutinized, did Henson’s role begin to emerge from the shadows. In 1944, he was awarded a Congressional medal, though recognition came too late to fully honor his achievements {during his life.} Which choice best corrects the selection in brackets?
NO CHANGE
for his lifetime
during his lifetime
over his life
Question 6
Today, his legacy is better understood, a reminder of the many African Americans {whose} accomplishments have been sidelined in history's telling. Which of the following is the best replacement for the selection in brackets?
NO CHANGE
who’s
of whom
who
Question 7
The writer is considering adding the following sentence to the end of paragraph [2]: “Henson also became a trusted advisor to Peary, often making decisions critical to their survival.” Should the writer make this addition?
Yes, because it emphasizes Henson’s growing leadership role during the expeditions.
Yes, because it highlights the importance of decision-making during dangerous Arctic conditions.
No, because it interrupts the focus on Henson's language skills.
No, because it repeats information already covered in paragraph [2].
Question 8
The author wants to revise the first sentence of paragraph [1] to clarify the subject of the passage. Which of the following alternatives would best accomplish this?
The story of Matthew Henson, a forgotten American explorer, is a testament to both skill and perseverance.
Matthew Henson’s achievements are an important yet often overlooked part of American history.
In the annals of American exploration, few names are as forgotten as Matthew Henson’s.
The journey of Matthew Henson to the North Pole is one of resilience and bravery.
Question 9
The writer is considering reorganizing the information in paragraph [3]. Should the writer make this change?
Yes, because it would better emphasize the significance of Henson's memoir.
Yes, because it would clarify the timeline of Henson’s accomplishments.
No, because it would interrupt the chronological flow of the narrative.
No, because it would obscure the focus on Henson’s struggles for recognition.
Question 10
Which of the following changes to the passage would best improve its overall clarity and flow?
Combine paragraphs [2] and [3] to consolidate Henson’s achievements.
Move paragraph [4] to the beginning of the passage to emphasize the racism Henson faced.
Add more details to paragraph [1] about Henson’s early life to better explain his motivations.
Expand on the description of Peary's role in paragraph [3] to provide more context about their relationship.
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