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Question 21.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence:
Neither the coach nor the players was expecting the championship game to be postponed because of rain.

1. was expecting
   2. were expecting
   3. expects
   4. has expected

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

With a subject joined by neither…nor, the verb generally agrees with the subject closest to it. In this sentence, the noun nearest the verb is players, which is plural. Therefore, the correct verb is were expecting. Choice 1 incorrectly uses the singular verb “was.” Choice 3 changes the tense and does not fit the context because the sentence describes an expectation that existed before the postponement. Choice 4 also uses an awkward tense and does not agree naturally with the plural noun “players.” ACT English frequently tests agreement in sentences where the true grammatical relationship is hidden by compound structures. A useful strategy is to temporarily remove extra words and identify the noun immediately connected to the verb. Here, “players were expecting” sounds and functions correctly. Be especially careful with paired constructions such as “either…or” and “neither…nor,” because the closest subject often determines whether the verb is singular or plural.

Question 22.

Choose the sentence that is most concise while preserving the original meaning:
Due to the fact that the roads were covered with ice, the school decided to delay opening by two hours.

1. Because the roads were icy, the school delayed opening by two hours.
   2. Due to the fact that there was ice covering the roads, the school made the decision to delay its opening time by two hours.
   3. The school, because of ice that was on roads, decided on a delay of opening that lasted two hours.
   4. The roads were icy in nature, and this fact caused the school to make a decision involving a two-hour delay.

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Choice 1 communicates the same information clearly and efficiently. The phrase “due to the fact that” is wordy and can usually be replaced with because. Likewise, “were covered with ice” can be simplified to “were icy,” and “decided to delay opening” can be expressed more directly as “delayed opening.” Choice 2 repeats much of the original sentence’s unnecessary wording. Choice 3 is awkward and less natural, while Choice 4 adds even more redundant language. ACT English strongly favors concise writing when shorter wording preserves the original meaning and grammatical correctness. However, brevity alone is not enough; the best answer must also remain clear and precise. When comparing choices, look for unnecessary phrases such as “the fact that,” “in order to,” “at this point in time,” or “made the decision to.” Replacing these with simpler expressions often produces the strongest ACT answer.

Question 23.

Choose the best punctuation for the sentence:
The architect had one concern about the proposed design ___ the building would block too much natural light.

1. design, the
   2. design; the
   3. design: the
   4. design the

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

The words before the blank form a complete independent clause: “The architect had one concern about the proposed design.” The words after the blank explain exactly what that concern was. A colon is appropriate when a complete clause introduces an explanation, definition, example, or list. Therefore, Choice 3 is correct. Choice 1 creates a comma splice because it joins two complete thoughts with only a comma. Choice 2 uses a semicolon, which could technically separate two independent clauses, but it does not show the explanatory relationship as clearly as a colon. Choice 4 omits needed punctuation and creates an ungrammatical run-on structure. On ACT English, always examine the material before and after a punctuation mark. A colon requires a complete clause before it. A semicolon generally joins two closely related complete sentences. A comma alone cannot join two independent clauses unless it is accompanied by an appropriate coordinating conjunction such as “and,” “but,” or “so.”

Question 24.

Choose the transition that best completes the paragraph:
The town library once struggled to attract teenagers. Last year, however, it added evening study rooms, technology workshops, and a student advisory board. ___, teen attendance has nearly doubled.

1. For instance
   2. As a result
   3. On the contrary
   4. Meanwhile

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

The first two sentences describe changes the library made, and the third sentence describes the outcome of those changes: attendance nearly doubled. Therefore, As a result is the best transition because it signals a cause-and-effect relationship. Choice 1, “For instance,” would introduce an example rather than a consequence. Choice 3 signals contradiction, which does not fit because the increased attendance supports the effectiveness of the changes. Choice 4, “Meanwhile,” indicates simultaneous events but does not clearly express that the new programs led to higher attendance. ACT transition questions are primarily logic questions. Before looking at the answer choices, summarize the relationship between the surrounding sentences in your own words. Ask whether the second idea contrasts with, results from, illustrates, or continues the first. Here, the attendance increase is presented as a consequence of the library’s new services, so “As a result” expresses the relationship most precisely.

Question 25.

Which sentence best supports the writer’s goal of emphasizing how difficult it was to restore an old theater?

1. The theater sells popcorn and drinks in its lobby.
   2. The theater is located near several restaurants.
   3. Workers spent three years repairing damaged plaster, replacing unsafe wiring, and recreating missing decorative details by hand.
   4. Many people enjoy attending plays and concerts.

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

Choice 3 directly emphasizes the difficulty of restoration by providing concrete details about the duration and complexity of the work. The fact that workers spent three years repairing plaster, replacing dangerous electrical wiring, and recreating decorative elements by hand clearly suggests that the project required substantial time, skill, and effort. Choice 1 concerns concessions, Choice 2 concerns location, and Choice 4 describes audience preferences. None of those details supports the stated rhetorical goal. ACT English frequently includes questions asking which sentence would best accomplish a specific purpose. The correct answer should directly serve that purpose, not merely relate loosely to the topic. Concrete evidence is often more effective than a vague statement. Here, the detailed list of restoration tasks allows the reader to understand why the project was difficult rather than simply being told that it was challenging.

Question 26.

If 5x-9=31, what is the value of x?

1. 6
   2. 8
   3. 10
   4. 12

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

Begin with 5x-9=31. Add 9 to both sides so that the variable term is isolated: 5x=40. Then divide both sides by 5, giving x=8. Therefore, Choice 2 is correct. You can verify the answer by substituting 8 into the original equation: 5(8)-9=40-9=31, which matches the right side. On ACT Math, solving a simple linear equation usually requires reversing the operations that have been performed on the variable. Work in the opposite order: first undo addition or subtraction, then undo multiplication or division. Be careful not to divide before properly moving the constant term unless you do so consistently. Substitution is a useful final check because it can quickly reveal an arithmetic error. Choice 1 gives 21, Choice 3 gives 41, and Choice 4 gives 51.

Question 27.

A store increases the price of a $120 bicycle by 15%. What is the new price?

1. $128
   2. $132
   3. $138
   4. $145

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

A 15% increase means adding 15% of the original price to the original amount. Calculate the increase: 0.15120=18. Then add the increase to the original price: 120+18=138. Therefore, the new price is $138, Choice 3. Another method is to multiply the original price by 1.15: 1201.15=138. Choice 2 would correspond to a 10% increase, while Choices 1 and 4 do not match the stated percentage. Percentage problems on the ACT often require distinguishing between the amount of the change and the final value. If a quantity increases by 15%, the new amount is 115% of the original, not simply 15% of it. Similarly, a 15% decrease would leave 85% of the original amount. Converting percentages to multipliers can make these calculations faster.

Question 28.

The length of a rectangle is 4 units greater than its width. If the width is 7 units, what is the area of the rectangle?

1. 28 square units
   2. 49 square units
   3. 77 square units
   4. 121 square units

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

The width is given as 7 units. Because the length is 4 units greater than the width, the length is 7+4=11 units. The area of a rectangle is A=lengthwidth. Therefore, A=117=77 square units. Choice 3 is correct. Choice 1 comes from multiplying the width by the difference of 4 rather than finding the actual length first. Choice 2 is 77, which incorrectly assumes the rectangle is a square. Choice 4 is 112, again treating the figure as a square. ACT geometry questions often combine simple algebra with standard formulas. Translate the verbal relationship first, determine any missing dimensions, and only then apply the appropriate formula. Also remember that area is measured in square units, while perimeter is measured in linear units.

Question 29.

The scores on five quizzes are 72, 84, 88, 91, and 95. What is the median score?

1. 84
   2. 86
   3. 88
   4. 91

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:

The median is the middle value in an ordered list. The scores are already arranged from least to greatest: 72, 84, 88, 91, 95. Because there are five values, the third value is the middle one. Therefore, the median is 88, Choice 3. Do not confuse median with mean. To calculate the mean, you would add all five scores and divide by five. The median depends only on position after the data are ordered. If there were an even number of values, you would average the two middle values. ACT Math often tests mean, median, mode, and range, and the fastest method is to identify exactly which statistic is being requested before beginning calculations. Choice 1 is the second value, Choice 4 is the fourth, and Choice 2 does not appear in the data set and would not represent the median.

Question 30.

A line has slope 3 and passes through the point (2,5). Which equation represents this line?

1. y=3x-1
   2. y=3x+2
   3. y=2x+3
   4. y=5x-2

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Use slope-intercept form, y=mx+b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. Since the slope is 3, the equation must begin y=3x+b. Substitute the point (2,5): 5=3(2)+b. This gives 5=6+b, so b=-1. Therefore, the equation is y=3x-1, Choice 1. You can verify by substituting x=2: y=6-1=5, which matches the given point. Choice 2 has the correct slope but the wrong intercept. Choice 3 changes the slope to 2, and Choice 4 uses slope 5. ACT coordinate geometry questions frequently involve recognizing slope-intercept form, calculating slope from points, or substituting a point to determine the intercept.

Question 31.

Read the passage and answer the question.

Passage:
When Amir began working at the neighborhood bicycle repair shop, he expected his job to consist mostly of replacing tires and tightening brakes. Instead, the shop’s owner encouraged him to speak directly with customers about their bicycles. At first, Amir worried that he would not know how to explain mechanical problems clearly. Over time, however, he learned to ask customers detailed questions and describe repairs in simple language. He eventually discovered that understanding what a rider experienced on the road was often as important as inspecting the bicycle itself.

What is the main idea of the passage?

1. Amir discovers that effective bicycle repair involves communication as well as mechanical skill.
   2. Amir decides that repairing bicycles is too difficult.
   3. The shop owner refuses to speak with customers.
   4. Customers generally know more about bicycle repair than mechanics do.

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

The passage shows Amir beginning with the assumption that bicycle repair is primarily mechanical. His job then requires him to communicate with customers, and he gradually realizes that their descriptions of problems can be essential to diagnosing repairs. Choice 1 captures both parts of that development: mechanical skill and communication are important. Choice 2 contradicts the passage because Amir becomes more capable rather than giving up. Choice 3 is not stated; the owner encourages Amir to interact with customers but is not described as refusing to do so personally. Choice 4 goes beyond the passage. Customers provide useful observations, but the text does not claim they know more about repairs than mechanics. For ACT Reading main-idea questions, choose the answer that captures the passage’s broadest central point without adding unsupported claims. Strong answers usually account for the beginning, development, and conclusion of the passage.

Question 32.

Based on the passage in Question 31, why does the author mention that Amir learned to “ask customers detailed questions”?

1. To show that Amir developed a more effective approach to diagnosing problems
   2. To prove that the owner did not understand bicycles
   3. To suggest that customers disliked Amir
   4. To show that Amir wanted to stop performing repairs

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

The passage explains that Amir initially worried about communicating mechanical problems, but later learned to ask customers detailed questions and describe repairs clearly. The mention of detailed questions demonstrates how Amir improved his ability to diagnose bicycle problems by gathering information from the rider. Choice 1 therefore best explains the purpose of this detail. Choice 2 is unsupported because nothing suggests the owner lacked mechanical knowledge. Choice 3 contradicts the passage’s positive development, and Choice 4 is also incorrect because Amir becomes more engaged in his work. ACT Reading questions often ask why an author includes a particular detail. The correct answer usually connects that detail to a larger theme, character development, or argument. Here, the detail illustrates Amir’s growing understanding that successful repair work depends partly on effective communication with customers.

Question 33.

Read the passage and answer the question.

Passage:
Many coastal communities once relied primarily on concrete seawalls to reduce damage from waves and storms. In recent years, some planners have begun restoring wetlands and planting coastal vegetation as additional protective measures. Wetlands can absorb wave energy, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife. Although these natural systems do not eliminate every risk, they can complement engineered defenses and offer environmental benefits that concrete structures alone do not provide.

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

1. Coastal communities are abandoning all engineered defenses.
   2. Natural coastal features can supplement traditional structures while providing additional environmental benefits.
   3. Concrete seawalls are always harmful to wildlife.
   4. Wetlands completely prevent storm damage.

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

The passage explains that some communities are adding wetlands and coastal vegetation to traditional engineered defenses. These natural systems reduce wave energy and erosion while also providing habitat. The passage explicitly says they can complement engineered defenses, not replace them entirely. Therefore, Choice 2 accurately summarizes the central idea. Choice 1 is too extreme because the passage does not say communities are abandoning seawalls. Choice 3 makes an unsupported absolute claim about seawalls. Choice 4 contradicts the statement that wetlands “do not eliminate every risk.” ACT Reading summary questions often include tempting choices that exaggerate a detail. Watch for absolute language such as “always,” “completely,” “never,” or “all” unless the passage clearly supports it. The best summary should represent the overall argument without narrowing it to one detail or overstating the author’s claim.

Question 34.

In the passage from Question 33, the word “complement” most nearly means:

1. Replace completely
   2. Work together with or enhance
   3. Criticize publicly
   4. Measure precisely

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

In context, the passage says natural coastal systems “can complement engineered defenses.” The meaning is that wetlands and vegetation can work together with seawalls or other engineered structures and make the overall protection strategy more effective. Therefore, Choice 2 is correct. Choice 1 is the opposite of the passage, which specifically says the natural systems do not necessarily replace engineered defenses. Choices 3 and 4 do not fit the context at all. ACT Reading vocabulary-in-context questions are not simply dictionary-definition questions. A familiar word may have several meanings, so always substitute each answer choice into the sentence mentally and decide which meaning best fits the passage’s logic. Context clues are especially important. Here, the earlier discussion of “additional protective measures” makes it clear that natural systems are being added to existing defenses rather than replacing them.

Question 35.

Which inference is best supported by the passage in Question 33?

1. Some planners are considering environmental benefits in addition to storm protection.
   2. Seawalls are no longer used in any coastal community.
   3. Wetlands guarantee that flooding will never occur.
   4. Wildlife cannot live near engineered coastal structures.

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

The passage states that wetlands can reduce wave energy and erosion while also providing wildlife habitat. This supports the inference that some planners value environmental benefits in addition to protection from storms. Choice 1 is therefore well supported. Choice 2 is too broad because the passage says some communities are adding natural systems, not eliminating seawalls everywhere. Choice 3 contradicts the statement that natural systems do not eliminate every risk. Choice 4 is unsupported because the passage never claims wildlife cannot live near engineered structures. ACT inference questions require an answer that follows logically from the text without introducing new assumptions. The best strategy is to find the specific sentence or sentences that support each option. If an answer contains language stronger than the passage itself, it is usually incorrect.

Question 36.

A scientist tested how salt concentration affected seed germination. Four groups of 50 seeds were watered with solutions containing 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% salt. After seven days, the numbers of seeds that germinated were 46, 39, 27, and 11, respectively. Which conclusion is best supported by the results?

1. Increasing salt concentration was associated with decreased germination.
   2. Salt concentration had no relationship with germination.
   3. The 3% solution produced the highest germination rate.
   4. Seeds cannot germinate in any solution containing salt.

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

The number of germinated seeds decreases consistently as salt concentration increases: 46 seeds germinate at 0%, 39 at 1%, 27 at 2%, and only 11 at 3%. This supports the conclusion that increasing salt concentration was associated with lower germination under the tested conditions. Choice 2 contradicts the clear pattern. Choice 3 reverses the results because the 3% solution produced the lowest germination. Choice 4 is too absolute because seeds did germinate in all three salt-containing solutions. ACT Science questions often reward precise descriptions of the observed data rather than claims that go beyond what was tested. The experiment supports an association over the concentrations studied, but it does not prove that every seed species or every possible salt concentration would behave identically. Read numerical trends carefully and be cautious of absolute statements.

Question 37.

In the experiment from Question 36, which variable is the dependent variable?

1. Salt concentration
   2. Number of seeds that germinated
   3. Number of groups
   4. Seven-day observation period

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:

The dependent variable is the outcome that the researcher measures in response to changes in the independent variable. In this experiment, the researcher deliberately changes the salt concentration, making salt concentration the independent variable. The measured outcome is the number of seeds that germinated, so Choice 2 is correct. The number of groups and the seven-day observation period are aspects of the experimental design that are kept consistent rather than measured as outcomes. ACT Science regularly tests the difference between independent, dependent, and controlled variables. A simple rule is: the independent variable is what the researcher manipulates, and the dependent variable is what changes or is measured as a result. When reading a study, ask what factor differs among groups and what quantity is recorded at the end.

Question 38.

Why did the scientist in Question 36 use the same number of seeds in each group?

1. To make comparisons among the groups more meaningful
   2. To increase the salt concentration
   3. To guarantee that every seed would germinate
   4. To create a second independent variable

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Using the same number of seeds in each group controls an important variable and makes comparisons among the treatments more meaningful. If one group contained 100 seeds and another contained only 20, the raw number of germinated seeds could not be compared fairly without additional adjustment. By starting each group with 50 seeds, the scientist can attribute differences in germination more confidently to salt concentration rather than unequal group size. Choice 2 is incorrect because the number of seeds does not determine the salt concentration of the solution. Choice 3 is impossible; equal sample sizes do not guarantee germination. Choice 4 is the opposite of good experimental design because scientists generally try to isolate the effect of one independent variable. ACT Science often asks why controls are necessary. Controlled conditions help reduce alternative explanations for observed results.

Question 39.

Scientist 1 argues that a decline in a lake’s fish population is caused mainly by rising water temperature. Scientist 2 argues that the decline is caused mainly by reduced oxygen levels. Which new evidence would most directly support Scientist 2?

1. Measurements showing that fish populations decline most sharply when dissolved oxygen becomes very low, even when temperature remains nearly constant
   2. Data showing that summer air temperatures have increased
   3. Records showing that more tourists visit the lake each year
   4. Evidence that the fish species has existed in the lake for many decades

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

Scientist 2 proposes that reduced oxygen levels are the primary cause of the fish decline. The strongest supporting evidence would therefore connect low dissolved oxygen directly with declining fish populations while minimizing temperature as an alternative explanation. Choice 1 does exactly that by showing the fish population falling when oxygen decreases even though temperature remains nearly constant. Choice 2 supports the possibility of temperature-related effects and therefore better fits Scientist 1. Choice 3 may suggest human activity but does not directly test either explanation. Choice 4 provides historical information but does not identify the cause of the current decline. ACT Science conflicting-viewpoints questions require matching evidence to the specific mechanism proposed by each scientist. Look for evidence that directly tests the variable emphasized by the viewpoint.

Question 40.

A researcher compares the growth of two plant groups. Group A receives fertilizer and 10 hours of light each day. Group B receives no fertilizer and 6 hours of light each day. Group A grows taller. Why can the researcher not confidently conclude that fertilizer caused the greater growth?

1. The experiment changed more than one important variable between the groups.
   2. Plants cannot be measured accurately.
   3. Fertilizer never affects plant growth.
   4. Six hours of light is always better than ten hours.

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:

The experiment changes both fertilizer use and light exposure between Group A and Group B. Because the groups differ in two important ways, the researcher cannot determine whether the greater growth resulted from fertilizer, additional light, or some combination of both. This is an example of a confounding-variable problem. To test the effect of fertilizer properly, the groups should receive the same amount of light and differ primarily in whether fertilizer is applied. Choice 2 is false because plant height can be measured. Choice 3 is an unsupported absolute statement. Choice 4 is also unsupported and irrelevant to the experimental-design problem. ACT Science frequently tests whether a causal conclusion is justified. Strong experiments isolate the independent variable while keeping other important conditions as similar as possible. When several variables change simultaneously, causal interpretations become much weaker.