The ACT English section tests your grammar concepts and knowledge in basic topics like punctuation, writing conventions, and sentence structure. Perfection in these concepts helps you prepare and excel in the ACT English section very easily.
Here are some rules and conventions that might help you score better in the ACT English section:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is an important and commonly asked concept in the test.
You need to be cautious of the placement of the subject and the verb, keeping in mind that it should agree with the sentence.
- Example:
Correct: The dog runs fast.
Incorrect: The dogs runs fast.
Tip:
Always pay attention to the phrases that may lead you astray, and keep in mind that the subject is the primary subject of the phrase, not the adjective subject.
2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
A pronoun must be in agreement with the noun it is replacing in number and gender. This is the rule that should NEVER be abused if you want to be correct.
- Example:
Correct: The team practiced hard for its upcoming match.
Incorrect: The team practiced hard for their upcoming match.
Tips:
Be handy with the use of collective nouns such as “team”, “class”, “group”, which look plural but are singular.
3. Paragraphs, Fragments, and Run-On Sentences
A fragment sentence and a run-on sentence differ by minor differences; a run-on sentence is used when two or more independent clauses are joined together incorrectly, and on the other hand fragment sentence is used when a sentence is incomplete.
- Example of a Fragment
Fragment: After the party ended. (Missing main clause)
Correct: Real-world example of fragments: My younger cousin was trying to tell me his favorite movie he watched recently. He said, “Inception. It’s so cool!”
- Example of a run-on
Run-On: She loves reading, and she reads every day.
Correct: An everyday sentence that would mostly go unnoticed: “This girl loves maths, she studies it every day.” A better way to put it would be: “This girl loves maths, and she studies it every day.”
Tip:
Make sure to check each sentence twice to ensure that each sentence has an independent clause(s) and that those independent clauses are joined by the proper conjunctions or punctuation marks properly.
4. Comma Usage
Commas are probably the most important tools we use to separate ideas and elements in a sentence. You should be aware of the correct usage of commas, especially when using commas in lists, introductory phrases, separating different adjectives, etc.
- Example:
Correct: I bought apples, bananas, and oranges.
Incorrect: I bought apples, bananas and oranges.
- An example containing non-essential information
Correct: My brother, who lives in Texas, is coming to visit.
Incorrect: My brother who lives in Texas, is coming to visit.
Tip:
Thumb rule for use of commas: If you are cutting the phrase using a comma, you still have the complete and correct thought of the sentence.
5. Modifiers
Modifiers limit or describe a noun and need to be placed next to the word they modify. A misplaced modifier can lead to confusion, which can result in a misplaced meaning.
- Example of Correct Placement:
Correct” She drove the car for almost a mile.
Incorrect: For a mile, she drove the car almost.
“Tip
Make sure that the modifier is addressing the correct target word. Avoid dangling or misplaced modifiers that alter the intended meaning of the sentence.
6. Parallel Structure
Parallelism is the use of the same pattern of words to indicate to the reader that two or more ideas are of equal importance. The category of common errors includes Incorrect or inconsistent parallel structure.
- Example
Correct sentence structure: She likes to hike, bike, and swim.
Incorrect sentence structure: She likes to hike, bike, and to swim.
Helpful Hint:
Look for conjunctions, either “and” or “or”, and then look at the verbs and phrases that follow, making sure they are in the same form.
7. Punctuation of Conjunctions
Your ability to use a comma before conjunctions (such as “and,” “but,” and “or”) is regularly evaluated on the ACT. When joining two independent clauses, commas should come before the conjunction.
- Example:
Correct: I wanted to go, but I had too much homework.
Incorrect: I wanted to go but I had too much homework.
Tip:
A comma should come before a conjunction that joins two independent clauses.
8. Verb Tense Consistency
Consistent verb tense is important for clarity. You need to make sure that the verbs in the sentence align with the time frame of the verb actions in the sentence.
- Example:
Correct: He went to the store and bought some bread.
Incorrect: He go to the store and bought some bread.
Tip:
If you are explaining something that has taken place in the past, then stay in the past tense; your verbs should stay in the past tense unless you have a good reason to change tenses.
9. Use of “That” vs. “Which.”
When creating sentences, describe the difference between “that” and “which.”
“That” contains restrictive clauses, and “which” contains a non-restrictive clause.
Restrictive clauses provide key, required information while non-restrictive clauses add information that is, while nice to know, not vital to the overall sentences.
- Example:
Correct: The book that I read was fascinating.
InCorrect: The book, which was on the table, was fascinating.
Tip:
If the relative clause can be removed from a sentence without altering the meaning of the sentence, then you need to use “which” and [commas]. If the relative clause is necessary, then you must use “that” without commas.
10. Use of Apostrophes
Contrary to the way some people believe as it relates to apostrophes, they show possession or form a contraction. Apostrophes are typically tested for possession rules (e.g., singular and plural possessives).
- Example:
Correct: The teacher’s book is sitting on the desk.
Incorrect: The teachers’ book is sitting on the desk.
Tip:
For singular nouns, always add ‘s (e.g., the teacher’s book), while for plural nouns that end in s, just put an apostrophe (e.g., the teachers’ books).
Final Thoughts
Knowing and understanding these basic details is crucial for you to excel in the ACT English section. “Practice makes a man perfect” The more and more you practice, the more confidence you will gain in the subject and you will be less prone to make errors, and that ultimately improves your performance and overall score Oh yeah, remember the ACT is going to assess not only how well you know your grammar rules, but you utilize your knowledge of grammar everyday! You should be practicing often, and examining what you made mistakes on; you should be in good shape for the English section!
How The Princeton Review Can Assist You In Understanding The Key Grammar Concepts Frequently Tested on the ACT English Section
Studying for the ACT English section is daunting, as there are multiple concepts regarding grammar, punctuation, and writing that you will need to become proficient in. The Princeton Review provides plenty of help with making sense of these important grammar concepts frequently tested on the test. Here are their solutions:
1. Comprehensive Study Materials
The Princeton Review has dedicated study guides and textbooks to the ACT. These resources simplify important grammar ideas for students and provide explicit explanations of the rules.
How This Helps:
With detailed descriptions and numerous examples, you receive the time to learn grammar rules at your own speed, so you can follow along with some of the confusion that perplexed you in the past.
2. Practice Questions with Answer Explanations
Practicing is one of the most effective methods for mastering grammar concepts, and The Princeton Review has placed ACT-style practice questions with elaborate answer explanations.
How Does This Help?
When you have the chance to practice using genuine ACT-type questions, around ACT-type grammar rules, and get immediate answer explanations, you are getting immediate application, which helps you understand and remember the grammar rules and be able to recognize how the grammar concepts are being evaluated.
3. Targeted Lessons and Test Strategies
Princeton Review provides personalized lessons directed to targeted grammar concepts that are frequently assessed on the ACT English component. Why Does This Matter? Their test-prep programs are tailored to address specific topics that require remediation, regardless of whether you feel you have particular challenges with sentence structure or verb tense consistency.
How This Helps:
Targeted lessons address your weaknesses, ensuring you spend the time on your weaknesses, and ensuring the time you devote to studying is as efficient and focused as possible.
4. Online Resources and Practice Tests
Along with tangible study guides, The Princeton Review also has some online resources and practice tests that mimic real ACT-timed conditions. Practicing these online resources is important for preparing under timed conditions, as you practice everything you know about grammar while managing time.
How This Helps:
These online practices enabled you to get comfortable with the test and develop strategies for test-taking, which means less anxiety and more confidence on the test day.
5. Test-Taking Strategies
Learning the grammar rules is important, but learning how to go about the ACT English section strategically is just as important as knowing the rules. The Princeton Review gives test-taking strategies to maximize your test time and answers.
How This Helps:
Using the strategies, you’re learning to approach every question through a logical systematic method and give yourself a better chance to answer correctly and efficiently.
6. One-on-one tutoring and Group Classes
Princeton Review provides tutoring options for these students, either in one-on-one lessons or group classes. Tutors can work individually with you to confront your needs, especially on grammar areas that are troubling you.
How This Helps:
Personalized tutoring helps you to get the direct help you need on your specific struggles so that you completely comprehend the grammar rules necessary for the ACT.
7. Helpful Apps and Flashcards
In addition, The Princeton Review offers a variety of resources to study grammar rules and important content on the go, such as apps and flashcards. Whether or not you find yourself on the merry-go-round, these are all from the perspective of quick review sessions, and every little bit counts.
How This Helps:
Apps and flashcards allow you to review grammar rules whenever you have spare time, helping you keep things fresh in small, frequent bursts.
Conclusion:
The Princeton Review provides you with a perfect approach to learning and applying the grammar concepts that are frequently asked in the ACT English section. They supply robust study materials, lessons, online tests, and one-on-one tutoring and utilize many strategies to help you be successful. By implementing these principles and strategies, you’ll have a good understanding of the most critical grammar principles and some important test-taking strategies, and feel confident with the ACT English section.