Why This Matters
Okay, I know what you're thinking. "Really? Your strategy is to read... read the question??" Yes, really. Hear me out.
This might seem like the most obvious advice ever, but it's a common pitfall on the ACT® English test. Why? Because the ACT® doesn't always give you a traditional "question." Often, they just provide answer choices and expect you to figure out what to do with them.
But when they do give you an actual question, it's super important. And this is where many students trip up.
The Tricky Part
When the question specifically tells you to do something, many students go off track. They might pick an answer that just "makes sense" to them, or they might misapply the Simplest is Best rule.
It's totally understandable. This is the only time on the ACT® English section where they're directly telling you to change the text based on specific information they're giving you. It's a bit of a curveball.
An Example to Illustrate
Let's look at an example that shows how the ACT® might ask this type of question:
I really love iguanas. They have scales. I hope to own one someday.
Which answer choice, if added, would best communicate that the author really loves iguanas?
- A) No change
- B) Iguanas are native to the Americas
- C) They are the best animals ever.
- D) Some iguanas are kept in zoos.
Let's break this down:
- Option A (No change) doesn't add anything, so it doesn't enhance the author's love for iguanas.
- Option B provides a fact about iguanas but doesn't express love for them.
- Option C directly states a strong positive opinion about iguanas, aligning with the question's goal.
- Option D, like B, is just a neutral fact about iguanas.
The correct answer is C. It's the only option that truly communicates the author's love for iguanas.
Why This Matters
These types of questions pop up on almost every ACT® English test. The key is to actually read the question when they give you one, and answer exactly what they're asking. If you do this, you'll be in good shape to answer these questions.