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QUESTION 1 · Match the detail to the writer’s purpose
Paragraph 1. A neighborhood seed library asks borrowers to put the plant name and harvest date on each packet. [[Two envelopes labeled “basil” contained seeds collected four years apart.]] The labels help volunteers decide which packets to test for germination first.
What is the main function of the sentence in brackets?
It explains how volunteers conduct a germination test.
It gives a concrete example of information the plant name alone leaves out.
It shows that the library requires borrowers to take only the newest seeds.
It explains why basil seeds lose their ability to germinate.
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: It gives a concrete example of information the plant name alone leaves out.
The paragraph explains why the library records two pieces of information. Compare the envelopes: the plant name is the same, while harvest dates differ.
That difference illustrates what the name alone cannot tell the volunteers. The last sentence connects the dates to the order of testing.
Paragraph 1. A repair clinic gives loaner bicycles to customers while their bikes are in the shop. [[Loaners are free of charge at no cost to customers who return them by Saturday.]] Customers who return them later pay a fee.
Which replacement for the bracketed sentence is most concise while preserving its meaning?
Loaners are free for customers who return them by Saturday.
Loaners are free for customers.
Loaners are free until Saturday.
Loaners are free for customers who bring them back before Saturday.
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: Loaners are free for customers who return them by Saturday.
Free of charge and at no cost express the same price. One instance of free is enough.
The phrase by Saturday defines who qualifies. Keeping the return condition and the same inclusive deadline preserves the fact that late returns carry a charge.
Review the lesson QUESTION 3 · Find the clause before editing the sentence
Paragraph 1. Dev examined a set of stained glass panels before photographing one of them.
Which continuation makes it clear that Dev was holding the panel against the light while noticing a crack?
Holding the panel against the light, a thin crack became visible to Dev.
Holding the panel against the light, the camera helped Dev see a thin crack.
As Dev photographed a thin crack, the panel was moved toward the light.
Holding the panel against the light, Dev noticed a thin crack.
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: Holding the panel against the light, Dev noticed a thin crack.
The opening action phrase does not name its actor. In this construction, the following main subject supplies the actor.
Dev is the subject of noticed, so the same person holds the panel and notices the crack. Naming Dev later in the sentence would not make him the main subject.
Review the lesson QUESTION 4 · Connect ideas and place sentences where they belong
Paragraph 1. The volunteer crew installed a larger sign because the small one was hard to read from the street. During daylight, the new sign was easy to read from the street. [[____]] at night it remained hard to see because the entrance had no lamp.
Which phrase most clearly signals how the last sentence relates to the preceding sentence?
For that reason,
For example,
In the same way,
Even so,
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: Even so,
The previous sentence gives a favorable result. The next sentence identifies a condition under which that success does not carry over.
Even so tells the reader to expect a qualification or contrast. It leaves the reason for the nighttime problem with the missing lamp.
Review the lesson QUESTION 5 · Use punctuation to show clause and phrase boundaries
Paragraph 1. The depot’s only water tank is already identified. The writer wants to add its shape as a brief aside. The sentence says that the tank holds enough water for both cleaning bays.
Which version correctly sets off the aside with commas?
The depot’s only water tank a tall steel cylinder, holds enough water for both cleaning bays.
The depot’s only water tank, a tall steel cylinder holds enough water for both cleaning bays.
The depot’s only water tank a tall steel cylinder holds enough water for both cleaning bays.
The depot’s only water tank, a tall steel cylinder, holds enough water for both cleaning bays.
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: The depot’s only water tank, a tall steel cylinder, holds enough water for both cleaning bays.
The depot has one water tank. The reader can identify it before learning that it is a cylinder.
The middle phrase adds a description that can be set aside. Use both commas so that the main subject and verb read directly together when the aside is removed.
Review the lesson QUESTION 6 · Track subjects, references, and time in context
Paragraph 1. The writer is describing current routines. “The stack of spare towels [[needs / need]] a label. The lockers by the entrance [[needs / need]] new numbers.”
Which pair of verbs completes the two sentences in that order?
needs; need
need; needs
needs; needs
need; need
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: needs; need
For the first blank, the stack is the subject and of spare towels tells what is in it. Stack is singular, so use needs.
For the second blank, the subject is lockers. By the entrance gives their location. Since lockers is plural, use need. Checking both heads prevents the nearer noun from determining agreement.
Paragraph 1. For a school exhibit about tactile maps, a student writes that the map’s raised paths help visitors trace routes by touch. The student wants the next sentence to show a visitor following a route without relying on sight.
Which sentence best meets that goal?
Several visitors said the thicker lines were easier to see from across the display.
A visitor asked how the school had printed the lettering on the map.
A visitor identified the map’s paper texture by rubbing the corner with one finger.
With her eyes closed, a visitor traced the raised path from the entrance to the fountain.
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: With her eyes closed, a visitor traced the raised path from the entrance to the fountain.
The stated goal requires a visitor to trace the route on the map without relying on sight.
The raised path between two named landmarks supplies the route. Tracing it with eyes closed demonstrates the stated ability.
Paragraph 1. A community observatory sends families a brief, welcoming message about an evening event. “Thanks for joining our sky watch. We’ll bring the telescopes and set them up near the gate. [[Participants are advised to furnish their own portable seating.]]”
Which replacement keeps the seating request and best matches the message’s friendly, plainspoken tone?
Attendees should provide their own chairs for the duration of the program.
Please bring a portable seat so you have a place to sit.
Drag along a chair unless you want to stand around all night.
We’ll set out chairs by the gate, so come whenever you like.
Read the answer and explanation
Answer: Please bring a portable seat so you have a place to sit.
The greeting, contraction and direct wording set a friendly tone. The replacement needs to preserve the request that families supply portable seating.
The direct request to bring a portable seat keeps the task with the reader and uses familiar language. An invitation can be both clear and welcoming.
Original short editing tasks for selected Enhanced ACT English skills..
This fixed sample includes one question per selected skill before additional families. Questions requiring a separate diagram are excluded from this text worksheet. It is an untimed study resource with working space, rather than an official mock examination.
Author-reviewed learning materials. Independent educator review is pending; question difficulty has not been calibrated with learner results. Check coverage and gaps before planning your preparation.
Sources and preparation route
These prompts and explanations are the site's original learning materials. The reference links below support the selected skills; they are not endorsements or official examination questions.
