ACT English Sample Questions

Directions: Choose the correct alternative to the highlighted part in the sentence or passage. If no correction is needed, choose “No Change”. You are to choose the option which is written in appropriate Standard English or the one that best expresses the idea.

1.A After I returned home for the day, my dogs were waiting by the back door, eager to be walked. a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE waiting, by the back door, waiting by the back door waiting by the back door; 2.C

Sean was surrounded by toys on the ground; trash was piled in the corners, and food lying about.

a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE trash piled in the corners; trash piled in the corners, there was trash piled in the corners

3.C

My parents studied and were classical musicians.

a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE studied music and were talented and honored classical musicians. were classical musicians. enjoy classical music

4.D Which sentence would most effectively introduce this paragraph?

Many doctors are on call at all hours and have to spend a great deal of time away from their families. Doctors also have to work late hours and have to be available for emergencies during weekends and holidays. Studies have shown that doctors have a higher chance of becoming divorced. Doctors also have a higher suicide rate than that of the general population.

a. b. c. d.

Doctors have to study for many years before they can practice medicine. Doctors often pay the price for their high salary. Some people believe that the hours that doctors must work should be reduced. The medical profession can take a heavy toll on the lives of doctors.

5. A The moon affects the tides of the oceans, due to its gravitational pull. a. b. c. d. NO CHANGE it’s its’ his 6.B My sister and I, loved to practice music after school. a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE my sister and I my sister and I; me and my sister 7. A My family loved to do outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and boating. a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE activities such as: hiking; cycling; and boating. activities such as: hiking, cycling and boating. activities. Examples of these are hiking, cycling and boating. 8. D I had found a secret hiding place for the things I didn’t wish my parents to see, such as my diary, notes, pictures and passwords. a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE such as my diary and other items. such as: my diary, notes, pictures and passwords. OMIT SELECTED PHRASE 9. B My mother was an excellent athlete, and still is, and every week he plays tennis with our neighbors. a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE –and still is– ; and still is, and still is 10. C

Which phrase most effectively reflects how much the mother wants her child to share her interest in the following passage? Even though she tried very hard, my mother was unable to make an artist out of me. a. b. c. d.

NO CHANGE Having tried and failed Despite her repeated attempts Contrary to her thinking