ACT English Quiz: Organization Unity And Cohesion

The following passage is from a student's blog post about learning to repair bicycles.

[1] When my neighbor offered me a rusty road bike for free, I said yes before I thought about what "repair" would involve. [2] I watched a few tutorials and laid my tools on the porch: wrenches, rags, and a small jar of grease. [3] The first task was removing the rear wheel, which sounded simple until the chain refused to budge. [4] After twenty minutes of tugging, I realized I needed to shift into the smallest gear to release tension. [5] Once I did, the wheel slid out, and I finally felt like I was cooperating with the machine.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence after Sentence [2]: "My porch faces west, so by late afternoon the sunlight made it hard to see the chain."

Should the writer make this addition?​​

PASSAGE III: The Architecture of Sleep

¹ Sleep is often viewed as a passive state, a time when the body shuts down to conserve energy. In reality, however, sleep is a highly active and complex biological process. While we rest, our brains are engaging in a neurological workout that is essential for physical health and mental clarity. This nightly maintenance is (23) governed by two opposing forces: the sleep drive, which builds up the longer we are awake, and the circadian rhythm, an internal "clock" that regulates our sleep-wake cycle based on light and darkness.

² Once asleep, the brain cycles through four distinct stages. The first three stages are known collectively as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During the deepest part of NREM, (24) heart rate slows down, blood pressure drops, and the body repairs tissues. (25) Conversely, the fourth stage is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In this phase, brain activity spikes to levels similar to wakefulness. This is the stage where dreaming occurs and (26) memories were consolidated from short-term to long-term storage.

³ One of the most critical functions of sleep is "taking out the trash." For years, scientists wondered how the brain, (27) unlike other organs, cleared out metabolic waste products. In 2013, researchers discovered the "glymphatic system," a macroscopic waste clearance system formed by glial cells. During deep sleep, these cells shrink, increasing the space between neurons by up to 60 percent. This allows cerebrospinal fluid (28) to flow rapid through the brain tissue, flushing out toxic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. (32)

⁴ (29) Neglecting this biological need has serious consequences. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, weakens the immune system, and increases the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease. (30) Experts recommend adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Despite these risks, modern society often treats sleep as a luxury rather than a necessity. Artificial lighting and digital screens (31) disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to the body that it is time to rest.

⁵ We cannot cheat our biology. Caffeine and sheer willpower can only mask the symptoms of fatigue for so long. Eventually, the "sleep debt" must be repaid. By prioritizing sleep, we are not being lazy; we are investing in our long-term health. The architecture of sleep is built on a foundation of millions of years of evolution, and (33) it remains the most effective medicine we have. (34)

The writer wants to insert a sentence attributing the discovery of the "glymphatic system" to a specific researcher, Dr. Maiken Nedergaard. The most logical paragraph to add this detail would be:

PASSAGE III: The Wood Wide Web

¹ When walking through a forest, it is easy to view trees as solitary individuals competing for sunlight and water. However, beneath the soil lies a hidden, complex infrastructure that tells a different story. Scientists have discovered that trees are interconnected by a vast subterranean network of fungi. This symbiotic system, known as a mycorrhizal network, allows plants to communicate, share resources, and (21) even protecting one another from danger.

² The network is formed by the microscopic threads of fungi, called mycelium. These threads weave through the soil and wrap around the roots of trees. The relationship is mutually beneficial: the trees provide the fungi with carbon produced through photosynthesis, and the fungi supply the trees with water and (22) vital nutrients extracted from the soil.

³ Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the mycorrhizal network is its role as a communication highway. If a tree is attacked by aphids, for instance, it will send chemical warning signals through the fungal network. Neighboring trees, receiving these signals, (23) begins to pump defensive chemicals into their own leaves to deter the insects. (24) Furthermore, older "hub trees"—sometimes referred to as "mother trees"—use the network to siphon excess carbon and nitrogen to younger, struggling seedlings growing in the shaded understory.

⁴ (25) Because of logging and clear-cutting, these networks are highly fragile. When mature hub trees are removed from a forest, the entire system suffers. Younger trees are suddenly cut off from their primary nutrient source, and the soil itself becomes less stable. (26) The removal of these trees are a devastating blow to the forest's resilience.

⁵ (27) To put it briefly, ecologists are urging forestry departments to change their practices. By leaving the oldest trees intact and minimizing soil disruption, logging companies can harvest timber without destroying the hidden web that keeps the forest alive. (28) The forest is a cooperative community rather than a battlefield. Understanding this changes how we interact with the natural world. (29) As we learn more about these fungal networks, we must redefine what it means to be a "tree." (30)

Which choice best maintains the logical flow of the paragraph?

PASSAGE III: The Wood Wide Web

¹ When walking through a forest, it is easy to view trees as solitary individuals competing for sunlight and water. However, beneath the soil lies a hidden, complex infrastructure that tells a different story. Scientists have discovered that trees are interconnected by a vast subterranean network of fungi. This symbiotic system, known as a mycorrhizal network, allows plants to communicate, share resources, and (21) even protecting one another from danger.

² The network is formed by the microscopic threads of fungi, called mycelium. These threads weave through the soil and wrap around the roots of trees. The relationship is mutually beneficial: the trees provide the fungi with carbon produced through photosynthesis, and the fungi supply the trees with water and (22) vital nutrients extracted from the soil.

³ Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the mycorrhizal network is its role as a communication highway. If a tree is attacked by aphids, for instance, it will send chemical warning signals through the fungal network. Neighboring trees, receiving these signals, (23) begins to pump defensive chemicals into their own leaves to deter the insects. (24) Furthermore, older "hub trees"—sometimes referred to as "mother trees"—use the network to siphon excess carbon and nitrogen to younger, struggling seedlings growing in the shaded understory.

⁴ (25) Because of logging and clear-cutting, these networks are highly fragile. When mature hub trees are removed from a forest, the entire system suffers. Younger trees are suddenly cut off from their primary nutrient source, and the soil itself becomes less stable. (26) The removal of these trees are a devastating blow to the forest's resilience.

⁵ (27) To put it briefly, ecologists are urging forestry departments to change their practices. By leaving the oldest trees intact and minimizing soil disruption, logging companies can harvest timber without destroying the hidden web that keeps the forest alive. (28) The forest is a cooperative community rather than a battlefield. Understanding this changes how we interact with the natural world. (29) As we learn more about these fungal networks, we must redefine what it means to be a "tree." (30)

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable?

PASSAGE III: The Science of Art Restoration

¹ For centuries, the restoration of classic paintings relied on a delicate, and often dangerous, physical touch. Restorers used to rely on harsh (21) chemicals, these solvents could easily strip away original layers of paint along with the dirt. Today, however, the intersection of art and technology has introduced a new era of preservation. The use of modern lasers and X-ray fluorescence (22) are revolutionizing the way museums care for their most prized artifacts.

² One of the most significant breakthroughs in restoration is the use of laser ablation. When a painting has accumulated centuries of soot or discolored varnish, conservators can fire a highly focused laser at the canvas. The laser (23) safely vaporizes the layer of grime. Because the dirt absorbs light at a different frequency than the original pigments, the laser removes the filth without heating or damaging the artwork beneath it. (24) On the other hand, the painting can reveal (25) it's true, original colors for the first time in centuries.

³ (26) Peeling away the darkened varnish, the brilliant blue skies of Renaissance landscapes are suddenly revealed to the restorers. This process allows experts to see the brushstrokes exactly as the artist intended.

⁴ In addition to lasers, restorers now use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanners to map the chemical composition of a painting. By analyzing the metallic elements present in the pigments, such as the lead in white paint or the copper in green paint, XRF scanners can look through the top layer of art. (27) This technology has allowed historians to discover hidden sketches and abandoned compositions painted over by the artists themselves.

⁵ It takes years of specialized training to master these technologies. A modern conservator must be a hybrid: part art historian, part chemist, and part technician. They are ultimately (28) responsible of preserving human history. By combining a deep respect for antiquity with the power of modern physics, they ensure that (29) old, antique masterpieces will survive for future generations to study and enjoy. (30)

Which choice provides the most logical transition at this point in the passage?

The writer is considering adding a sentence to the paragraph below.

[1] A good interview question invites a story rather than a yes-or-no answer. [2] That's why career counselors often suggest starting with "Tell me about a time when…". [3] The prompt encourages applicants to describe actions they took and what they learned. [4] It also gives interviewers a way to compare candidates using similar types of responses.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence after Sentence 1:

"Some interviewers prefer to begin with small talk about the weather."

Should the writer make this addition?

PASSAGE III: The Architecture of Sleep

¹ Sleep is often viewed as a passive state, a time when the body shuts down to conserve energy. In reality, however, sleep is a highly active and complex biological process. While we rest, our brains are engaging in a neurological workout that is essential for physical health and mental clarity. This nightly maintenance is (23) governed by two opposing forces: the sleep drive, which builds up the longer we are awake, and the circadian rhythm, an internal "clock" that regulates our sleep-wake cycle based on light and darkness.

² Once asleep, the brain cycles through four distinct stages. The first three stages are known collectively as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During the deepest part of NREM, (24) heart rate slows down, blood pressure drops, and the body repairs tissues. (25) Conversely, the fourth stage is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In this phase, brain activity spikes to levels similar to wakefulness. This is the stage where dreaming occurs and (26) memories were consolidated from short-term to long-term storage.

³ One of the most critical functions of sleep is "taking out the trash." For years, scientists wondered how the brain, (27) unlike other organs, cleared out metabolic waste products. In 2013, researchers discovered the "glymphatic system," a macroscopic waste clearance system formed by glial cells. During deep sleep, these cells shrink, increasing the space between neurons by up to 60 percent. This allows cerebrospinal fluid (28) to flow rapid through the brain tissue, flushing out toxic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. (32)

⁴ (29) Neglecting this biological need has serious consequences. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, weakens the immune system, and increases the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease. (30) Experts recommend adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Despite these risks, modern society often treats sleep as a luxury rather than a necessity. Artificial lighting and digital screens (31) disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to the body that it is time to rest.

⁵ We cannot cheat our biology. Caffeine and sheer willpower can only mask the symptoms of fatigue for so long. Eventually, the "sleep debt" must be repaid. By prioritizing sleep, we are not being lazy; we are investing in our long-term health. The architecture of sleep is built on a foundation of millions of years of evolution, and (33) it remains the most effective medicine we have. (34)

Which choice provides the most logical transition?

The sentence 'The storm caused significant damage in the coastal areas, leading to power outages and flooding.' should be placed:

[1] The weather report had predicted severe conditions. [2] Many residents had been advised to evacuate their homes. [3] Emergency services were on high alert and ready to respond.

Where should the sentence be placed?

Where should the following sentence be placed? 'The new research center focuses on renewable energy technologies.' [1] The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories. [2] Scientists from around the world collaborate here. [3] The center aims to develop sustainable solutions for the future. [4] It has received substantial funding from the government.

The following passage is from a report about a school's cafeteria composting program.

[1] Students scrape leftover fruit peels and sandwich crusts into green bins labeled "Compost Only." [2] Custodians roll the bins to a fenced area behind the gym, where the contents are mixed with dry leaves collected each fall. [3] The mixture heats up as microbes break down the waste, and after several months it becomes dark, crumbly compost. [4] The finished compost is used in the school's garden beds to enrich the soil for vegetables.

The writer is considering deleting Sentence 2. Should the writer keep or delete this sentence?

The writer is considering adding a sentence to the draft below.

[1] During wildfire season, my town posts daily air-quality updates online. [2] The numbers can feel abstract, so a local nurse taught residents how to interpret them. [3] She explained that an index above 150 can irritate lungs, especially for children and older adults. [4] She also recommended simple steps, like running a fan with a filter and keeping windows closed.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence after Sentence 2:

"Air-quality indexes are calculated using measurements of pollutants such as fine particulate matter."

Should the writer make this addition?

Should the sentence 'Overall, the conference was a great success, with many attendees expressing positive feedback.' be kept or deleted?

Paragraph: The annual tech conference featured keynote speakers from leading technology companies. Various workshops and panels provided valuable insights into the latest industry trends.

The Comet Hunter

¹ Born in Hanover in 1750, Caroline Herschel was not destined for scientific fame. Her mother viewed education as unnecessary for a girl, insisting that Caroline train only in household chores. In 1772, however, [10] Caroline's brother William rescued her from this limited life, bringing her to Bath, England, to join him. William was a musician with a growing passion for astronomy, and it wasn't long before Caroline begun [11] to share his enthusiasm.

² Caroline served as William's assistant, a role that required both physical stamina and intellectual precision. She ground and polished the metal mirrors for their telescopes, a task that often left her hands raw. William observed the heavens at the eyepiece, she sat [12] by a window, recording his data and double-checking his calculations. She worked diligently, [13] ensuring that every coordinate was accurate. It was during these long nights that she learned the geography of the night sky.

³ Encouraged by William, Caroline began using a small Newtonian sweeper telescope to conduct her own observations. On August 1, 1786, she spotted a slow-moving object that wasn't on any star chart. It was a comet; the first [14] of eight she would discover over the next decade. Her success brought her international renown. In 1787, King George III granted her an annual salary of £50. This salary made [15] her the first woman in history to receive official payment for scientific work.

⁴ Caroline's contributions extended beyond her comet discoveries. She compiled a massive catalogue of stars and nebulae, updating the work of the astronomer John Flamsteed. [16] This catalogue remained a standard reference for nearly half a century. If Caroline were [17] to see the advanced instruments used by astronomers today, she would marvel at their power, yet her meticulous methods would still be relevant. Caroline Herschel's life proved that curiosity and perseverance could break through the social barriers of the eighteenth century. [18]

Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion?

Turn Right at the Big Pine

¹ My father believed that road maps were for people who lacked a sense of adventure. He preferred to navigate by instinct, landmark, and the occasional contradictory tip from a gas station attendant. Consequently, [19] our annual family trips to the Cedar Creek campground were rarely straight lines; they were sprawling, improvisational loops through the backroads of Oregon.

² I was ten years old, sitting in the backseat of our station wagon, squeezed between a cooler full of soda and my sleeping brother. The air outside was thick with the scent of pine and dust. We had been driving for six hours, [20] but according to Dad, we were "just around the river bend." He pointed to a massive, gnarled tree standing sentinel at a fork in the road. "That's the Big Pine," he declared with the confidence of a ship captain spotting land. "We turn right here."

³ We turned right. The pavement immediately gave way to gravel, and the road narrowed until the blackberry bushes were scraping the sides of the car. My mother, who had been quietly reading a novel, looked up. "Honey," she said, her voice dropping an octave, "I don't think this is the way to the campsite." Dad waved a hand dismissively. He insisted that this was a shortcut he had discovered years ago. [21]

⁴ Ten minutes later, the road ended abruptly at a rusted gate marked "Private Property." A cow stared at us blankly from the other side. Silence filled the car. The cow chewed its cud, looking entirely unimpressed by our arrival. [22] Without a word, Dad shifted the car into reverse. As we backed down the dusty trail, he caught my eye in the rearview mirror and winked. "Well," he said, "now we know what's down that road." For him, the wrong turn wasn't a mistake; it was just another part of the story. [23]

⁵ [1] We eventually found the campsite, arriving just as the sun was setting behind the mountains. [2] I realized then that the destination mattered less to him than the wandering it took to get there. [3] Years later, when I drive [25] my own kids on vacation, I keep a GPS on the dashboard. [4] But sometimes, when I see a strange road winding off into the trees I feel [24] a familiar tug to turn the wheel.

Which transition word or phrase is most logical in context?

Which choice best maintains the focus of the paragraph? [1] The city is known for its vibrant arts scene. [2] Galleries and theaters attract visitors year-round. [3] There are many parks and recreational areas. [4] Festivals and performances are frequent.

The following paragraph is from a student's essay about repairing a bicycle.

[1] I decided to fix my bike's slipping chain instead of taking it to a shop. [2] First, I flipped the bike upside down and spun the pedals to see where the chain jumped. [3] The derailleur was slightly bent inward, pushing the chain toward the spokes. [4] I used a small wrench to loosen the mounting bolt and nudged the derailleur outward. [5] After tightening the bolt, I tested the gears again until the chain ran smoothly. [6] The best part of the process was realizing that I could diagnose a problem by watching carefully.

For the sake of logic and coherence, Sentence [6] should be placed:

PASSAGE III: The Architecture of Sleep

¹ Sleep is often viewed as a passive state, a time when the body shuts down to conserve energy. In reality, however, sleep is a highly active and complex biological process. While we rest, our brains are engaging in a neurological workout that is essential for physical health and mental clarity. This nightly maintenance is (23) governed by two opposing forces: the sleep drive, which builds up the longer we are awake, and the circadian rhythm, an internal "clock" that regulates our sleep-wake cycle based on light and darkness.

² Once asleep, the brain cycles through four distinct stages. The first three stages are known collectively as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During the deepest part of NREM, (24) heart rate slows down, blood pressure drops, and the body repairs tissues. (25) Conversely, the fourth stage is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In this phase, brain activity spikes to levels similar to wakefulness. This is the stage where dreaming occurs and (26) memories were consolidated from short-term to long-term storage.

³ One of the most critical functions of sleep is "taking out the trash." For years, scientists wondered how the brain, (27) unlike other organs, cleared out metabolic waste products. In 2013, researchers discovered the "glymphatic system," a macroscopic waste clearance system formed by glial cells. During deep sleep, these cells shrink, increasing the space between neurons by up to 60 percent. This allows cerebrospinal fluid (28) to flow rapid through the brain tissue, flushing out toxic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. (32)

⁴ (29) Neglecting this biological need has serious consequences. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, weakens the immune system, and increases the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease. (30) Experts recommend adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Despite these risks, modern society often treats sleep as a luxury rather than a necessity. Artificial lighting and digital screens (31) disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to the body that it is time to rest.

⁵ We cannot cheat our biology. Caffeine and sheer willpower can only mask the symptoms of fatigue for so long. Eventually, the "sleep debt" must be repaid. By prioritizing sleep, we are not being lazy; we are investing in our long-term health. The architecture of sleep is built on a foundation of millions of years of evolution, and (33) it remains the most effective medicine we have. (34)

The author would like to reposition the sentence "Eventually, the 'sleep debt' must be repaid" (currently Sentence 3 in Paragraph 5) to improve logical flow. The best placement would be:

PASSAGE I: The Invisible Art of Noise

¹ When watching a movie, audiences usually focus on the actors' dialogue or the sweeping musical score. Rarely do they consider the crunch of footsteps in snow, the rustle of a silk dress, or the squeak of a saddle. Most viewers assume these sounds were recorded on set during filming. In reality, however, microphones are designed to pick up dialogue, not background noise. Most of the detailed sounds you hear (1) has been created weeks later in a studio by a specialized craftsperson known as a Foley artist.

² Named after Jack Foley, a sound editor at Universal Studios in the 1920s, the profession requires a unique blend of creativity and athleticism. Foley artists work on specialized stages containing recessed areas called "Foley pits." These pits hold different surfaces—gravel, dirt, hardwood, and more—that mimic real-world textures. To recreate the sound of a character walking, the artist watches the screen and mimics the actor's steps, (2) wearing the shoes that match the character's footwear. If the character is walking on broken glass, the artist steps on scattered ceramic tiles. (3) Having carefully selected the proper materials, the realistic sound is created.

³ The work involves more than just footsteps. Foley artists must be inventive to (4) generate sounds that do not exist in the real world. For a science fiction film, the sound of an alien egg hatching (5) might be created by squishing a honeydew melon. (6) On the other hand, the bone-crunching impact of a fistfight is often simulated by breaking stalks of celery or snapping carrots wrapped in a towel. The goal is realistic audio, even if the source is decidedly artificial.

⁴ Precision is critical. The sound must sync perfectly with the visual action. If a sword is drawn from a sheath one second too late, the illusion is shattered. Foley artists often perform "wild tracks," recording sounds without watching the picture, (7) but for complex scenes, they must perform in real-time, matching their movements to the actor's rhythm.

⁵ Despite their importance, Foley artists often go unrecognized. Their work is successful only when it goes unnoticed. If the audience realizes the sound of a horse's hooves is actually (8) two halves of a coconut shell being banged together, the magic is lost. Like a magician's trick, the art of Foley relies on misdirection.

⁶ Today, digital libraries offer thousands of pre-recorded sound effects. Many directors still prefer the custom touch of a human artist. A canned sound effect is static and repetitive, (9) whereas a Foley performance is organic. It breathes life into the visual image, giving weight and texture to the world on screen. (10) The next time you watch an old horror movie, remember that someone might be standing in a studio, slowly twisting an old rusty hinge.(11)

Upon reviewing the essay, the writer wishes to add the following sentence: "This syncing process requires impeccable timing, often demanding dozens of takes to get a single step right." The most logical placement for this sentence would be:

The following two-paragraph draft is from a student's profile of a local museum.

[1] The Harbor Museum is small enough that a visitor can explore it in an hour. [2] One room features tools recovered from shipwrecks, arranged beside photographs of divers at work. [3] Another room displays hand-drawn maps from early traders, their ink faded but still precise. [4] The museum's director says the goal is to show how people once navigated without modern instruments.

[5] Visitors often linger at a table where they can try using a replica sextant. [6] A volunteer demonstrates how to align the instrument with the horizon and the sun. [7] After a few attempts, most visitors can record a reading and compare it to a posted answer key. [8] The activity turns an abstract idea—navigation—into something physical and memorable.

The writer wants to add the following sentence to the second paragraph:

"On weekends, the museum's gift shop sells postcards, magnets, and locally made candles."

Should the writer make this addition, and if so, where?

The writer is revising the two-paragraph draft below.

Paragraph 1: [1] A community garden can look effortless in midsummer, but it depends on careful planning. [2] Our group began by testing the soil and mapping where sunlight fell during the day. [3] We also set rules for watering so no one plot would be neglected. [4] By the time seedlings went into the ground, volunteers already knew their weekly tasks.

Paragraph 2: [5] For example, the garden's success has encouraged neighbors to stop by and trade recipes. [6] On Saturday mornings, children help harvest herbs while adults pull weeds. [7] These small routines turn an empty lot into a shared space.

Which choice provides the most effective transition at the beginning of Paragraph 2?