ACT English – Rhetorical Skills

Type #1: Transitions between thoughts

    There are three main ways to transition between two thoughts – that each mean different things

        1. But (2nd thought contradicts the 1st ) – however, despite, on the contrary, rather, notwithstanding, contrarily, on the other hand, yet, nevertheless

        2. therefore (1st part of the sentence causes the 2nd) – and so, hence, for example, thus, consequently, because of, finally, in conclusion

        3. also (2nd idea is just an addition to the 1st) – furthermore, and, so too, similarly, moreover, first, second, by the same token, besides, another

    **If the underlined part is at the start of a new clause, sentence, or paragraph, and contains one of these words, it is probably a “transitions” question.

Type #2: Organization Questions

A.   You are asked to Reorder sentences in a paragraph.

    -Step one: Look at answers, and figure out choices for the 1st sentence

    -Step two: Decide on 1st sentence. (look for obvious transition words, or general statements that might be “topic sentences”)

B. You are asked to Order whole paragraphs

    -Step one: Look for paragraphs that are obviously connected

(One might be the cause of an effect in another) & need to be back to back

Type #3: Style Questions

Most common error: Redundancy – unnecessary repetition of the same idea

    Examples:  Cheap and inexpensive gifts can be found in the district.

            After birth, newborn babies are weighted by a nurse.

            In the year 1992, there were....

    The ACT prefers SIMPLE sentences to wordy ones. Whenever possible, get rid of extra words that simply restate something that has already been said!!