Test Prep ACT Test Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

In the sentence discussing the nonexistence of bicycles two hundred years ago, which option best expresses the idea clearly and grammatically correctly?

A NO CHANGE
B there was no such thing as a bicycle,
C bicycles were uninvented,
D whoever heard of a bicycle,

Answer: B

Explanation:

The sentence in question is discussing the historical fact that bicycles did not exist two hundred years ago, before the first bicycle was invented in 1818. The original phrase, “weren’t even existing,” is awkward and grammatically incorrect because the verb “were” already implies existence or nonexistence. Adding “existing” is redundant and unidiomatic in English. It disrupts the flow and clarity of the sentence.

Option B, “there was no such thing as a bicycle,” clearly and effectively conveys the idea that bicycles simply did not exist at that time. This phrase is commonly used in English to indicate the absence of an object or concept in a particular period. It fits perfectly with the formal and informative tone of the passage, making the historical statement both accurate and easy to understand.

Option C, “bicycles were uninvented,” uses a word, “uninvented,” which is not standard English. Although it might seem logical to create a negative form of “invented,” this term is not recognized or accepted in proper usage. This choice would confuse readers and detract from the passage’s credibility.

Option D, “whoever heard of a bicycle,” is informal and conversational. This phrase sounds more like spoken language or casual writing, which conflicts with the formal style of the passage. It also shifts the focus from the factual nonexistence of bicycles to a rhetorical question, which is less precise and less suitable in this context.

Therefore, option B is the best choice because it is grammatically correct, stylistically appropriate, and clearly communicates the intended meaning. It aligns well with the passage’s tone and structure, enhancing the reader’s understanding without any ambiguity.

Question 2:

Which is the best way to correct the underlined phrase "Kirkpatrick Macmillan a Scottish blacksmith"?

A NO CHANGE
B Macmillan was a Scottish blacksmith
C Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith,
D Macmillan, he was a Scottish blacksmith,

Answer: C

Explanation:

The phrase “Kirkpatrick Macmillan a Scottish blacksmith” contains a punctuation problem. The phrase “a Scottish blacksmith” is an appositive—it gives additional, nonessential information about Macmillan. In English grammar, nonessential appositives should be set off by commas to avoid confusion and improve readability.

Option C, “Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith,” correctly inserts commas around the appositive phrase. This punctuation signals to readers that “a Scottish blacksmith” is extra information that can be removed without altering the core meaning of the sentence. This approach maintains the sentence’s descriptive tone and keeps the flow smooth and clear.

Option A (no change) is incorrect because the lack of commas causes a run-on phrase that can confuse readers. The sentence reads awkwardly, making it difficult to identify where the main noun ends and the descriptive phrase begins.

Option B, “Macmillan was a Scottish blacksmith,” while grammatically correct, changes the sentence structure from a descriptive appositive to a straightforward statement. This alters the tone and reduces the richness of the description by making it more direct and less fluid within the passage.

Option D, “Macmillan, he was a Scottish blacksmith,” is redundant. It unnecessarily repeats the subject “Macmillan” and uses a pronoun “he” awkwardly. This redundancy makes the sentence clumsy and disrupts its natural flow.

In conclusion, option C is the best choice because it follows the rules of punctuation for nonessential appositives, preserves the intended descriptive style, and ensures the sentence reads smoothly and clearly.

Question 3:

Which option best revises the underlined phrase in this sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. could be rode quickly
C. could have been ridden fast
D. could ride at a quick pace

Answer: A

Explanation:

The phrase "could be ridden at a quick pace" in the original sentence is the most appropriate choice both grammatically and contextually. It uses the passive voice correctly, indicating the bicycle’s capability to be ridden quickly, which fits the historical narrative.

Looking at the other options:

• B ("could be rode quickly") is incorrect because "rode" is the simple past form of the verb, not the past participle. The verb "ride" requires the past participle "ridden" after "could be" to maintain correct passive voice structure.

• C ("could have been ridden fast") introduces the past perfect modal form, which implies speculation about something that might have happened but is uncertain or counterfactual. Since the passage states a fact about the bicycle’s ability, this hypothetical tone is inappropriate.

• D ("could ride at a quick pace") shifts the sentence to active voice and uses the modal "could" with the base verb "ride." This suggests a present or general ability rather than describing the bicycle's capability in the past. The passage clearly refers to a historical event, so this option is unsuitable.

Therefore, option A correctly expresses the intended meaning with proper grammar, voice, and tense, making it the best revision of the underlined phrase.

Question 4:

Which alternative best replaces the underlined phrase in this sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. looked not
C. didn’t look
D. wasn’t looking

Answer: C

Explanation:

The sentence discusses the appearance of an earlier bicycle compared to modern bicycles. The original phrase "hadn’t looked" uses the past perfect tense, which signals that the state described occurred before another past event or reference point. While the past perfect is grammatically correct here, it tends to be used when contrasting two past events explicitly. Since the sentence is simply describing a past state without emphasizing a sequence of events, the simple past tense is clearer and more natural.

Option C ("didn’t look") correctly uses the simple past tense, which is typically preferred for describing past conditions or appearances when no direct sequence of past events is emphasized. This choice makes the sentence flow better and sounds more conversational and straightforward.

Option B ("looked not") is ungrammatical because the negation "not" is misplaced. In English, "not" generally follows auxiliary verbs or is placed after the verb in contractions (e.g., "did not look"), so this option is not acceptable.

Option D ("wasn’t looking") incorrectly uses the past continuous tense, implying an ongoing action or process, which is inappropriate when describing a static condition like appearance. The sentence isn’t about an action taking place but about how something simply appeared.

Although option A (NO CHANGE) is not wrong, the past perfect can sound slightly stiff or overly formal here. Option C offers a smoother and clearer alternative while maintaining correctness. Thus, C is the best choice to replace the underlined phrase.

Question 5:

In the sentence, "He, made the front wheel many times larger than the back wheel, putting a gear on the pedals to make the bicycle more efficient, and lightened the wheels by using wire spokes,"

Which option most effectively corrects the punctuation error in the underlined part?

A. NO CHANGE
B. He made
C. He had made
D. He; made

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The issue in the underlined phrase, "He, made," lies with the comma placed between the subject "He" and the verb "made." In standard English grammar, it is generally incorrect to insert a comma between a subject and its verb unless there is an interrupting clause or a specific stylistic reason to create a pause. Here, the sentence is straightforward: "He made" is the proper subject-verb combination without interruption.

Option A ("NO CHANGE") keeps the comma, which disrupts the sentence's natural flow and creates confusion for the reader. The comma is unnecessary and should be removed for clarity and smoothness.

Option B ("He made") is the correct choice because it connects the subject and verb directly without any punctuation that breaks their relationship, resulting in a clearer, grammatically sound sentence.

Option C ("He had made") changes the verb tense to past perfect. Past perfect is typically used to describe an action completed before another past event. Since this sentence is simply recounting one past action without reference to another prior event, the simple past tense "made" is more appropriate. Thus, this option is unnecessarily complicated and contextually inaccurate.

Option D ("He; made") introduces a semicolon between the subject and the verb. Semicolons are used to link closely related independent clauses, not to separate a subject and its verb. This punctuation choice is grammatically incorrect and disrupts sentence structure.

Overall, option B is the best correction, providing clear, natural, and grammatically correct phrasing that fits the sentence perfectly.

Question 6:

Which option best replaces the underlined phrase, "putting a gear on the pedals to make the bicycle more efficient," with the most appropriate wording?

A. NO CHANGE
B. putted a gear on
C. put a gear in
D. put a gear on

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The original phrase "putting a gear on the pedals" is generally correct, but since the question asks for the best expression among the alternatives, it’s important to analyze each choice carefully.

Option A ("NO CHANGE") means keeping "putting a gear on," which is idiomatic and grammatically correct because "put" is a verb that does not change form in past or present tenses, and "on" correctly expresses attaching something to a surface or object.

Option B ("putted a gear on") is grammatically incorrect because "putted" is not the correct past form of "put." The verb "put" is irregular and remains the same across all tenses (put, put, put). Therefore, "putted" is a nonstandard form and should never be used.

Option C ("put a gear in") suggests inserting the gear inside something rather than attaching it onto something. This preposition changes the meaning and does not fit the context of placing a gear onto the pedals, which are external. Hence, it is contextually inappropriate.

Option D ("put a gear on") is the best choice as it uses the correct past tense "put" and the preposition "on," which accurately describes the action of attaching a gear to the pedals. It is clear, idiomatic, and fits perfectly in the sentence context.

In conclusion, option D is the most precise and grammatically correct phrasing to describe the intended action, making it the best replacement for the underlined phrase.

Question 7:

Which revision best corrects the sentence: "Today their built, used, and enjoyed all over the world"?

A. NO CHANGE
B. Today there are built,
C. Today they, are built,
D. Today, they are built,

Answer: D

Explanation:

The original sentence, "Today their built, used, and enjoyed all over the world," contains a grammatical mistake related to the misuse of the word "their." The word "their" is a possessive pronoun, which does not fit the context here because the sentence requires a subject pronoun to indicate who is performing the actions. The correct pronoun should be "they," which refers to the plural subject (likely bicycles or a similar noun mentioned earlier).

Breaking down the options:

• Option A keeps the incorrect "their," so it does not resolve the issue.

• Option B introduces "there are built," which is ungrammatical and awkward; "there are" usually introduces existence, not action in this context.

• Option C inserts a comma after "they," disrupting the flow and creating an unnatural pause that is grammatically incorrect.

• Option D correctly uses "they," and the comma after "Today" properly sets off the introductory phrase, improving clarity and readability.

In standard English grammar, an introductory adverbial phrase like "Today" should be followed by a comma to separate it from the main clause. The corrected sentence thus reads: "Today, they are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world." This phrasing is smooth, clear, and grammatically sound, making D the best choice.

Question 8:

Which option best revises the phrase "H. J. Lawson, invented by another Englishman," to ensure clarity and correct sentence structure?

A. NO CHANGE
B. H. J. Lawson invented by another Englishman,
C. Invented by another Englishman, H. J. Lawson,
D. Another Englishman inventor, H. J. Lawson,

Answer: C

Explanation:

The phrase "H. J. Lawson, invented by another Englishman," is awkward because it incorrectly positions the participial phrase "invented by another Englishman," creating confusion about who invented what. The phrase "invented by another Englishman" is intended to describe either the bicycle or the person H. J. Lawson, but in the original, it seems misplaced.

Examining the alternatives:

• Option A (NO CHANGE) retains the awkward and unclear structure, where the modifying phrase improperly interrupts the sentence.

• Option B rearranges words but results in a fragmented phrase that lacks clear subject-verb agreement and leaves the sentence incomplete.

• Option C places the participial phrase "Invented by another Englishman" at the beginning, which clarifies that the invention was by this Englishman. Starting with the phrase helps introduce the invention before naming H. J. Lawson, improving flow and understanding.

• Option D uses an unnatural and nonstandard phrase, "Another Englishman inventor," which sounds awkward and disrupts standard English syntax.

Option C is grammatically the most effective choice. It uses the introductory phrase correctly to modify the subject, resulting in a clearer and more formal sentence structure. By starting with "Invented by another Englishman," the sentence properly contextualizes the invention before naming the inventor, H. J. Lawson, making it easier for readers to grasp the intended meaning. This correct placement of the modifying phrase enhances readability and correctness, making C the preferred answer.

Question 9:

If the author’s intention were to persuade readers to purchase a bicycle, which addition would be most effective?

A. NO CHANGE
B. Include a paragraph outlining the health and environmental advantages of cycling.
C. Include a paragraph comparing the price and quality of today’s most popular bicycles.
D. Include a paragraph about the Tour de France and other cycling competitions.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The passage primarily focuses on the historical development and design evolution of the bicycle. If the author’s purpose shifted to encouraging readers to buy a bicycle, the content would need to appeal directly to readers’ motivations and interests in purchasing one. Among the options, B is the strongest because it highlights benefits that have broad appeal: improved health and positive environmental impact. These benefits are frequently cited reasons why people choose cycling, making the argument persuasive and relevant.

Option A (NO CHANGE) leaves the text purely informational about history, which does not address the readers’ potential reasons for buying a bike. It lacks any motivational content to influence purchasing decisions.

Option C offers a useful market comparison of cost and quality, which could help a buyer decide between models, but it’s more specific and technical. It does not broadly inspire someone to buy a bike by emphasizing personal or societal benefits, which are more emotionally compelling.

Option D provides interesting information about professional races like the Tour de France, but this is likely to appeal only to cycling enthusiasts or competitive riders. It does not address general reasons for buying a bicycle for everyday use such as exercise or commuting.

Therefore, B is the best choice because it directly appeals to common incentives for purchasing bicycles: promoting health and environmental sustainability. This makes the paragraph both relevant and persuasive to a wide audience considering buying a bike.

Question 10:

Which of the following sequences arranges the sentences in paragraph 4 to create the clearest and most logical progression of ideas?

A. NO CHANGE
B. (12), (13), (14), (16), (17), (15)
C. (12), (17), (14), (15), (16), (13)
D. (12), (14), (15), (16), (17), (13)

Answer: D

Explanation:

To determine the most logical order of sentences in paragraph 4, we should consider how the ideas flow and build upon each other. The paragraph aims to explain the emergence of the first truly modern bicycle, the innovations introduced, and their effects on the bike’s popularity and use.

Sentence (12) starts by introducing the first modern bicycle in 1874, setting the historical context. This is an essential opening to frame the subsequent details.

Sentence (14) follows by naming H. J. Lawson as the inventor, which leads into describing specific innovations attributed to him.

Sentence (15) highlights a critical design improvement — equal-sized wheels — which made the bike safer and more practical.

Sentence (16) then builds on this by describing another innovation: using a chain to drive the rear wheel, which improved efficiency.

Sentence (17) logically follows by showing the positive outcome of these advancements — the increased popularity and utility of the bicycle as transportation.

Finally, sentence (13) serves as a fitting conclusion, noting that modern bicycles are widely manufactured and enjoyed globally, wrapping up the paragraph neatly.

Other sequences jumble the chronological order or place concluding sentences prematurely, disrupting the logical flow. Option D maintains a clear, chronological progression from the invention’s introduction through key innovations to the widespread acceptance and use of the modern bicycle.

Thus, D is the best choice because it organizes the sentences in a way that best explains the bike’s evolution with clarity and coherence, providing readers with a smooth, understandable narrative.