AccelePrep for the ACT Test 2nd Edition Student Text

C HAPTER 2 | H YPER P REP E NGLISH • 57

STYLE

Style questions ask about word choice in the passage and whether the language is effective and rhetorically appropriate. You need to watch for two style errors: 1. Lack of conciseness 2. Lack of clarity

TEST SPECS Of all the style questions on the test, questions involving conciseness and clarity of meaning appear most frequently.

CONCISENESS

There are numerous types of concision errors. The major types are illustrated below. First, a sentence may be grammatically and logically correct and yet be in need of correction because it is awkward. The giant condor is able to spread its wings up to 25 feet. 8 The giant condor has a wingspan of up to 25 feet. 9 Given that the Incas lacked the wheel, the buildings at Machu Picchu are more astonishing than any Greek temples that are comparable as an achievement. 8 Given that the Incas lacked the wheel, the buildings at Machu Picchu are more astonishing than any comparable Greek temples. 9 In both cases, the second sentence is less awkward and clearly renders the intended thought. A common error among writers is the use of the passive verb when the use of an active verb would be clearer and more concise.

WHEN TO REWORD A SENTENCE

Examples:

USE AN ACTIVE VERB FOR CONCISION