How to answer it
- Name the paragraph’s point in a few words.
- Ask whether the new or moved sentence serves that point.
- Pick the choice that keeps the paragraph on its point and in order.
Worked example
An original question in the ACT format, already answered.
City gardens do more than grow food. On Saturday mornings, neighbors who had never spoken trade tomatoes and advice over the fence.
The writer wants to add a sentence that best supports the paragraph’s point that city gardens build community. Which choice best accomplishes this?
- ATomatoes need at least six hours of sun a day.
- BThe garden is on Fifth Street.
- CSeveral gardeners now organize a monthly potluck for the whole block.
- DSome gardeners prefer raised beds.
Answer: C. Only C shows neighbors coming together, which supports the community point. The others are about gardening, not community.
The most common trap
A sentence that is interesting and on topic but doesn’t serve the paragraph’s specific point.
Practice it
Hourly Prep’s daily sets mix production of writing with the rest of ACT English, and send more of it your way when it’s a weak spot. See how the ACT prep plan works, or browse the other ACT skill guides.