ACT · English · Knowledge of Language

Concision and Style

Concision and Style is part of Knowledge of Language in the ACT English section. The questions below are written in the style of the real test, each with the answer and a worked explanation.

Question types you will see here include redundant word or phrase, wordy construction versus concise wording, oMIT the underlined portion and most precise or vivid wording.

Common traps: keeping the redundant modifier; trimming so far that the meaning shifts; replacing the repeat with a vaguer word.

Sample questions

Question 1
The lecture will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the morning.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  at the start of the day
- C.
  a.m. in the morning
- D.
  OMIT the underlined portion.
Answer: D. OMIT the underlined portion.
"A.m." already means "in the morning," so any addition is redundant. The best choice is to omit the underlined portion.
Question 2
The bridge was built in 1937.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  first initially built
- C.
  constructed and built
- D.
  built for the first time originally
Answer: A. NO CHANGE
"Built" is sufficient; "first initially" and "constructed and built" repeat the same meaning.
Question 3
Please send back in return the forms by Friday.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  return back
- C.
  return
- D.
  return back again
Answer: C. return
"Return" already means to give back; "back" is redundant.
Question 4
The audience clapping their hands applauded at the end of the performance.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  by clapping
- C.
  with their hands
- D.
  OMIT the underlined portion.
Answer: D. OMIT the underlined portion.
"Applauded" already means clapping hands; the best choice omits the underlined portion.
Question 5
The river flows and runs through three states before reaching the ocean.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  moves and flows along
- C.
  flows
- D.
  runs along flowing
Answer: C. flows
"Flows" is sufficient; the alternatives repeat the same action.

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