ACT: Rhetorical Skills

ACT English Format

75 questions, 45 minutes. Five passages with underlined portions.

Two main categories:

1. Usage/Mechanics (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)
2. Rhetorical Skills (strategy, organization, style)

Strategy Questions

Adding/Deleting Sentences

• Does the sentence support the main idea?
• Does it provide relevant detail?
• Would removing it improve focus?

Organization Questions

Sentence Placement

• Look for logical flow and transitions
• Pronouns should have clear antecedents

Paragraph Order

• Introduction, body, conclusion
• Chronological or logical progression

Style Questions

Tone

Match the passage overall tone.

Word Choice