Question

In order to ensure that he is safe from the plants, the gardener: I. handles them only indirectly. II. avoids looking directly at them. III. avoids breathing their odors. F. I and II only G. I and III only H. II and III only J. I, II, and III

Short answer

J. I, II, and III

Step-by-step solution

Understand Each Condition

Identify the safety measures listed: I. handles them only indirectly, II. avoids looking directly at them, III. avoids breathing their odors. These are the conditions the gardener follows.

Analyze the Answer Choices

Review the answer choices to see which combinations of conditions I, II, and III are given: F. I and II only, G. I and III only, H. II and III only, J. I, II, and III.

Compare Conditions

Compare each answer choice with the conditions followed by the gardener. The gardener follows all three conditions stated (I, II, and III).

Select the Correct Answer

Since all three conditions (I, II, and III) are followed by the gardener, the correct answer choice is J. I, II, and III.

Key concepts

ACT reading comprehension

Reading comprehension is a vital part of the ACT. It tests your ability to understand and analyze written passages. To excel, focus on:

• Identifying the main idea
• Recognizing supporting details
• Understanding the author’s tone and purpose

Practice by reading diverse materials, such as fiction, non-fiction, and scientific articles.
Take notes while reading. Outline the main points and any questions that arise.
This helps deepen your understanding and recall.

It's also useful to summarize paragraphs in your own words.
This can ensure you grasp the content fully. Actively engage with the text, ask yourself why certain facts are included, and what conclusions can be drawn.

multiple-choice strategies

Multiple-choice questions can be tricky. To navigate them effectively:

• Always read all answer choices before deciding
• Eliminate clearly wrong answers first
• Look for clues in the question to pinpoint the correct answer

Don’t spend too much time on a single question.
If unsure, make an educated guess and move on.
You can always return to difficult questions later.

Pay attention to absolutes in answer choices (words like ‘always’ or ‘never’).
These are usually incorrect.
Understand the context fully before jumping to conclusions.

critical thinking skills

Critical thinking is essential for making well-reasoned decisions and solving problems.
Here are ways to strengthen this skill:

• Question assumptions
• Evaluate evidence carefully
• Consider multiple viewpoints

Practice by engaging in discussions where you have to defend your position.
Analyze the strength of different arguments.
Identify logical fallacies and weak points in reasoning.

Critical thinking goes beyond just understanding facts.
It involves analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information.
Develop these skills to improve your performance across all ACT sections.