Question

A. NO CHANGE B. Not so long ago, in recent times, c. Lately, in addition, D. Recently,

Short answer

D. Recently,

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Context

Read the sentence or passage provided to understand the context in which the phrase needs to fit. This will help in determining the best choice.

Evaluate Option A

Consider the original phrase 'NO CHANGE'. Check if it perfectly conveys the meaning or if there is a redundancy or awkward phrasing.

Evaluate Option B

Option B uses both 'Not so long ago' and 'in recent times'. Both phrases mean the same thing, causing redundancy.

Evaluate Option C

Option C starts with 'Lately' and adds 'in addition'. 'Lately' indicates a recent time period, but 'in addition' introduces new information, so it doesn't convey the intended meaning clearly.

Evaluate Option D

'Recently' is concise and clear, effectively conveying the idea of a recent time without redundancy or awkwardness.

Choose the Best Option

Based on the evaluations, option D 'Recently' is the best choice because it is clear, concise, and fits the context without redundancy.

Key concepts

Context Evaluation

Understanding the context is crucial when answering ACT English questions. Context refers to the surrounding text that can help you determine the appropriate word or phrase to use. By fully understanding the context, you can pick the option that best fits the message being conveyed. To effectively evaluate the context, read the entire sentence or passage, not just the phrase in question. This way, you grasp the complete meaning and flow of the text, ensuring a more accurate choice. Moreover, pay attention to the tone and style of the writing, as it can give you hints about the best word or phrase to use.

Phrase Redundancy

Phrase redundancy happens when you use more words than necessary, often repeating the same idea. For example, in the exercise, option B uses 'Not so long ago' and 'in recent times' together – phrases that mean the same thing. This redundancy makes the sentence awkward and less effective. To avoid redundancy, strive to express ideas as concisely as possible. Always look for phrases that mean the same thing and combine or remove them. Concise writing is not only clearer but also more engaging for the reader.

Clear and Concise Writing

Clear and concise writing means removing unnecessary words and getting straight to the point. This makes your message more straightforward and easier to understand. In the context of the exercise, the phrase 'Recently' in option D is preferred because it communicates the idea in one simple word without redundancy. To achieve clear and concise writing:

• Avoid using filler words and phrases.
• Keep your sentences short and direct.
• Focus on the main subject and verb to convey your point efficiently.

Practicing these strategies will make your writing stronger and more effective.

Best Choice Determination

Determining the best choice involves evaluating all the given options and selecting the one that best fits the context while maintaining clarity and conciseness. For the given exercise, here’s the breakdown:

• Option A: 'NO CHANGE' – Verify if the original phrase is redundant or awkward.
• Option B: 'Not so long ago, in recent times,' – Clearly redundant and thus not a good choice.
• Option C: 'Lately, in addition,' – Introduces new information incorrectly.
• Option D: 'Recently,' – Clear, concise, and fits the intended context.

By assessing each option critically, you ensure you choose the best possible answer. Always aim for clarity, conciseness, and relevance to the given context when making your final selection.