Question

The writer wants to balance the statement made in the earlier part of this sentence with a related detail that suggests the unity of the people. Given that all of the following choices are true, which one best accomplishes this goal? (A) NO CHANGE (B) we each had our own reasons for being there. (c) I hoped I would get to know some of them. (D) I felt a kinship with them.

Short answer

Option (D) 'I felt a kinship with them.'

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the context

The sentence provided aims to balance a statement with a related detail that suggests the unity of the people.

- Analyze each option

(A) 'NO CHANGE' does not provide any related detail that suggests unity. (B) 'we each had our own reasons for being there' suggests individuality rather than unity. (C) 'I hoped I would get to know some of them' implies a personal goal, not necessarily unity. (D) 'I felt a kinship with them' directly suggests a sense of unity among the people.

- Choose the best option

Based on the analysis, the option that best suggests the unity of the people is (D) 'I felt a kinship with them.'

Key concepts

Reading Comprehension

Understanding the text provided in the ACT test requires strong reading comprehension skills. It’s about grasping both the explicit statements and the underlying meanings in a passage. Start by carefully reading the entire sentence or paragraph to capture its full context. Ensure you understand what the writer is trying to convey. Pay attention to keywords and phrases that indicate relationships, such as 'however,' 'therefore,' or 'similarly.' These help you understand how different parts of the text connect to each other. Summarize the passage in your own words to ensure clarity. Break down complex sentences, and remember, practice is key to improving reading comprehension.

Answer Selection Strategy

Choosing the correct answer in ACT reading sections involves a strategic approach. First, eliminate options that are clearly incorrect. This narrows down your choices and improves your odds. For instance, if the question is about unity, remove answers that suggest individuality or personal goals.
Carefully read each remaining answer choice. Compare it to the passage to see which is most closely aligned with the context. Be wary of answers that sound correct but don't fully match the question’s requirements. Always refer back to the specific sentence or paragraph in question. Looking for detail-oriented words and phrases can assist in pinpointing the correct answer.

Context Analysis

Context analysis involves understanding the setting or situation in which something occurs and how it impacts the text. This means recognizing the overall tone, mood, and the specific circumstances presented in the passage.
When asked to balance a statement, as in our original exercise, look for details around it, such as preceding sentences or phrases. These clues help you understand what kind of balance is needed. Is it informational, emotional, or thematic? Always compare each answer choice to see how it fits within this broader context.
In the exercise, the context suggested a need for unity. Therefore, the best choice explicitly mentioned unity, i.e., 'I felt a kinship with them.'

Test-Taking Skills

Developing effective test-taking skills can significantly enhance your performance on the ACT. Begin with time management. Allocate a specific amount of time to each passage and question, ensuring you have adequate time to review your answers.
Practice skimming techniques to quickly grasp the main ideas and supporting details of passages. This is particularly crucial in the reading section. Learn to identify and focus on the most relevant parts of each question.
Additionally, stay calm and composed. If you encounter a difficult question, move on and return to it later. This ensures you maximize your time on questions you’re more confident about. Regular practice and a positive mindset are essential components of effective test-taking.