Question

The writer is considering deleting the following clause from the preceding sentence (placing a period after the word racetrack): where he walked horses to keep them in good shape. Should the writer make this deletion? (A) Yes, because the information is unrelated to the topic addressed in this paragraph. (B) Yes, because the information diminishes the musical accomplishments and successes of Cab Calloway. (C) No, because the information explains the reference to the racetrack, which might otherwise puzzle readers. (b) No, because the information shows how far \(\operatorname{Calloway}\) came in his life.

Short answer

No, the information explains the reference to the racetrack.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the context

Read the sentence before the clause carefully to understand the context. Identify if the clause 'where he walked horses to keep them in good shape' adds meaningful information about the racetrack.

Analyze options A and B

Consider option (A). Determine if the clause is unrelated to the topic of the paragraph. Then consider option (B) and determine if the clause diminishes Cab Calloway's musical accomplishments.

Analyze options C and D

Consider option (C). Determine if the clause explains the reference to the racetrack, potentially clarifying it for readers. Then consider option (D) and determine if the clause illustrates Calloway's progress in life.

Evaluate the best option

Based on the analysis, determine which option best explains the necessity of the clause. If the clause explains the reference to the racetrack or shows Calloway’s personal growth, it should not be deleted.

Conclusion

Since the clause 'where he walked horses to keep them in good shape' helps clarify the reference to the racetrack, option (C) is the best choice.

Key concepts

headline of the respective core concept

Reading comprehension is essential for tackling sections like the ACT Reading test. It involves understanding the meaning of words and sentences, as well as grasping the overall message of the text. To improve this skill, practice regularly with diverse reading materials.
Break longer texts into manageable sections, then summarize each part in your own words. This helps to solidify your understanding of the material.
Also, ask yourself questions about the text—who, what, where, when, why, and how.
This will help you pay attention to important details and improve retention.
With consistent practice, your reading comprehension will steadily improve.

headline of the respective core concept

Contextual understanding is about understanding how sentences and ideas fit together within a passage.
This means recognizing the relationships between different parts of the text.
For instance, in the mentioned exercise, the clause 'where he walked horses to keep them in good shape' adds specific context to the discussion about the racetrack.
To master this skill, focus on how individual sentences support or add to the main idea.
Look for transitional words like 'because', 'therefore', and 'however', which signal relationships and shifts in the text. By recognizing these clues, you'll enhance your ability to see the bigger picture and understand the purpose behind each part of the text.

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Answer selection strategy is crucial for choosing the right answers in multiple-choice questions.
First, read the question carefully and make sure you understand what it is asking.
Before looking at the options, try to predict the answer based on your understanding of the text.
Then, evaluate each choice by eliminating those that are clearly incorrect.
In the exercise provided, choices (A) and (B) can be dismissed because they don't support the need for the additional information about the racetrack.
Choices (C) and (D) are more closely related, so evaluate them based on the context and the main idea of the passage.
Opt for the one that best fits the overall understanding of the text.

headline of the respective core concept

Evaluating details means carefully examining the specifics mentioned in the text.
It involves looking beyond just the surface meaning and thinking about why certain information is included.
For example, in the provided exercise, the detail 'where he walked horses to keep them in good shape' could be critical in providing context about the racetrack.
When evaluating details, consider their relevance to the main topic and their role in the passage.
Ask yourself how this detail supports, explains, or enriches the main idea.
This approach not only helps in answering questions accurately but also enhances your overall understanding of the text.