Question

(A) NO CHANGE (B) Walker, being a catcher (C) Walker, a catcher (D) Walker who was a catcher

Short answer

C) Walker, a catcher

Step-by-step solution

Understand the sentence

Read the sentence carefully to understand its meaning and the role of the underlined section.

Identify the subject and its description

Determine the main subject of the sentence and identify how the underlined part is intended to describe it. The subject is Walker, and the description is that he is a catcher.

Evaluate each option

Assess each option for clarity and correctness:A) NO CHANGEB) Walker, being a catcherC) Walker, a catcherD) Walker who was a catcher

Check for conciseness

Check which option is the most concise while still accurately describing Walker:- NO CHANGE does not provide concise or clear description.- Walker, being a catcher is wordy.- Walker, a catcher is concise and clear.- Walker who was a catcher may imply that he is no longer a catcher.

Choose the best option

Based on the evaluation, determine that option C) Walker, a catcher is the most appropriate as it is brief and correct.

Key concepts

Mastering Grammar Rules

In the ACT English section, it's crucial to have a firm grasp of grammar rules. Here, the focus is on understanding the correct form of describing the subject. For example, in the sentence 'Walker, a catcher,' the phrase 'a catcher' is called an appositive. It provides more information about the noun 'Walker' without needing additional words.
The power of appositives is their ability to offer clear descriptions quickly. When you see options such as 'Walker, a catcher' or 'Walker who was a catcher,' note how the appositive simplifies the sentence.

• Understand what an appositive is: It renames or provides additional details about a noun.
• Recognize when to use commas: Commas usually set off the appositive.

Mastering these rules helps in choosing the correct, more concise version of sentences.

Achieving Sentence Clarity

Sentence clarity ensures the reader understands your message without confusion. A clear sentence is direct and to the point. For instance, the option 'Walker, a catcher' avoids unnecessary words and makes the identity of Walker immediately clear. It is well-structured and conveys the message efficiently.
Clarity is achieved by:

• Using precise language: Be specific about what you want to convey.
• Eliminating ambiguity: Ensure that there are no multiple interpretations of your sentence.

Remember, the goal is not to overcomplicate the sentence. Keeping it straightforward improves readability and comprehension.

Emphasizing Conciseness

Conciseness is all about expressing an idea in as few words as possible without losing meaning or clarity. In the ACT English section, one common task is choosing the most concise answer. Option C) 'Walker, a catcher' best fits this criterion.
Here are some tips to achieve conciseness:

• Avoid redundancy: Do not repeat information unnecessarily.
• Use appositives wisely: As seen in the example, 'Walker, a catcher' is more concise than 'Walker who was a catcher.'
• Be mindful of wordiness: Phrases like 'being a catcher' add unnecessary words.

Achieving conciseness makes your writing more powerful and effective. Stick to the essentials to make your sentences punchy and clear.