Question

F. NO CHANGE G. sloping, pine-covered hill H. pine-covered slope J. slanting, pine-covered slope

Short answer

Answer: "sloping, pine-covered hill"

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Options

First, read every option and note any redundancy or unclear language. Compare each to determine which option best describes the hill. Option F: NO CHANGE - Without knowing the original text, we cannot determine if this is the best option. Option G: sloping, pine-covered hill - This option has clear and concise language, describing both the hill's angle and vegetation. Option H: pine-covered slope - This option is also clear and concise, mentioning the hill's vegetation; however, it lacks a descriptive word for the hill's angle. Option J: slanting, pine-covered slope - This option is redundant, with "slanting" and "slope," both describing the hill's angle.

Evaluating the Options

Compare the options, considering grammar, clarity, and conciseness. Option G is concise and clear, describing both angle and vegetation of the hill. Option H is also concise and clear, but it lacks information about the hill's angle. Option J is redundant in its description of the hill's angle and is the least concise.

Choosing the Best Option

Based on the evaluation in Step 2, Option G is the best choice, as it is both clear and concise. It describes both the angle (sloping) and vegetation (pine-covered) of the hill. The answer to the exercise is Option G: "sloping, pine-covered hill".

Key concepts

Grammar and Clarity

Grammar and clarity are fundamental elements of effective writing, particularly on the ACT English section. Proper grammar enhances the readability of a text, ensuring that your message is understood as intended. Clarity, on the other hand, refers to the precision and straightforwardness of language, which makes the content accessible and easy for the reader to grasp.

In practicing for the ACT English section, it's essential to recognize and correct common grammatical errors such as subject-verb agreement, incorrect verb tenses, and the misuse of pronouns. Furthermore, clarity can be achieved by using the active voice, avoiding ambiguous references, and choosing the most appropriate words to convey your message.

Applying Grammar and Clarity to Practice

When looking at the textbook exercise provided, Option G: 'sloping, pine-covered hill' and Option H: 'pine-covered slope' both exhibit good grammar and clarity. They precisely describe the hill and do not confuse the reader with unclear language or unnecessary details.

Redundancy in Language

Redundancy in language occurs when a phrase or sentence includes unnecessary words that do not add any new information or value. Redundant language can make writing feel bloated and can distract from the main message.

To improve your ACT English practice, you should learn to spot and eliminate redundancy. Common examples include phrases like 'end result,' 'past history,' or using two words that mean the same thing, such as 'slanting slope'.

Recognizing Redundancy

In the ACT practice exercise, Option J: 'slanting, pine-covered slope' is a prime example of redundancy. The words 'slanting' and 'slope' convey the same idea of an inclined surface, making 'slanting' unnecessary. This redundancy does not contribute to a better understanding of the hill's characteristics and should, therefore, be omitted for a more concise description.

Conciseness in Writing

Conciseness in writing means expressing your ideas in as few words as possible while retaining the full meaning. Concise writing is not just about cutting words; it’s about efficiency and precision. On the ACT English section, conciseness helps improve readability and ensures that every word plays a significant role.

To practice conciseness, focus on eliminating filler words, redundant expressions, and any unnecessary details that do not contribute to your main point. Look for the simplest way to express an idea without sacrificing clarity.

Choosing the Concise Option

Between the options provided in the exercise, Option G: 'sloping, pine-covered hill' epitomizes conciseness. It incorporates all necessary details about the hill with minimal wording. On the contrary, Option J: 'slanting, pine-covered slope' fails the conciseness test due to its redundant use of words that express the same concept. By selecting the most concise option, the writing becomes more effective and impactful.