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Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "The box of old photographs [were stored] in the attic for over twenty years before anyone opened it."
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Q1. Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "The box of old photographs [were stored] in the attic for over twenty years before anyone opened it."
Correct answer: A. was stored
The subject of the sentence is "box," a singular noun, so it requires the singular verb "was stored," not the plural "were stored."
Q2. Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "The bakery closed at six o'clock[, however] the owner stayed late to finish a wedding cake."
Correct answer: D. ; however,
"However" is a conjunctive adverb joining two independent clauses, so it needs a semicolon before it and a comma after it, as in "; however,".
Q3. Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "Yesterday, Jamal walked to the library, checked out three novels, and [returns] home before it started to rain."
Correct answer: A. returned
The other verbs in the sentence, "walked" and "checked out," are in the past tense, so "returned" keeps the verb tense consistent throughout the sentence.
Q4. Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "Every student must bring [their] own calculator to the math placement exam on Friday."
Correct answer: C. his or her
The antecedent "every student" is grammatically singular, so it requires the singular pronoun phrase "his or her" rather than the plural "their."
Q5. Which revision best corrects the dangling modifier in the sentence below? "Rushing to catch the bus, the umbrella was left behind by Elena on the kitchen table."
Correct answer: B. Elena left the umbrella behind on the kitchen table while rushing to catch the bus.
The original sentence illogically implies the umbrella was rushing to catch the bus; option B correctly attaches the modifier to Elena, the person actually doing the rushing.
Q6. Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "The lab results were inconclusive; [therefore], the researchers decided to repeat the experiment with a larger sample size."
Correct answer: A. NO CHANGE
"Therefore" correctly signals that the researchers' decision to repeat the experiment was a direct result of the inconclusive lab results, making NO CHANGE the best choice.
Q7. Which choice is the most concise and effective revision of the underlined portion (shown in brackets)? "[Due to the fact that] the bridge was closed for repairs, commuters had to take a longer route to reach downtown."
Correct answer: D. Because
"Because" conveys the same causal meaning as the wordy phrase "due to the fact that" in a single, more concise word.
Q8. Which revision corrects the sentence fragment below? "Although the museum's new exhibit features rare fossils from the Jurassic period, and includes interactive displays for children."
Correct answer: B. The museum's new exhibit features rare fossils from the Jurassic period and includes interactive displays for children.
Removing "although" turns the dependent clause into a complete, grammatically correct independent sentence; the other options remain fragments or awkward dependent clauses.
Q9. Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "The two [teacher's] classrooms were connected by a shared supply closet."
Correct answer: C. teachers'
Because there are two teachers who jointly possess the classrooms, the plural possessive form "teachers'" is correct, not the singular possessive "teacher's."
Q10. Read the sentence, then choose the best version of the underlined portion (shown in brackets). If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE. "The new employee training program emphasizes communicating clearly, [to solve problems creatively], and building strong client relationships."
Correct answer: D. solving problems creatively
The list requires parallel gerund phrases matching "communicating" and "building," so "solving problems creatively" fits the grammatical pattern; "to solve" breaks the parallel structure.
Exam facts and objectives sourced from the official ACT certification page. Last reviewed June 2026.
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