ACT Preparation / Unit 4 ACT 0307 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Cutting a Wordy Sentence in Three Moves
The idea
A wordy sentence is cut in three moves, checked in order. First, delete any word or phrase that repeats a meaning already given. Second, replace filler phrases with single words, and weak verb-and-noun pairs with action verbs. Third, if the sentence opens with there is, there are or it is, move the real subject to the front. After each move, reread to confirm the meaning is unchanged.
In practice
Worked example: "There are many volunteers who, in light of the fact that they care, give assistance to the shelter each and every week." First, each and every says one thing twice: each week. Second, in light of the fact that becomes because, and give assistance to becomes help. Third, move volunteers to the front. Result: "Many volunteers help the shelter each week because they care." Twenty-two words became ten, and no fact was lost.
Where people slip
The moves can come in any order, but the reread cannot be skipped. A cut that changes who did what, or drops a fact, is an error, however tight the result.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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