ACT Preparation / Unit 5 ACT 0412 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Choosing the Strongest Support
The idea
When a question asks which choice best supports a claim, work in three steps. First, restate the claim exactly, including any limits such as most, some or since. Second, for each choice, ask whether it proves that exact claim, or only something near it. Third, among those that prove it, prefer the one that is specific: a figure, a named example, a direct observation.
In practice
Worked example: the claim is "The bike lanes made the street safer." Choice one: "Many residents enjoy biking." That concerns enjoyment, not safety. Choice two: "The lanes are painted bright green." A feature, not a result. Choice three: "Crashes on the street fell from twelve to three in the first year." Specific, and it proves safety. Choice four: "Safety is important to everyone." True, but it proves nothing about this street. Choice three is the support.
Where people slip
The wrong choices here were all on topic. Being about bike lanes is not the test; proving the claim is.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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