Strategy questions ask whether a sentence should be added, revised, or deleted based on the passage's purpose and focus.
When to Add
Add a sentence if it:
- Provides relevant supporting evidence.
- Transitions between ideas.
- Fulfils the stated purpose (e.g., "emphasise the contrast").
When to Delete
Delete a sentence if it:
- Is off-topic or irrelevant to the paragraph's focus.
- Is redundant (repeats something already stated).
- Disrupts the logical flow.
When to Revise
Revise when the sentence's idea is relevant but the wording doesn't match the goal.
Question Formats
- "Should the writer add this sentence?" — Yes/No with a reason.
- "Which choice most effectively accomplishes the goal?"
- "If the writer deleted this sentence, the paragraph would primarily lose..." — Choose what's lost.
Strategy
- Read the sentence in context.
- Determine the paragraph's main focus.
- Ask: "Does this sentence support, distract from, or repeat the focus?"
- Match your answer to the reason given.
ACT Tips
- The reason matters as much as Yes/No. Even if you answer Yes correctly, choose the reason that actually explains why.
- Off-topic = delete. Relevant support = keep. Redundant = delete.
Practice Problems
- A paragraph about climate change includes a sentence about the author's vacation. Keep or delete?
- "Should the writer add a sentence about the study's methodology at this point?" — Consider whether it supports the paragraph's focus.
Want to check your answers and get step-by-step solutions?
Key Takeaways
Add if relevant and supportive. Delete if off-topic or redundant.
Match the reason to your answer.
Always consider the paragraph's main purpose.