ACT English Sentence Structure Sentence Combining Joining Two Sentences Most Effectively

What This Is and Why It Matters for the ACT

Sentence Structure — Sentence Combining: Joining Two Sentences Most Effectively is a crucial skill for the ACT English section. It appears on every English test, accounting for 50% of the total score. This topic typically requires Intermediate difficulty.

Key Concepts (What You Must Know)

• Sentence combining is the process of joining two or more simple sentences into a single complex sentence.
• Independent clauses are complete sentences that can stand alone.
• Dependent clauses are incomplete sentences that rely on an independent clause to complete their meaning.
• Subordination is the process of making a dependent clause dependent on an independent clause.

Step-by-Step Strategy for This Topic

1. Read the underlined portion carefully to identify the type of sentence combining used.
2. Identify the independent and dependent clauses to determine the correct relationship between them.
3. Check for parallel structure by ensuring that the verb and subject of each clause are parallel.
4. Eliminate options that change the meaning of the original sentence.
5. Choose the option that maintains the original meaning and uses the correct sentence combining technique.

⚠️ Don't assume the underlined portion is the only error; read the entire sentence to identify potential mistakes.

How It’s Tested on the ACT

English: A sentence or passage with an underlined portion, requiring you to identify the correct sentence combining technique.
Math: Not applicable.
Reading: Not applicable.
Science: Not applicable.

Common Mistakes & Exam Traps

1. The mistake: Changing the meaning of the original sentence.
   Why it happens: Misreading the underlined portion or misunderstanding the sentence combining technique.
   How to avoid it: Read the entire sentence carefully and identify the correct relationship between the independent and dependent clauses.
2. The mistake: Failing to check for parallel structure.
   Why it happens: Rushing through the question or misunderstanding the concept of parallel structure.
   How to avoid it: Take your time and carefully check for parallel structure in each clause.
3. The mistake: Choosing an option that uses the wrong sentence combining technique.
   Why it happens: Misunderstanding the concept of sentence combining or failing to read the underlined portion carefully.
   How to avoid it: Read the underlined portion carefully and identify the correct sentence combining technique.
4. The mistake: Failing to eliminate options that change the meaning of the original sentence.
   Why it happens: Rushing through the question or failing to read the entire sentence carefully.
   How to avoid it: Take your time and carefully read the entire sentence to identify potential mistakes.
5. The mistake: Not considering the context of the sentence.
   Why it happens: Failing to read the entire passage or misunderstanding the context of the sentence.
   How to avoid it: Read the entire passage carefully and consider the context of the sentence when making your choice.
6. The mistake: Not using the correct punctuation.
   Why it happens: Failing to understand the rules of punctuation or rushing through the question.
   How to avoid it: Take your time and carefully read the underlined portion to ensure the correct punctuation is used.

Practice Questions (3-5 questions)

Question 1:
The new policy will A / B / C / D / E require all students to wear a uniform.
Options: A) improve, B) require, C) make, D) allow, E) permit Answer: B Explanation: The correct answer is B) require, as it maintains the original meaning of the sentence and uses the correct sentence combining technique.

Question 2:
The company will A / B / C / D / E expand its operations to include a new market.
Options: A) expand, B) make, C) allow, D) permit, E) require Answer: A Explanation: The correct answer is A) expand, as it maintains the original meaning of the sentence and uses the correct sentence combining technique.

Question 3:
The new law will A / B / C / D / E increase the tax rate on all citizens.
Options: A) increase, B) make, C) allow, D) permit, E) require Answer: A Explanation: The correct answer is A) increase, as it maintains the original meaning of the sentence and uses the correct sentence combining technique.

Quick Reference Card (60-Second Summary)

• Independent clauses are complete sentences that can stand alone.
• Dependent clauses are incomplete sentences that rely on an independent clause to complete their meaning.
• Subordination is the process of making a dependent clause dependent on an independent clause.
• Parallel structure is essential for maintaining the original meaning of the sentence.
• Read the underlined portion carefully to identify the type of sentence combining used.
• Take your time to carefully read the entire sentence and eliminate options that change the meaning.
• Use the correct punctuation to maintain the original meaning of the sentence.

If You Get Stuck on Test Day

• Eliminate options that change the meaning of the original sentence.
• Take a deep breath and carefully read the underlined portion to identify the correct sentence combining technique.
• Skip the question if you're unsure and come back to it later.

Related ACT Topics

• Parallel Structure: The process of using the same grammatical structure for two or more clauses.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: The process of ensuring that the subject and verb of a sentence agree in number and person.
• Punctuation: The use of marks to separate and clarify the meaning of a sentence.