ACT · English · Production of Writing

Organization, Unity, and Cohesion

Organization, Unity, and Cohesion is part of Production of Writing in the ACT English section. The questions below are written in the style of the real test, each with the answer and a worked explanation.

Question types you will see here include should this sentence be added?, should this sentence be deleted?, choose the transition and most effective paragraph introduction.

Common traps: yes, with a reason that misdescribes the sentence; no, claiming it is irrelevant when it actually supports the paragraph; a reason that is true of the sentence but unrelated to the passage's focus.

Sample questions

Question 1
The desert appears lifeless during the day. Therefore, dozens of species emerge to feed after sunset.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  For example
- C.
  However
- D.
  Additionally
Answer: C. However
The second sentence presents information that contrasts with or runs counter to the first. "However" signals this relationship. The other choices signal relationships (therefore, additionally, for example) that do not fit the logic of the two sentences.
Question 2
The actor rehearsed her lines for weeks. For instance, she forgot several of them on opening night.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  As a result
- C.
  Nevertheless
- D.
  In addition
Answer: C. Nevertheless
The second sentence presents information that contrasts with or runs counter to the first. "Nevertheless" signals this relationship. The other choices signal relationships (as a result, in addition, for instance) that do not fit the logic of the two sentences.
Question 3
The canal shortened the voyage between the two oceans by thousands of miles. For instance, shipping costs on the route fell dramatically.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  Similarly
- C.
  As a result
- D.
  Even so
Answer: C. As a result
The second sentence describes a consequence of the situation in the first. "As a result" signals this relationship. The other choices signal relationships (even so, for instance, similarly) that do not fit the logic of the two sentences.
Question 4
Wetlands filter pollutants out of runoff. Even so, they absorb excess water during storms.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  For example
- C.
  Additionally
- D.
  Therefore
Answer: C. Additionally
The second sentence adds another, parallel point supporting the same idea as the first. "Additionally" signals this relationship. The other choices signal relationships (even so, therefore, for example) that do not fit the logic of the two sentences.
Question 5
The students drafted their research questions in September. Even so, they spent October collecting survey data.
Which choice is best for the underlined portion? If the original is best, choose NO CHANGE.
- A.
  NO CHANGE
- B.
  For instance
- C.
  Afterward
- D.
  That is
Answer: C. Afterward
The second sentence describes what happened after the event in the first. "Afterward" signals this relationship. The other choices signal relationships (even so, for instance, that is) that do not fit the logic of the two sentences.

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