<p>I am a pretty good writer, but it can be difficult for me to decipher grammatical errors. What kinds of grammar will I encounter on the ACT? Any tips with the sentence completions?</p>
<p>Hello, I can honestly say that you CAN do this section. This is TRULY the easiest section on the test. It's practically giving you points. This is about the only section in which I do well. Think about it this way. You already know English grammar, now it's just a matter of using what you already know.</p>
<p>For example, do you know what commas are used for?</p>
<p>Owner and cook (,<em>) Sam Johnson (,</em>) started the business. Would you use a comma here? No, because think about it. Commas are used when you want to pause. Would the sentence sound correct if you said: Owner and cook started the business. The answer is no. That's why SAM JOHNSON is essential to the sentence.</p>
<p>However, take a look at this sentence (from the big ACT book):</p>
<p>Glory Foods' president and founder, Bill Williams, explains the unusual slogan...</p>
<p>Here, BILL WILLIAMS is giving us a little "lagniappe" as we say in New Orleans. This means "a little something extra." If you took that out of the sentence, it'd be perfectly fine. So, in this case, the commas ARE necessary.</p>
<p>So, just listen to what sounds right to you. Make sure you pay attention to pronouns.</p>
<p>For example, if they say: The National Government in China wanted to help all ____(their/its) citizens.</p>
<p>Look at this, who wants to help? The Gov. wants to help. So, it's going to be IT. Because the Government is one thing.</p>
<p>Finally, the last thing I'd like to point out is when they give you TWO words that mean the same thing.</p>
<p>For example, John was famous and well-known.</p>
<p>If you are famous, you are also WELL KNOWN. So, this words mean the same thing. So, just chose the choice that gives you one of these.</p>
<p>It's kind of like saying: He is smart and intelligent. Doesn't smart mean intelligent? That's why this section is easy. It tests you on these very simple concepts.</p>
<p>The English test is basically filled with things like this. Trust your ear. It wouldn't hurt to read about some punctuation marks and find out why they are used.</p>
<p>The next types of questions deal with your ability to see what is important or not. This is easy. As you are reading the passage remember what you are reading. This isn't the reading test, you can actually take your time with this one. (I always finish 5 mins early). If you comprehend what you read, the questions are literally GIFTS. They are very easy. The right answer is usually VERY obvious. Normally, the other 3 choices don't have anything to do with the passage. A question might say, where does sentence 4 sound better. Well, if sentence 4 is an explanation of "something," shouldn't it come after the sentence that introduces what that "something" is?</p>
<p>Don't worry, this section is a "blessing in disguise." Just read, calm down, and do your best.</p>
<p>Practice as much as you can and ask your teachers too!</p>
<p>Hope this helped,</p>
<p>--Andr</p>
<p>Great advice, I'll keep it in mind! Thanks! I won't be taking the test until April, so I have a lot of time and school vacations to study the material. :)</p>