Question About the Paragraph's Purpose
Question
Which choice most effectively introduces a paragraph that goes on to describe three benefits of the new bridge?
Answer choices
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the opening day.
- The bridge took three years to construct.
- Many residents had been skeptical of the bridge proposal.
- The new bridge has reshaped daily life on both sides of the river.
D Correct answer: D) The new bridge has reshaped daily life on both sides of the river.
"The new bridge has reshaped daily life on both sides of the river" sets up a discussion of impacts (which the question tells us will be benefits). The other options introduce topics the paragraph never returns to.
The other options either introduce a grammatical error or change the intended meaning. The ACT consistently rewards the most concise, grammatically correct option.
Read the sentence with each option substituted in. The version that preserves meaning while obeying the underlying rule is the correct answer; on the ACT, that is almost always the shortest option that still works.
The underlying rule
A paragraph-introduction question asks which sentence sets up what is actually about to be discussed. If the paragraph lists benefits, the introduction must signal that benefits are coming.
Why each wrong answer is wrong
- A) A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the opening day.: This option introduces a topic (construction time, skepticism, ceremony) that does not lead into a list of benefits.
- B) The bridge took three years to construct.: This option introduces a topic (construction time, skepticism, ceremony) that does not lead into a list of benefits.
- C) Many residents had been skeptical of the bridge proposal.: This option introduces a topic (construction time, skepticism, ceremony) that does not lead into a list of benefits.
Study tip
On any "introduces a paragraph that..." question, the answer is the sentence that points forward to what the paragraph actually discusses. Re-read the paragraph if needed before picking.
More Easy Rhetorical Skills
- Choosing the Best TransitionThe new bridge opened to traffic in March. Furthermore, commute times across the ri
- "Should the Writer Add..." QuestionThe author is considering adding the following sentence: "The bridge was designed by an ar
- Question About the Paragraph's PurposeWhich choice most effectively introduces a paragraph that goes on to describe three benefi
- Matching ToneThe committee found the proposal to be totally bonkers and rejected it unanimously.
- Best Sentence to Achieve a GoalWhich choice best supports the writer's claim that the bridge improved local business?