ACT English Practice Test 42

The following paragraphs may or may not be in the most logical order. You may be asked questions about the logical order of the paragraphs, as well as where to place sentences logically within any given paragraph.

Care with Cards

[1]

Does anyone have a real hobby anymore? I must admit I was disheartened when my brother, younger by 10 years, didn’t want to go into the sports card shop with me. We went to a department store instead. Q1 Every boy which I have known Q2 as a kid had a box in his room, brimming, Q3 with cards. Some boys were into basketball and football cards, but my passion was for baseball cards. I couldn’t believe the shocked look on my brother’s face when he saw some of the expensive offerings in the shop’s window display. He just couldn’t appreciate the history behind the cards and the care taken to preserve them over the decades. For him, no piece of cardboard are Q4 worth any sum of money. He would rather have a video screen to distract him.

[2]

[1] I appreciate the arguments in favor of television, video games, and other electronic entertainment. Q5 [2] The technology is dynamic and, for the most part, Q6 engaging. [3] There’s indeed something for everyone. [4] I also believe, however, that these new forms of entertainment have taken time away from “unplugged” fun. [5] A good hands-on hobby should be an important part of any childhood. Q7 [6] Instead of simple story books, toddlers have interactive learning computers that read for them. [7] When children aren’t watching satellite television, they have console games to entertain them. [8] It seems to me that more and more of the joys of childhood are being lost to the allure of the video screen.

[3]

Building a sports card collection is a rewarding endeavor for children and adults alike that is fun for everyone. Q8 It teaches quality lessons, such as patience and organization. For young fingers, it develops a careful touch. I remember how hard I tried to slide each card into a plastic sleeve without damaging the delicate corners of the card. Nearly all Q9 weekend, there was a card show at the local mall where I learned to bargain and trade for all the cards that I needed to fill the gaps in my collection. Although I very much enjoyed spending time alone looking at the cards, I often shared Q10 the experience with others. Card collecting is a social activity too encouraging Q11 the old and young to swap cards and stories. Today’s electronic entertainment, however, keeps people apart and does little to benefit developing minds. The video screen silences spectators as it holds their attention to the screen. Q12 Television and video games deliver instant gratification. Tune a channel or insert a disc and off you go. Hours and hours of sedentary satisfaction are at their Q13 fingertips!

[4]

I am concerned that this trend toward electronics will lead to less physical activity and make the fun in life effortless and instant Q14 available. The younger generation needs to know that pleasure can also come from a hobby that demands patience, care, hard work, and concentration. Q15