ACT (Enhanced)EnglishHard
A student is writing an argumentative essay about the benefits of community gardening. They want to introduce a piece of evidence from a scientific study to support their claim that gardening improves mental health. Where in the following sentence would be the most effective place to insert the evidence: 'Community gardening offers numerous benefits, _______________, fostering both social connection and personal well-being.'
- AAfter 'personal well-being'
- BAt the very end of the sentence
- CAfter 'benefits'
- DAfter 'social connection'
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. After 'benefits'
Placing the evidence after 'numerous benefits' (Option A) allows the reader to immediately see the empirical support for the general claim before the specific benefits (social connection, personal well-being) are elaborated. This strategic placement strengthens the initial assertion. Inserting it later would interrupt the flow or make the evidence seem less foundational.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Placing it here would narrowly link the evidence only to 'personal well-being,' not the broader 'numerous benefits.'
- B. Placing it at the very end would make the evidence feel like an afterthought rather than foundational support for the main claim.
- D. Placing it here would narrowly link the evidence only to 'social connection,' potentially weakening its support for overall benefits.
Strategic Evidence Placement
The deliberate decision of where to insert supporting evidence within a sentence or paragraph to maximize its impact, clarity, and persuasive power.
- Place evidence to immediately support a claim.
- Avoid separating evidence too far from its claim.
- Consider if evidence is broad support or specific illustration.
Memory trick: Place Evidence Precisely, Powerfully, Promptly.