Question

The following sentence was taken from an ACT English section. Choose the option that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the sentence as a whole. If you think the original version is best, choose 'No Change.' As the first of my friends to own a home, I have always admired Mark.

1) No Change
2) And I have always admired Mark.
3) Is Mark, whom I have always admired.
4) Mark is someone I have always admired.

Answer 1

The best option is 'Mark is someone I have always admired' because it provides a clear and grammatically correct structure that shows admiration without confusing it with being the first to own a home.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question requires choosing the option that best expresses the idea and conforms to standard written English. The sentence, 'As the first of my friends to own a home, I have always admired Mark,' seems to imply that admiring Mark is a result of being the first home owner among friends, which does not quite make sense. Therefore, the best option would be Option 4: 'Mark is someone I have always admired.' This option clearly states that the speaker has always admired Mark and connects this admiration to the subject 'Mark'. It avoids the confusion of linking home ownership to the reason for admiration and therefore is the most coherent and grammatically correct construction.