PSAT Writing : PSAT Writing Skills
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Today, psychotherapy is one of the only treatments that has been shown to help treat, but even help prevent, most psychological disorders.
help treat and prevent, most
help treat and even prevent most
help treat, but even prevent, most
help treat and prevent, most
help treating and preventing
help treat and even prevent most
The best way to rephrase "help treat, but even help prevent, most psychological disorders" is "help treat and even prevent most psychological disorders." Commas can be used to denote an interrupting phrase, which is an idea connected to the main idea but not necessary to the understanding of the main idea of the sentence. For example, an interrupting clause may provide additional information about the main idea or a qualification (using "but" or "however"). In this example, the idea that psychotherapy can help prevent psychological disorders is part of the main idea of the sentence, so it does not have to be separated from the remainder of the sentence by commas.
Example Question #1 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
In the future, not Ellen and not Marcia are allowed to go outside without asking the teacher for permission.
neither Ellen nor Marcia are allowed
neither Ellen and Marcia are allowed
not Ellen and not Marcia is allowed
not Ellen and not Marcia are allowed
neither Ellen nor Marcia is allowed
neither Ellen nor Marcia is allowed
The correct form for this sentence is "neither . . . nor." In addition, "neither . . .nor" leads to use of the singular form "is" rather than "are."
Example Question #3 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Teaching is a profession which can present many unforeseen challenges.
profession that may be presenting
profession, that can present
profession which can present
profession, but can present
profession that can present
profession that can present
The comma is excessive and causes problems with the logic of the sentence. “Which” usually requires a comma before it and follows a fact, assertion, or statement. The sentence's use of "which" doesn't come after a comma, so it should be changed to "that."
Example Question #1 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The United States is one of just a few countries in the world which continues to use the British system of measurement.
which continues using the British system of measurement.
which continues to use the british system of measurement.
which continues to use the British system of measurement.
that continues using the british system of measurement.
that continues to use the British system of measurement.
that continues to use the British system of measurement.
This sentence requires use of “that” because the United States is a country (e.g., a noun). Also, “British” must be capitalized because it is a nationality.
Example Question #11 : Subordinating Conjunction Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Because the giant squid is an elusive creature rarely seen by humans, scientists are beginning to gain a better understanding of the creature by studying it using remote cameras.
Although
Because
Since
Considering
As
Although
The sentence is trying to explain that in spite of the giant squid's elusiveness, scientists are finding new ways of studying it. The sentence therefore is trying to contrast two ideas, as opposed to showing causation with the word "because." The only answer choice that uses a contrasting conjunction is "Although," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #13 : Subordinating Conjunction Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Prisons are a relatively recent phenomenon in world history, because exorbitant costs.
because they have exorbitant costs.
exorbitant costs.
because exorbitant cost.
because exorbitant costs of prisons.
because exorbitant costs.
because they have exorbitant costs.
The underlined phrase, a separate clause further explaining the first half of the sentence, does not work as a complet sentence. In order to appropriately fit after "because," the phrase needs to be turned into a complete thought. "Because they had exorbitant costs" is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #14 : Subordinating Conjunction Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Some prescription drugs can produce dangerous interactions when combined with other chemicals, and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
so you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
although you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
but you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
and you should always be telling your physician about any medications you take at home.
and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
so you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
This sentence contains an error in its logic of cause and effect. The first part of the sentence is the reason for the advice offered in the second part. So, you should change "and" to a word that demonstrates the cause-and-effect relationship. Do not add a contrast word like "but" or "although" unless the sentence includes some sort of contradiction or opposition.
Example Question #1011 : Psat Writing Skills
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Portraits painted during the Renaissance reveal a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than the Middle Ages.
reveal a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than did the Middle Ages
reveals a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than the Middle Ages
reveal a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than the Middle Ages
has revealed a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than the Middle Ages
reveal a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than those painted during the Middle Ages
reveal a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than those painted during the Middle Ages
The original text contains a faulty compaison. It compares portraits painted during the Renaissance to the time period of the Middle Ages. Instead, portraits should be compared to other portraits. The only answer choice that correcly makes this comparison is "reveal a stricter adherence to the principles of realism than those painted during the Middle Ages."
Example Question #1012 : Psat Writing Skills
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Every morning, the celebrated composer liked to make a pot of tea, sit down by the window, and began work on his symphony.
window, to begin work on his symphony
window; he began work on his symphony
window, and begin work on his symphony
window, and began work on his symphony.
window, and beginning to work on his symphony
window, and begin work on his symphony
The original sentence does not follow employ parallel structure within the list of things that the composer does every morning. To make it consistent, each verb should be an infinitive ("to make . . . sit . . . begin"). None of the other answers fit into that pattern.
Example Question #1013 : Psat Writing Skills
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The lightweight champion boxer may not have the brute strength of heavyweight fighters, but he makes up for it with ferocity and being quick.
fighters, but he makes up for it with ferocity and being quick.
fighters, but he makes up for it with ferocity and quickness.
fighters; but he makes up for it with ferocity and being quick.
fighters, and he makes up for it with ferocity and being quick.
fighters, but they make up for it with ferocity and being quick.
fighters, but he makes up for it with ferocity and quickness.
This sentence contains an error in parallelism. The listed attributes "ferocity" and "being quick" should be phrased the same way. Changing "being quick" to "quickness" fixes this.
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