SAT Writing : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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Example Question #171 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
Its extremely difficult to win a game of chess if you don't plan your moves carefully.
Its extremely difficult
Its extreme difficult
Its' extremely difficult
It's extremely difficult
Its's extremely difficult
It's extremely difficult
“It’s” is a contraction meaning it is. “Its” indicates possession when using the third person pronoun it. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "It's extremely difficult"
Example Question #172 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
I am won't to take long walks in the evening, it is one of my favorite ways to end a long day.
I am wont to take long walks in the evening...
I am won't to take long walks in the evening;
I am wont to take long walks in the evening,
I am won't to take long walks in the evening,
I am won't to take long walks in the evening:
I am wont to take long walks in the evening,
The word "wont" means something entirely different from the word "won't," which is a contraction of the words "will" and "not." "Wont" refers to a personal habit or habits. The former is clearly what should be in the sentence above, and as such, the best way to correct the underlined portion reads "I am wont to take long walks in the evening,"
Example Question #173 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
I cant win with my parents lately: they are constantly disappointed in me.
I can't win with my parents lately:
I can't win with my parents lately,
I cant not win with my parents lately:
I cant win with my parents lately:
I cant win with my parents lately;
I can't win with my parents lately:
The word "cant" means something entirely different from the word "can't," which is a contraction of the words "can" and "not." "Cant" refers to hypocritical language or statements. The latter is clearly what should be in the sentence above, and as such, the best way to correct the underlined portion should read, "I can't win with my parents lately:"
Example Question #174 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
The generals battle plan ruined, the army had to retreat back through the horrid fog.
The general's battle plan ruined,
The generals's battle plans ruined,
The generals battle plans' ruined,
The generals battle plan ruined,
The generals' battle plan's ruined;
The general's battle plan ruined,
In the example sentence, it is clear from the context that the intent is to indicate the "general's" (singular) possession (in that it was his idea) of the "battle plan," not to indicate that there are multiple "generals." While it is possible that there could have been many generals, it is important to realize that the sentence is grammatically incoherent unless possession is indicated.
Example Question #175 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
All three of the boy's mothers were extremely worried about their whereabouts.
All three of the boys' mothers
All three of the boy's mothers
All three of the boy's mothers'
All three of the boys mothers
All three of the boy's mother's
All three of the boys' mothers
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession; if the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "All three of the boys' mothers"
Example Question #51 : Correcting Apostrophe Errors
The young mans' life had utterly fallen apart in the wake of his terrible crimes.
The young mans life had utterly
The young man's life had utterly
The young man's life have utterly
The young mans' life had utter
The young mans' life had utterly
The young man's life had utterly
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession; if the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. The sentence best way to correct the underlined portion above is "The young man's life had utterly"
Example Question #174 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
It's very hard for me to understand why a person would treat his or her dog like that.
Its really hard for me to understand
Its very hard for me too understand,
Its real hard for me to understand
Its very hard for me to understand
It's very hard for me to understand
It's very hard for me to understand
“It’s” is a contraction meaning it is. “Its” indicates possession when using the third person pronoun it. The sentence is correct as written.
Example Question #175 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
The mens soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament, but they did play their best.
The mens's soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament,
The men's soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament,
The man's soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament;
The young mans' soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament;
The mens soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament,
The men's soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament,
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession; if the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "The mens' soccer team was unsuccessful at their tournament,"
Example Question #176 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
A single flocks' survival very often depends on its lead goose.
A single flocks surviving
A single flock's survival
A single flocks survival
A single flocks' survival
A single flocks's survival
A single flock's survival
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession; if the noun ends in "s" then the apostrophe should follow the "s." If the noun does not end in "s" then add an "s" after the apostrophe. "Flock," although it refers to a group of many birds, is a singular noun. The best way to correct the sentence above is: "A single flock's survival"
Example Question #177 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
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.
It was all over for Mr. Fisk: the jury had rendered it's verdict and he was going to go to jail.
had rendered it's verdict and he was going to jail.
have rendered its verdict and he was going to go to jail.
had rendered it's verdict and he was gonna go to jail.
have rendered it's verdict and he was going to go to jail.
had rendered its verdict and he was going to go to jail.
had rendered its verdict and he was going to go to jail.
“It’s” is a contraction meaning it is. “Its” indicates possession when using the third person pronoun it. Although a jury is composed of many people, in this case they are acting as a unit. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "had rendered its verdict and he was going to go to jail."
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