SAT Writing : Identifying Sentence Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #76 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas
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 need the following items from Target: a pencil; a notepad and a backpack.
I need the following items from Target a pencil a notepad, and a backpack.
I need the following items from Target: a pencil a notepad and, a backpack.
I need the following items from Target: a pencil a notepad, and a backpack.
I need the following items from Target: a pencil, a notepad, and a backpack.
I need the following items from Target: a pencil a notepad and a backpack.
I need the following items from Target: a pencil, a notepad, and a backpack.
Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. The sentence above uses just one semicolon, which is both an incorrect choice of punctuation mark, and insufficient in number. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "I need the following items from Target: a pencil, a notepad, and a backpack."
Example Question #79 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas
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 would like for you to call your mother take out the trash and walk the dog within the next hour.
I would like for you to call your mother take out the trash and walk the dog within the next hour.
I would like for you to: call your mother, take out the trash, and walk the dog, within the next hour.
I would like for you to: call your mother, take out the trash, and walk the dog within the next hour.
I would like for you to call your mother take out the trash, and walk the dog within the next hour.
I would like for you to call your mother, take out the trash, and walk the dog within the next hour.
I would like for you to call your mother, take out the trash, and walk the dog within the next hour.
Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, I would like for you to call your mother, take out the trash, and walk the dog within the next hour.
Example Question #231 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Few people have the skills to play professional sports, being deficient in jumping running, or leaping ability.
in jumping running or leaping ability.
for jumping running, or leaping ability.
through jumping running, or leaping ability.
in jumping running, or leaping ability.
in jumping, running, or leaping ability.
in jumping, running, or leaping ability.
The only problem with the underlined portion of the sentence is that the list mentioned has a poorly punctuated series, or list of items. All such lists need to be separated out in some fashion, usually by commas. Thus, "in jumping, running, or leaping ability" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #231 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
There three things I enjoy the most are: spending time with my dog, reading great books, enjoying the outdoors. No error
reading great books, enjoying the outdoors.
most are:
There three things I
spending time with my dog
No error
reading great books, enjoying the outdoors.
Every time there is a list of three or items in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. The second and third items of the list must always be separated by a comma, or a conjunction and a comma. The conjunction is missing from between the second and third items in the list above, and this should be corrected.
Example Question #241 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Finally the teacher returned our papers, and despite our initial worries, we discovered all of us had received passing marks. No error
Finally the teacher
Despite
worries, we
all of us
No error
Finally the teacher
Here, "finally" is considered an introductory word, so it must be followed by a comma: "Finally, the teacher . . ."
Example Question #241 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If you decide to go to the beach make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin! No error
to the beach make sure
If you decide
No error
to wear
to protect your skin!
to the beach make sure
The phrase "If you decide to go to the beach" is an introductory phrase, and all introductory phrases need to be set apart from the rest of the sentence by a comma. So, after being corrected, the sentence would read, "If you decide to go to the beach, make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin!"
Example Question #33 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Daisy and her sister, Margot, shared a large family but a special relationship; even among their numerous older and younger sisters, Margot, and Daisy had a special bond. No error
sisters, Margot, and
her sister, Margot,
among
relationship; even
No error
sisters, Margot, and
Because the sentence states that Margot is not Daisy's only sister, the commas and which frame her name in "their numerous older and younger sisters, Margot, and Daisy" are incorrect. The comma that sets apart Margot's name at the beginning of the sentence ("Daisy and her sister, Margot, shared") is correctly used, because here, Margot is being specified as Daisy's sister in an appositive phrase that renames "her sister" as "Margot."
Example Question #242 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite disinterest in school elections, the majority of the students voted Shindra the treasurer, president of the student government. No error
No error
elections, the
student government
Shindra the treasurer,
Despite disinterest
Shindra the treasurer,
"The treasurer" here is an appositive: it renames or restates Shindra in different words, and it should be surrounded with commas. The correct sentence should be: "the students voted Shindra, the treasurer, president . . ."
Example Question #242 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Istanbul, despite being an old city has recently been the site of major commercial developments hoping to bring international business to the country. No error
despite being an old city
Instanbul, despite
to bring international business
No error
developments hoping
despite being an old city
Here "despite being an old city" needs to be separated by the main clause by two commas, not just one.
Example Question #243 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
At the insistence of the manager, the entire team dropped the project immediately; the project leader however, continued her work without interruption. No error
manager, the entire team
At the insistence
without interruption
leader however,
immediately; the
leader however,
The word "however" here is considered a non-essential phrase: it can be removed, leaving a complete sentence. So it must be surrounded with commas: "The project leader, however, continued . . ."
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