SAT Writing : Identifying Agreement Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #151 : Identifying Agreement Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.

Nikki and Reena hope to become the world's most famous dancer some day. No error

Possible Answers:

dancer

No error

most

hope

world's

Correct answer:

dancer

Explanation:

Since there are two people in the sentence, they cannot become one single dancer. Since "Nikki and Reena" are connected with "and," and are not separated into individual grammatical units by another conjunction the word "dancer" must be changed to "dancers" so that both nouns agree.

Example Question #152 : Identifying Agreement Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.

When a manager is sick, they should call Lisa in the Human Resources Department. No error

Possible Answers:

they

manager

is sick

No error

in

Correct answer:

they

Explanation:

Since the subject, "manager," is singular, the pronoun should be he or she, not they. "They" refers to a subject that is plural. The noun and pronoun in the sentence do not agree.

Example Question #153 : Identifying Agreement Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.

Each individual has their right to the freedom of speech and expression according to the Constitution. No error

Possible Answers:

their

Each

according to

No error

freedom

Correct answer:

their

Explanation:

Since the subject of the sentence is "each individual," the pronoun should be "his or her." "Their" refers to a large group, not individuals within that group, thus the noun and pronoun do not agree.

Example Question #154 : Identifying Agreement Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.

Every time a medical student has the opportunity to treat a patient, their self esteem and confidence levels increase. No error

Possible Answers:

their

opportunity

No error

treat

medical student

Correct answer:

their

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is "student," which is singular; however the pronoun is "their", which is plural. "Their" should be replaced with "his or her" so that it agrees with the singular noun.

Example Question #155 : Identifying Agreement Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.

A geese has a long neck and is considered to be a wild animal. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

to be

geese

a long

is considered

Correct answer:

geese

Explanation:

Geese is the plural form of goose. The word "geese" should be replaced by "goose". This is because the rest of the sentence is in singular form, particularly words such as neck and animal. Also, because the singular article "a" is used, this also necessitates the singular form "goose."

Example Question #156 : Identifying Agreement Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.

All of Kevin's tarantulas laid its eggs on Monday. No error

Possible Answers:

tarantulas

No error

on

of

its

Correct answer:

its

Explanation:

There are multiple tarantulas described in the sentence since the word "all" is used. Therefore, the sentence should read All of Kevin's tarantulas laid "their" eggs on Monday. "Its" is incorrect because it is referring to a single tarantula.

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