SAT Writing : Analyzing, Combining, and Moving Content

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

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Example Question #2582 : Sat Writing

(1) During the 1960s, many directors from Czechoslovakia contributed to a film movement called "Czechoslovak New Wave." (2) This period is often considered to be the golden age of Czechoslovak cinema. (3) These films often used improvised dialogue rather than a script and featured many non-professional actors. (4) The directors from this period wished to capture the authentic experience of living in Czechoslovakia at the time. (5) However, a series of new censorship laws introduced by the Communist Party in 1968 halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors to flee to America.

How can the significance of Sentence 3 to the overall paragraph best be described?

Possible Answers:

The sentence indicates which filmmakers in particular contributed the most significantly to Czechoslovak New Wave.

The sentence shows how Czechoslovak New Wave contributed to the political history of Czechoslovakia.

The sentence demonstrates the filmmaking methods used in Czechoslovak New Wave that set the movement apart in the history of cinema.

The sentence defends the elements of Czechoslovak New Wave that the Communist Party attempted to censor.

The sentence explains what elements of Czechoslovak New Wave we might be able to observe in modern American films.

Correct answer:

The sentence demonstrates the filmmaking methods used in Czechoslovak New Wave that set the movement apart in the history of cinema.

Explanation:

This explanation is the best because the others are illogical or insufficient.

Example Question #131 : New Sat

The Moluccas is a chain, or archetype, of islands belonging to Indonesia. Historically, these islands were known as the Spice Islands for their abundance of nutmeg, cloves, mace, and pepper, this profundity of spices eventually drew colonial attention. Spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, anise, and pepper were particularly popular during the medieval times. In the 1600s, the Spice Wars arose as a result of competing Portuguese and Dutch interest’s in the Spice Islands. The bloody conflict ended in the deaths of many native Moluccans as well as European traders, wherefore both Portugal and the Netherlands gained and lost territories ranging from Africa and South America. For this day, strife occasionally breaks out on the islands although it is now motivated by religious and not colonial disagreements. It is located just west of New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean, and its more than 1,000 islands are home to more than 2 million people today.

What is the relationship between the two underlined sentences?

Possible Answers:

Both sentences discuss historical conflicts in the island related to colonialism

The first sentence provides historical context about conflict in the islands, the second transitions into a discussion of modern conflict on the islands, and the way in which the motivations for such conflict differ

The first sentence introduces the idea of conflict, and what might motivate it, and the second elaborates on the actual conflicts that have, in fact, occurred

The two sentences are not related, the second sentence should be moved

The first sentence outlines the reason for modern conflicts in the islands, the second transitions into a discussion of historical, colonial conflicts fought in the same area

Correct answer:

The first sentence provides historical context about conflict in the islands, the second transitions into a discussion of modern conflict on the islands, and the way in which the motivations for such conflict differ

Explanation:

These two sentences are, obviously, grammatically independent from one another, but in terms of the context and logical flow of the paragraph, the first outlines historical conflicts, and then discusses modern conflicts. The two sentences thus, taken in concert, outline the history of conflict (and the motivations thereof) in the islands. This question required an accurate reading of both sentences, and an understanding of their overall role in the paragraph. The key thing to note is that the historical context is established prior to a discussion of the modern motivations for conflict in the area.

Example Question #1 : Separating Sentences

(1) During the 1960s, many directors from Czechoslovakia contributed to a film movement called "Czechoslovak New Wave." (2) This period is often considered to be the golden age of Czechoslovak cinema. (3) These films often used improvised dialogue rather than a script and featured many non-professional actors. (4) The directors from this period wished to capture the authentic experience of living in Czechoslovakia at the time. (5) However, a series of new censorship laws introduced by the Communist Party in 1968 halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors to flee to America.

Which of the following is the best option for separating Sentence 5 into two sentences?

Possible Answers:

However, a series of new censorship laws introduced by the Communist Party in 1968. Halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors to flee to America.

However, a series of new censorship laws introduced by the Communist Party in 1968 halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors. To flee to America.

However, this halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors to flee to America. A series of new censorship laws were introduced by the Communist Party in 1968.

However, the Communist Party introduced a series of new censorship laws in 1968. This halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors to flee to America.

However, a series of new censorship laws. Introduced by the Communist Party in 1968, this halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors to flee to America.

Correct answer:

However, the Communist Party introduced a series of new censorship laws in 1968. This halted the movement and motivated several of the key directors to flee to America.

Explanation:

This answer is the only one with two complete sentences that logically follow one another.

Example Question #2 : Separating Sentences

1 Seaweed; a type of algae that’s a promising resource for the future. 2 It can be used with a fuel, medicine, fuel source, and even fertilizer. 3 Often being both farmed or foraged. 4 In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed, it is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert. 5 Medically, speaking derivatives of seaweed can be optimized in bandages, dental molds, and microbiology cultures. 6 Girls especially will squeal when they hear that seaweed’s components are used to make many pretty makeup products. 7 It should come as no surprise, then, that countries around the world are investing significant capital in seaweed research.

How should Sentence 4 be separated?

Possible Answers:

In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines. Are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed, it is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert.

In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines. Are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed. It is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert.

This sentence should not be separated.

In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines – among the world’s largest producers of seaweed – from sushi and bread to dessert.

In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed. It is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert.

Correct answer:

In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed. It is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert.

Explanation:

Sentence 4 contains two independent clauses incorrectly separated with a comma, so the two clauses must be broken apart.

Example Question #3 : Separating Sentences

1 Acoustics is a field of science that refers to the study of mechanical waves but it is best known for its relation to audible sound. 2 Acoustics has been a branch of human impunity since ancient Greece, Pythagoras investigated musical harmonies.3 Concert halls, headphones, car speakers: all are things that employ acoustical studies to electrocute listeners’ experiences. 4 Sound is not important to just humans; it allows birds, elephants, elk, and other animals to attract mates and defend their territories.

5 It benefits to understand sound waves and their behaviors, when engineers have this knowledge everyone from Roman amphitheaters to modern day punk rockers can enjoy a better listening experience.

How should Sentence 1 be separated?

Possible Answers:

Acoustics is a field of science. It refers to the study of mechanical waves but it is best known for its relation to audible sound.

Acoustics is a field of science that refers to the study of mechanical waves. However, it is best known for its relation to audible sound.

Acoustics is a field of science that refers to the study of mechanical waves but it is best known for something else. That is to say, its relation to audible sound.

Acoustics is a field of science that refers to the study of mechanical waves but it is best known for its relation to audible sound. (no change)

Acoustics is a field of science that refers to the study of mechanical waves. But it has always best been known for its relation to audible sound.

Correct answer:

Acoustics is a field of science that refers to the study of mechanical waves. However, it is best known for its relation to audible sound.

Explanation:

Because Sentence 1 is both long and an introductory sentence, the best choice is to break it up into two shorter, easier to grasp sentences. All of the other options either create sentence fragments or awkward sentences that do not transition smoothly from one to the next.

Example Question #4 : Separating Sentences

1 Lemon juice with cayenne pepper, cabbage soup, cookies, grapefruit. 2 What do these have in common?3 They are all key ingredients in recent fad diets; since these diets sound promising, few lead to any permanent weight loss.4 Some of the worst can even lead to health problems, such as, vitamin deficiencies or anemia. 5 Instead of being concerned with lasting weight loss, they are promoting radical changes that only last a short time. 6 Cutting out too many calories at once from your diet can lead to dizziness, heart palpitations, and even a slower metabolism.

7 Some thinkers suggest that fad diets are really a way for us to impose order on our chaotic world, hundreds of food choices, conflicting advice from various health experts. 8 So why diet at all?

How should Sentence 3 be separated?

Possible Answers:

All being key ingredients in recent fad diets. However, since these diets sound promising, few lead to any permanent weight loss.

They are all key ingredients in recent fad diets, since these diets sound promising, few lead to any permanent weight loss.

They are all key ingredients in recent fad diets; since these diets sound promising, few lead to any permanent weight loss. (no change)

They are all key ingredients in recent fad diets. Since these diets sound promising, few lead to any permanent weight loss.

With them all being key ingredients in recent fad diets. These diets sound promising, few lead to any permanent weight loss.

Correct answer:

They are all key ingredients in recent fad diets. Since these diets sound promising, few lead to any permanent weight loss.

Explanation:

The semicolon is already indicating that we have two independent clauses. Because the clauses are presenting fairly separate ideas, it’s best to break them apart even further and make them entirely distinct sentences.

Example Question #1 : Separating Sentences

Are you trying to stick to a budget? Using coupons for purchases, also known as “couponing,” is a great way to save money on groceries. Coupons are a little piece of paper that can give you a discount on what you buy. You will be amazed at the great bargains and amazing savings you can get!

It’s easy to get started. When you open up your daily newspaper, one might find a glossy insert full of coupons. Some of the coupons will be for things you don’t buy, some will be for things you buy all the time. Go through the coupons and chop out the ones you can use.

The key to successful couponing is getting multiple copies of coupon circulars. Ask your friends, your neighbors, and family if they have any extras. Some coupon users even go through the recycling at their office to find more coupons! Have you ever heard of such a thing in your life! Completely devoted, these circulars help coupon users to get even more savings.

Couponing might sound like hard work, but for many people, it’s also a hobby. Not only does it help them save hundreds of dollars per year, but also it gives them a fun challenge every time they do their shopping. 

How can the underlined sentence be separated into two distinct and grammatically complete sentences?

Possible Answers:

Couponers use coupons for purchases. Having saved one's coupons, also known as "couponing."

Also known as using coupons. For purchases, “couponing” is a great way to save money on groceries.

These two clauses cannot be separated

Having had use of the coupons for purchases. "Couponing” is a great way to save money on groceries.

Using coupons for purchases; also known as “couponing” is a great way to save money on groceries.

Correct answer:

These two clauses cannot be separated

Explanation:

The underlined sentence includes a dependent introductory clause, and thus cannot be separated without significant alteration to the meaning and content of the sentence. All of the other answers either create a sentence fragment, or make the sentence too wordy while altering its meaning.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Sentence Purpose

1 As anyone who has tried it can tell you, Filipino food is an exciting intriguing blend of flavors. 2 Due to interaction with various nations and cultures, it’s cuisine is marked by influences from Austronesia, Spain, China, Malaysia, and the United States. 3 Some typical dishes including pancit, longganisa, lumpia, kare-kare, pinakbet, sinigang, and adobo. 4 For example, one could find everything from Spanish paella and Chinese spring rolls (locally called lumpia) if you walked into a Filipino restaurant.

5 Another important compound of Filipino cuisine is street food. 6 These street foods include many fried foods, such as bananas, plantains, dumplings, squid balls, battered quail eggs, and fruit or vegetable spring rolls.7 Taho, a warm street food, is composed of bean curd, a caramel syrup or arnibal, and tapioca pearls.8 Don’t forget dessert! 9 With such a variety of flavors, textures, and cooking styles, there’s certainly to be something for every gourmand.

Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of Sentence 6 in the passage?

Possible Answers:

None of these statements accurately describe the purpose of the sentence.

Providing evidence against the assertion that street food is a limited part of any national cuisine

Providing examples of street food, and supporting the statement that street food is an important part of the nation cuisine

Providing examples of the wide variety of national cuisines available in the Phillipines

Providing examples of street food, and supporting the argument that fried food is an important part of the average Filipino diet

Correct answer:

Providing examples of street food, and supporting the statement that street food is an important part of the nation cuisine

Explanation:

Sentence 6 enumerates a number of examples of Filipino individual Filipino street foods, and in so doing both provides content, and helps to justify the statement that street food is an important component of the nations cuisine in generalo

Example Question #111 : Analyzing, Combining, And Moving Content

1 Although vegetarianism is sometimes considered a recent phenomenon, the practice actually has roots in both ancient India and ancient Greece. 2 In Greece, being vegetarian was a way to abstain from eating ‘beings with souls,’ and vegetarianism was primarily practiced by small religious sects or certain philosophical thinkers. 3 Ancient Indian vegetarianism may have been more widespread, as it was mandatory for many Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. 4 Buddhist scholars argue whether Gautama Buddha ever ate meat. 5 Obviously, vegetarianism is a constantly evolution practice that has changed considerably over the past several thousand years.

6 During the Middle Ages, vegetarianism remained largely outside the cultural milieu in Europe. 7 Certain aseptic religious sects may have avoided eating meat, but the practice didn’t truly gain ground in Western Europe until the Age of Enlightenment. 8 During and before that time, many people still argued that animals existed only for the benefit of humankind. 9 They were opposed by other people who thought that that was an anthropocentric viewpoint.

10 Over time, vegetarianism gradually gained diction with influential thinkers and by the twentieth century, organizations such as the International Vegetarian Union, the North American Vegetarian Society, and the Animal Aid were appearing. 11 What new form will vegetarianism take in the future?

In the context of the passage, what is the best definition for the underlined word “sects” in Sentence 2?

Possible Answers:

nonbelievers

subgroups

stereotypes

hierarchies

dissidents

Correct answer:

subgroups

Explanation:

The word “sect” is used to refer to a smaller –and often more extreme– group within a religion or belief system. These sects are sometimes seen as heretical by members of the larger religious group, but not always.

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