SAT Writing : Correcting Punctuation Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.

Moses stone tablets are among the most famous in history.

Possible Answers:

Moses, his

Moseses's

Moses'

Moseses'

Moses

Correct answer:

Moses'

Explanation:

When one wants to indicate possession when using a singular noun, one merely needs to add an apostrophe and then an s to the end of the noun; however, if the noun ends in , then you can merely add an apostrophe. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is "Moses."

Example Question #22 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.

You are won't to be so rude in public that hardly anyone wants to go out with you. 

Possible Answers:

wont

wonted

won't

want

will not

Correct answer:

wont

Explanation:

The word "won't" is a contraction of the words "will not." The word "wont," on the other hand, is a word that means someone is likely to do something, or has a tendency to do something. In the sentence above, "wont" is correct and "won't" isn't.

Example Question #27 : Correcting Apostrophe Errors

The ancient herd of bison made it's way across the open plains.

Possible Answers:

bison's

their

it's

its

its'

Correct answer:

its

Explanation:

"It's" is a contraction for the words "it is." "Its" indicates possession. Therefore, in the sentence above, "its" is correct, and "it's" is not.

Example Question #23 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.

I would love to see Professor Cromwell speak, but I cant stand his verbosity.

Possible Answers:

I can not stand

I can't stand

I cant stand

i cant stand

I wont stand

Correct answer:

I can't stand

Explanation:

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 or overtly sanctimonious discourse, which obviously has little bearing on this sentence, since "can't" is obviously intended to function as a verb in this context. The best way to correct the underlined portion is: "I can't stand"

Example Question #23 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.

I love eating at the convent: the nuns bread is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket.

Possible Answers:

I love eating at the convent: the nuns bread is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket.

I love eating at the convent: the nuns' bread is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket.

I love eating at the convent, the nuns bread, is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket.

I love eating at the convent, the nun's bread, is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket.

I love eating at the convent. The nuns bread is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket.

Correct answer:

I love eating at the convent: the nuns' bread is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket.

Explanation:

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 is: "I love eating at the convent: the nuns' bread is simply superior to the stuff you can get at the supermarket."

Example Question #24 : Correcting Apostrophe 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.

Its positively beastly and unsightly to eat like that at a banquet.

Possible Answers:

It's positively beastly and unsightly

Its positively beastly, unsightly

Its positively beastly and unsightly

Its positive beastly and unsightly

Its' positively beastly and unsightly

Correct answer:

It's positively beastly and unsightly

Explanation:

“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 positively beastly and unsightly"

Example Question #155 : 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.

Say what you want about legends, but I have a hard time believing any lion let a mouse get that close to it's paw.

Possible Answers:

and I have a hard time believing any lion let a mouse get that close to it's paw.

but I have a hardly time believing any lion let a mouse get that close to it's paw.

but I have a hard time believing any lion let a mouse get that close to it's paw.

but I have a hard time believing the lion let a mouse get that close to it's paw.

but I have a hard time believing any lion let a mouse get that close to its paw.

Correct answer:

but I have a hard time believing any lion let a mouse get that close to its paw.

Explanation:

“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: "but I have a hard time believing any lion let a mouse get that close to its paw."

Example Question #151 : Correcting Punctuation 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.

The wounded lion needed some creature to help remove the thorn from it's paw.

Possible Answers:

from its paw.

with it's paw.

from it's paw.

for it's paw.

from its' paw.

Correct answer:

from its paw.

Explanation:

“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: "from its paw."

Example Question #152 : Correcting Punctuation 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.

Theres a lot that won't happen for you if you refuse to take charge over your own life.

Possible Answers:

Theres a lot that won't happen for you

Theres a lot that won't happens for you

Theres a lot that won't happen for one

Theres a lot that wont happen for you

There's a lot that won't happen for you

Correct answer:

There's a lot that won't happen for you

Explanation:

The word "theres" is not correct, and is something entirely different from the word "there's," which is a contraction of the words "there" and "is." The latter is clearly what should be in the sentence above, and as such, the best way to correct the underlined portion is: "There's a lot that won't happen for you."

Example Question #153 : Correcting Punctuation 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.

Its extremely difficult to own and operate a restaurant; there are a number of massive logistical problems to contend with on a daily basis.

Possible Answers:

Its extremely difficult to own and operate a restaurant

Its extremely difficult to own and operate a restaurants

Its extremely difficult to own and operates a restaurant

It's extreme difficult to own and operate a restaurant

It's extremely difficult to own and operate a restaurant

Correct answer:

It's extremely difficult to own and operate a restaurant

Explanation:

“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 to own and operate a restaurant."

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