SAT Writing : SAT Writing

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #1091 : Sat Writing

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

The many facets of the problem leads to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve itNo error

Possible Answers:

No error

it

many

that

leads

Correct answer:

leads

Explanation:

In this sentence, the verb “leads” does not agree in number with the subject “facets.” The subject is plural, but the “leads” works with a singular subject. The corrected sentence reads: The many facets of the problem lead to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it.

Example Question #1092 : Sat Writing

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

The unexpected donation, along with the other annual contributions, are among the reasons the opera remained open this season. No error

Possible Answers:

the reasons the

remained open

along with

No error

contribution, are

Correct answer:

contribution, are

Explanation:

Watch out for subject/verb agreement. Here the subject is "donation," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."

Example Question #1093 : Sat Writing

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

The list of items to buy for the parade were given to the treasurer to approveNo error

Possible Answers:

of items

were given

to approve

No error

to buy

Correct answer:

were given

Explanation:

Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."

Example Question #1094 : Sat Writing

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

The journalist is wrong: neither the President nor Congress were responsible for the unintended effects of the billNo error

Possible Answers:

effects

of the bill

were responsible

wrong: neither

No error

Correct answer:

were responsible

Explanation:

Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."

Example Question #1095 : Sat Writing

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

In the end, neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover where the treasure was buriedNo error

Possible Answers:

where

were able

was buried

neither Jane nor

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error. Subjects all agree with their verbs, particularly with the phrase "neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover"—a singular and plural verb connected by "or/nor" requires a plural verb.

Example Question #1096 : Sat Writing

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

The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen is its best marketing technique. No error

Possible Answers:

is

tantalizing

its

issuing from

No error

Correct answer:

is

Explanation:

Here, the verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “aromas.” The corrected sentence reads, "The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen are its best marketing technique."

Example Question #51 : Identifying Agreement Errors

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

The days immediately following the treatment has always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon. No error

Possible Answers:

difficult,

has always been

No error

but

immediately following

Correct answer:

has always been

Explanation:

In this sentence the verb “has always been” does not agree in number with the plural subject “days.” The corrected sentence would read: The days immediately following the treatment have always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon.

Example Question #52 : Identifying Agreement Errors

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

The children of the lady who brought us a cake yesterday is coming over to play tomorrowNo error

Possible Answers:

tomorrow

is

children of

who

No error

Correct answer:

is

Explanation:

In this sentence, the verb does not match the plural subject. The corrected sentence reads, "The children of the lady who brought us a cake yesterday are coming over to play tomorrow."

Example Question #53 : Identifying Agreement Errors

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

To the dismay of the audience, neither the prime minister nor any of his aides were able to attend the banquet. No error.

Possible Answers:

To

neither

any

were

No error

Correct answer:

were

Explanation:

The subject neither is singular, while the verb were is plural. Were should be was.

Example Question #1097 : Sat Writing

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

He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there were work to be done. No error

Possible Answers:

and take

No error

but

wanted to 

were

Correct answer:

were

Explanation:

The verb “were” should match its subject “work.” The corrected sentence reads, "He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there was work to be done."

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