SAT Writing : SAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #1141 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The House of Representatives rarely seems to be able to fulfill their duty these days. No error
rarely
No error
their
duty
seems
their
In this example, "The House of Representatives" acts as a collective, singular noun. Therefore, the correct corresponding pronoun is "its", not "their". A common confusion occurs between "its" and "it's". Its is used to indicate the noun being discussed is in possession of something, while "it's" is a contraction of "it is."
The correct version of this sentence would read: "The House of Representatives rarely seems to be able to fulfill its duty these days."
Example Question #1142 : 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.
You must not treat your brother so abominably, because he's the only family you have. No error
he's
your
must
No error
abominably
No error
There is no error in the sentence as written. Note that the pronoun "your" corresponds to "you," which is proper and correct. "He's", in this instance, functions as a contraction of "he is." The two clauses are correctly connected with the coordinating conjunction "because."
Example Question #1143 : 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.
I think it is time for you and I to go your separate ways. No error
your
you and I
think
No error
ways
your
"You and I" is a collective plural; a first person set of nouns acting as a single entity. Therefore, the correct pronoun to use in conjunction with "you and I" is "our."
The correct version of this sentence would read: "I think it is time for you and I to go our separate ways."
Example Question #1144 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A person is entitled to their opinion, but that doesn't mean that rudeness should be tolerated. No error
No error
should
their
A person
but
their
Similarly to "everyone," the noun "person" is singular. Therefore, one must use "his" or "her" as its corresponding pronoun, in lieu of "their", which is plural. Also, the use of "a" prior to a noun will signal a singular noun. A coordinating conjunction, "but", is correctly used with a comma to connect the two clauses of the sentence.
Example Question #1145 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I hate dealing with mosquitoes; them really ruin summer for me. No error
ruin
me
No error
them
I
them
"Them" is incorrect in this sentence. In the second clause "mosquitoes" are the subject. As such, the correct word to use is "they."
The correct version of this sentence would read: "I hate dealing with mosquitoes; they really ruin summer for me."
Example Question #1146 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Those that take action into his or her own hands often find that life works out in their favor. No error
often
his or her
hands
No error
there
his or her
The word "those" is the antecedent of the pronoun used in the first part of the sentence. The best pronoun to correspond with this antecedent in this case is "their," (plural) rather than "his or her." (singular)
The correct version of this sentence would read: "Those that take action into their own hands, often find that life works out in their favor."
Example Question #1147 : 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.
Lucius Sulla was a particularly effective general; he was very good at making soldiers listen to them. No error
No error
was
particularly
he
them
them
In this sentence, it is obvious that the author's intent is to convey the fact that Sulla was good at making soldiers listen to him. As such, the final "them" of the sentence as written should be replaced with the pronoun "him", which corresponds correctly with Lucius Sulla (who is one, singular person).
Example Question #1148 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Everyone has their fair share of troubles, and some suffer mightily for them. No error
suffer
of
No error
Everyone
their
their
The noun "everyone" is a third person, singular noun. Therefore, the correct pronoun to use in conjunction with "everyone" is "his" or "her." While the "troubles" are plural this have no bearing on the pronoun agreement which precedes them.
The full correct version of this sentence would read: "Everyone has his or her fair share of troubles, and some suffer mightily for them."
Example Question #1149 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The wild men became violent; in such a large group they were practically uncontrollable. No error
wild
violent;
they
No error
became
No error
There is no error in the sentence above, it is correct as written. Note that "wild men" is plural, and so is its corresponding pronoun, "they." While the sentence features two independent clauses, these clauses are correctly connected with a semi-colon.
Example Question #1150 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The table managed to stand upright, even though it only had three of his legs left. No error
No error
upright
managed
his
though
his
In this sentence "the table" is the object, and as such it should correspond with the pronoun near the end of the sentence. Because a table is a genderless object, it is inappropriate to use a gendered pronoun (his) in conjunction with it: its is superior in this case.
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