SAT Writing : SAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #1191 : 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.
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are essential skill to learn in elementary school. No error
are
and
skill
No error
in elementary school
skill
There is a discrepancy in the agreement of nouns in this sentence. "Reading, writing and arithmetic" require the plural form of "skill," "skills." Multiple subjects require a plural predicate to match their form. "Reading, writing, and arithmetic" are not being discussed as a unified group (which is an exception requiring a singular predicate), so the agreement must be plural, because several subjects are being discussed.
Example Question #142 : 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.
Passionate about computers, Kevin and Roy decided to become a software engineer and start a company in their hometown. No error
No error
decided to
a software engineer
Passionate about computers
in their hometown
a software engineer
The phrase "a software engineer" is incorrect because there are two subjects in the sentence. The subject is plural, so the phrase must also be plural. The correct phrase would be "software engineers."
Example Question #143 : 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.
Watching the Olympic 5000m final, Bob was amazed at the runners' combination of endurance and running quickly. No error
No error
running quickly
was amazed
Watching the Olympic 500m final
runners'
running quickly
The phrase "running quickly" does not have parallel structure with "endurance." In order for this sentence to be correct, and for the structure to be correctly parallel, the "runners' combination" must either be two traits, like "endurance and fortitude," or two verbs in the same tense.
Example Question #144 : Identifying Agreement Errors
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 five best friends all vowed to become a great lawyer when they got older. NO ERROR
NO ERROR
older.
vowed
a great lawyer
The five
a great lawyer
"The five best friends" are plural at the beginning of the sentence, we know that while each of them individually might become "a great lawyer" as a group, they would be vowing to become "great lawyers." As such, that part of the sentence should be corrected.
Example Question #145 : 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.
After Emily picked out a dress, tights, and a pair of shoes in the newly opened store, she paid for it at the counter. No error
No error
a pair of shoes
it
picked out
newly opened
it
This question is looking for agreement between the nouns in the sentence—"a dress, tights, and a pair of shoes" and "it." Since Emily is buying multiple items, "a dress, tights, and a pair of shoes" is plural and the corresponding noun of "it" should be as well. "It" is singular and therefore incorrect; the second half of the sentence should be fixed to "she paid for them at the counter."
Example Question #146 : 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.
Most bears have really large claw and can climb trees at extremely well. No error
extremely
No error
Most
climb
claw
claw
The "bears" (plural), many of them, have more than one claw each. "Claw" must be replaced with the singular "claw."
Example Question #1191 : Sat Writing
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
hope
world's
No error
dancer
most
dancer
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 #1198 : Sat Writing
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
manager
in
they
is sick
No error
they
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 #1192 : Sat Writing
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
Each
freedom
No error
according to
their
their
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 #1200 : Sat Writing
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
medical student
No error
their
opportunity
treat
their
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.
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