SAT Writing : SAT Writing
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1931 : Sat Writing
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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.
If I were President for a day, I would try to solve the gridlock in Congress.
If I were President on a day
Be I were President for a day
If I were President for a day
If I was President for a day
If I be President for a day
If I were President for a day
The subjunctive verb mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "if" begins the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence is correct as it is written.
Example Question #1932 : Sat Writing
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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.
Despair could render everyone, the strongest among us, weak and unwilling to fight every time.
Despair can render,
Despair could render
Despair be rendering
Despairs can renders
Despair renders
Despair renders
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, "could" expresses a possibility, whereas the rest of the sentence expresses a definite, universal statment.
Example Question #1933 : Sat Writing
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a setence 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 propose that we are more patient with each other; these negotiations don't have to be so arduous.
I propose that we are more patient with each other
I propose that we was more patient with each other
I propose that we were more patient with each other
I propose that we be more patient with each other
I propose that we is more patient with each other
I propose that we be more patient with each other
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because the word "propose" is used, we know that subjunctive should be used.
Example Question #1934 : Sat Writing
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 suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture, because that great man only has so much tolerance in his heart.
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you were quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you is quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggested that you are quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,
The subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than a hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "suggest" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The underlined portion should read: "I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of this lecture,"
Example Question #1935 : Sat Writing
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.
If he was handled properly, he would perform well.
If he was been handled properly,
If he were, properly handled,
If, he was handled properly,
If he were handled properly,
If he was handled properly,
If he were handled properly,
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. The example sentence is discussing a purely hypothetical situation, as suggested by the word "if." The correct version of the sentence reads: "If he were handled properly, he would perform well."
Example Question #1936 : Sat Writing
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 general wished that his aid was more competent, but it was simply not the case.
The general wished that his aids was more competent
The general wished that his aid was more competent
The general wishes that his aid was more competent
The general wished that his aid were more competent
The general wished that his aide was more competent
The general wished that his aid were more competent
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "wished" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The underlined portion should read, "The general wished that his aid were more competent"
Example Question #1937 : Sat Writing
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.
If he was more competent as a lawyer, he would make more money.
If he was more competent as a lawyer,
If he were more competent as a lawyer,
If he was competenter as a lawyer,
If he was competent as a lawyer,
If he was more competent as a lawyer;
If he were more competent as a lawyer,
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "if" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The underlined portion should read, "If he were more competent as a lawyer,"
Example Question #1938 : Sat Writing
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 suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggested that you are quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you were quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you are quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you is quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt, possibility, hypothetical conditions, or suggestions. In the sentence above, because of the word "suggest" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The sentence should read, "I suggest that you be quiet for the remainder of the examination period.
Example Question #1939 : Sat Writing
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 commander requested that his men are patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men be patient during their, long trial.
The commander requested that his men are patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men was patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men be patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men is patient during their long trial.
The commander requested that his men be patient during their long trial.
In the sentence above, because of the word "requested" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. The subjunctive is used to express unreal conditions, of which a request is one. One cannot request that something that has already happened happen. The sentence should read, "The commander requested that his men be patient during their long trial."
Example Question #1940 : Sat Writing
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 great teacher demands that all his students are attentive when he speaks.
The great teacher demands that all his students is attentive when he speaks.
The great teacher demands that all his students are attentive, when he speaks.
The great teacher demands that all his students be attentive when he speaks.
The great teacher demands that all his students are attentive when he speaks.
The great teacher demands that all his students be attentive; when he speaks.
The great teacher demands that all his students be attentive when he speaks.
Subjunctive mood is used when a sentence is intended to express doubt or possibility, rather than hard truth. In the sentence above, because of the word "demands" in the sentence, we know that subjunctive should be used. A demand is considered an unreal condition requiring the subjunctive mood. The sentence should read, "The great teacher demands that all his students be attentive when he speaks."
Certified Tutor
All SAT Writing Resources
