SAT Writing : SAT Writing
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #108 : Rewriting A Sentence Fragment
1 It may seem counterinsurgency, but people all around the world are now proposing the legalization of dangerous recreational drugs. 2 Advocates argue that legalization could reduce the schemata of drug addiction, as well as the incarcerated population in jails. 3 If drugs were sold in stores, the government could tax them and benefit from the revue. 4 Whereas, the incidence of drug-related malfeasance and crime could decrease as well. 5 However there are also dangers to legalization; with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction. 6 While countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have already implemented drug decriminalization with positive affects, only time will tell if such a policy could be beneficial in the United States.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 5 be rewritten?
legalization; with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction. (no change)
legalization, with opponents asserted that it would only lead to more addiction.
legalization, opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction.
legalization, with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction.
legalization, opponents asserting the leading to of more addiction.
legalization, with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction.
“With opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction” is a dependent clause, so the proper punctuation to separate it from the rest of the sentence (an independent clause) is a comma and not a semicolon. Otherwise, no rewriting is necessary.
Example Question #109 : Rewriting A Sentence Fragment
1 One of the most famous modern dancers of all times, the choreography of Martha Graham had a profound influence of the ballet world. 2 Based on “contraction and release,” the Graham technique, creating theatrical dramatic tension and deeply impassioned routines for audiences to see. 3 Graham used her inconsiderate flexibility to develop many innovative moves originating from the abdomen, back, and pelvis. 4 Graham’s work rejected not only the tenants of classical ballet but instead the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance. 5 Like the work of dancer choreographers Helen Tamiris and Agnes de Mille. 6 After age forced her to retire from the stage; Graham sank into a deep depression and had difficulty watching other ballerinas dance her choreography. 7 Today, the Graham technique is taught almost universally between various dance academies, clinics, and universities. 8 Without it the world of modern day dance would indubitably not be the same.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 4 be rewritten?
but also it rejected the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance
but also being a rejection of the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance
but instead rejecting the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance
but instead the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance (no change)
but also the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance
but also the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance
Regardless of subject, the correct grammatical construction is always “not only __________ but also __________,” with the two blanks functioning as parallel items.
Example Question #111 : Rewriting A Sentence Fragment
1 Want to book a copacetic hotel, or dine at a premier restaurant? 2Your best bet may be: to consult a Michelin Red Guide. 3 These guides have been published by a French company since 1900 and using anonymous “inspectors” to award establishments either zero, one, two, and three stars. (4 Yes, the same company also manufactures tires. 5 It employs more than 100,000 people. 6 The guides were actually established in order for encouraging people to take more car trips to slavish hotels and exclusive restaurants.) 7 Nowadays the Michelin Guides are regarded by some as the ultimate abetters of taste.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 3 be rewritten?
These guides been published by a French company since 1900, used
These guides have been published by a French company since 1900 and using (no change)
These guides, have been published by a French company since 1900, used
These guides, having been published by a French company since 1900 and using
These guides have been published by a French company since 1900 and used
These guides have been published by a French company since 1900 and used
We need parallel structures in this sentence, which means that “using” must be changed to match the past participle “published.”
Example Question #91 : Correcting Grammatical Errors In A Sentence Fragment
1 Have you ever heard of the Arts and Crafts movement? 2 The Arts and Crafts movement was an artistic revival of traditional craftsmanship that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the British Isles, Europe, and North America. 3 Scholars contempt that the movement was predicted on the assumption that medieval and folk art was superior to contemporary arts and decorations. 4 As such the movement deemed to correct the debasement of the decorative arts and promote beauty and fine craftsmanship.5 It was also a reaction to the increased industrialization of the Victorian age. 6 Some key figures in the movement’s inception were writer, John Ruskin, artist, William Morris, and, architect and designer, A. W. N. Pugin. 7 The movement extended to visual art, interior decorating, architecture, landscaping, and textile design, a widespread influence until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 2 be rewritten?
that occurred, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, in the British Isles, Europe, and North America.
that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the British Isles, Europe, and North America. (no change)
that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s (in the British Isles, Europe, and North America).
occurring: in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the British Isles, Europe, and North America.
occurring, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, in the British Isles, Europe, and North America.
that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the British Isles, Europe, and North America. (no change)
While long, Sentence 2 contains no grammatical errors and requires no additional punctuation.
Example Question #232 : Improving And Correcting Sentences
1 Have you ever heard of the Arts and Crafts movement? 2 The Arts and Crafts movement was an artistic revival of traditional craftsmanship that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the British Isles, Europe, and North America. 3 Scholars contempt that the movement was predicted on the assumption that medieval and folk art was superior to contemporary arts and decorations. 4 As such the movement deemed to correct the debasement of the decorative arts and promote beauty and fine craftsmanship.5 It was also a reaction to the increased industrialization of the Victorian age. 6 Some key figures in the movement’s inception were writer, John Ruskin, artist, William Morris, and, architect and designer, A. W. N. Pugin. 7 The movement extended to visual art, interior decorating, architecture, landscaping, and textile design, a widespread influence until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 6 be rewritten?
were writer, John Ruskin; artist, William Morris; and architect, and designer, A. W. N. Pugin.
were writer (John Ruskin), artist (William Morris), and architect and designer (A. W. N. Pugin).
were writer John Ruskin, artist William Morris, and architect and designer A. W. N. Pugin.
were writer, John Ruskin, artist, William Morris, and, architect and designer, A. W. N. Pugin. (no change)
were – writer John Ruskin – artist William Morris – and architect and designer A. W. N. Pugin.
were writer John Ruskin, artist William Morris, and architect and designer A. W. N. Pugin.
In the current version of Sentence 6, it is unclear whether there are six people being discussed or only three. In the cases of very brief and clear modifiers such as “writer” and “artist,” no comma is needed between the modifier and the modified. The simplest punctuation for this phrase is a single comma after each man’s name.
Example Question #92 : Correcting Grammatical Errors In A Sentence Fragment
1 Have you ever heard of the Arts and Crafts movement? 2 The Arts and Crafts movement was an artistic revival of traditional craftsmanship that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the British Isles, Europe, and North America. 3 Scholars contempt that the movement was predicted on the assumption that medieval and folk art was superior to contemporary arts and decorations. 4 As such the movement deemed to correct the debasement of the decorative arts and promote beauty and fine craftsmanship.5 It was also a reaction to the increased industrialization of the Victorian age. 6 Some key figures in the movement’s inception were writer, John Ruskin, artist, William Morris, and, architect and designer, A. W. N. Pugin. 7 The movement extended to visual art, interior decorating, architecture, landscaping, and textile design, a widespread influence until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 7 be rewritten?
having a widespread influence until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
within a widespread influence, it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
a widespread influence until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism. (no change)
a widespread influence, until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
within a widespread influence it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
having a widespread influence until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
Without the addition of the gerund “having,” the sentence incorrectly suggests that the widespread influence was textile design, not the entire Arts and Crafts movement.
Example Question #94 : Correcting Grammatical Errors In A Sentence Fragment
1 Have you ever heard of the Arts and Crafts movement? 2 The Arts and Crafts movement was an artistic revival of traditional craftsmanship that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the British Isles, Europe, and North America. 3 Scholars contempt that the movement was predicted on the assumption that medieval and folk art was superior to contemporary arts and decorations. 4 As such the movement deemed to correct the debasement of the decorative arts and promote beauty and fine craftsmanship.5 It was also a reaction to the increased industrialization of the Victorian age. 6 Some key figures in the movement’s inception were writer, John Ruskin, artist, William Morris, and, architect and designer, A. W. N. Pugin. 7 The movement extended to visual art, interior decorating, architecture, landscaping, and textile design, a widespread influence until it was eventually upstaged by Modernism.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 7 be rewritten?
The movement, extending to
The movement extended to (no change)
The movement, and its extension to
The movement was extending to
The movement with regards to its extension to
The movement extended to (no change)
This portion of the sentence is entirely correct and logical. It requires no rewriting.
Example Question #232 : Improving And Correcting Sentences
1 Seaweed; a type of algae that’s a promising resource for the future. 2 It can be used with a fuel, medicine, fuel source, and even fertilizer. 3 Often being both farmed or foraged. 4 In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed, it is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert. 5 Medically, speaking derivatives of seaweed can be optimized in bandages, dental molds, and microbiology cultures. 6 Girls especially will squeal when they hear that seaweed’s components are used to make many pretty makeup products. 7 It should come as no surprise, then, that countries around the world are investing significant capital in seaweed research.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 3 be rewritten?
being both farmed, and foraged
being both farmed and foraged
being both farmed or foraged (no change)
being either farmed or foraged
being either farmed and foraged
being either farmed or foraged
Since farming and foraging represent two discrete and mutually exclusive possibilities for gathering seaweed, we need an “either __________ or __________” construction.
Example Question #544 : Improving Paragraphs
1 Seaweed; a type of algae that’s a promising resource for the future. 2 It can be used with a fuel, medicine, fuel source, and even fertilizer. 3 Often being both farmed or foraged. 4 In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed, it is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert. 5 Medically, speaking derivatives of seaweed can be optimized in bandages, dental molds, and microbiology cultures. 6 Girls especially will squeal when they hear that seaweed’s components are used to make many pretty makeup products. 7 It should come as no surprise, then, that countries around the world are investing significant capital in seaweed research.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 4 be rewritten?
Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines, among the world’s largest producers of seaweed
In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed (no change)
Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed
In Indonesia – China, Korea, and the Philippines – are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed
In – Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines – the world’s largest producers of seaweed
Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed
Here, the word “In” is creating a mixed construction. The simplest solution is to simply delete the “In.”
Example Question #541 : Improving Paragraphs
1 Seaweed; a type of algae that’s a promising resource for the future. 2 It can be used with a fuel, medicine, fuel source, and even fertilizer. 3 Often being both farmed or foraged. 4 In Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines are among the world’s largest producers of seaweed, it is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert. 5 Medically, speaking derivatives of seaweed can be optimized in bandages, dental molds, and microbiology cultures. 6 Girls especially will squeal when they hear that seaweed’s components are used to make many pretty makeup products. 7 It should come as no surprise, then, that countries around the world are investing significant capital in seaweed research.
How should the underlined portion of Sentence 4 be rewritten?
they are used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert.
it is used for everything, sushi, bread, dessert.
it is used for everything including sushi and bread to dessert.
it is used for everything; from sushi and bread to dessert.
it is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert. (no change)
it is used for everything from sushi and bread to dessert. (no change)
Here, the grammatical construction is correct and needs no changes. The pronoun is singular because it is referring to the singular noun “seaweed,” and no additional punctuation is required.
All SAT Writing Resources
