SAT Writing : SAT Writing

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #101 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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

The science museum, one of my favorite places in the city was closed for repairs. No error

Possible Answers:

my

in the city was

repairs

museum, one

No error

Correct answer:

in the city was

Explanation:

Here, "one of my favorite places in the city" is acting as an interrupting phrase, and should be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Note that if the interrupting clause is NOT correctly separated from the sentence with two commas, but rather only one comma is used, it will result in a comma error by separating the subject ("the science museum") from the verb "was closed."

Example Question #102 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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

If you wanted to be absolutely certain that there were no mistakes you should have overseen the details of the project yourself. No error

Possible Answers:

No error

yourself

should have overseen

If you wanted

no mistakes you

Correct answer:

no mistakes you

Explanation:

"If you wanted to be absolutely certain that there were no mistakes" is an introductory phrase, and therefore it must be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma. The corrected sentence would read: "If you wanted to be absolutely certain that there were no mistakes, you should have overseen the details of the project yourself."

Example Question #103 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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.  

While I was out walking my dog it started to rain so hard I couldn't see. No error

Possible Answers:

to rain so hard

see.

While

No error

dog it

Correct answer:

dog it

Explanation:

The sentence above contains a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand on its own as a complete grammatical sentence). Dependent clauses must be separated from the rest of the sentence, often using commas. This clause is also an introductory clause, and thus must be separated from the main clause with a comma after "dog." The best way to correct the sentence above is "While I was out walking my dog, it started to rain so hard I couldn't see."

Example Question #104 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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.

After the rain stopped entirely I finally managed to get all of my groceries in. No error

Possible Answers:

entirely I

managed

After the rain

No error

all

Correct answer:

entirely I

Explanation:

The sentence above contains a dependent introductory clause. Such clauses must be separated from the rest of the sentence.  The best way to correct the sentence above is "After the rain stopped entirely, I finally managed to get all of my groceries in."

Example Question #105 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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.

If you don't stop being so rude in your classes you will get sent home before the end of the day. No error

Possible Answers:

day.

No error

If you

being

classes you

Correct answer:

classes you

Explanation:

The sentence above contains a dependent introductory clause. Such clauses must be separated from the rest of the sentence. The best way to correct the sentence above is, "If you don't stop being so rude in your classes, you will get sent home before the end of the day."

Example Question #106 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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.

When I walked in the woods I saw many beautiful creatures. No error

Possible Answers:

many

No error

creatures.

When I

woods I

Correct answer:

woods I

Explanation:

The sentence above contains a dependent clause, a clause that cannot stand on its own as a grammatically complete sentence. "When I walked in the woods," is used as an introductory clause and thus must be separated from the rest of the sentence. The best way to correct the sentence above is "When I walked in the woods, I saw many beautiful creatures."

Example Question #107 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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.

Frank Herbert one of my favorite writers of all time, is most famous for his Dune novels. NO ERROR

Possible Answers:

novels.

Herbert one

NO ERROR

famous

time,

Correct answer:

Herbert one

Explanation:

In the sentence as written, the phrase "one of my favorite writers of all time" is an interrupting phrase. It should be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. As such, there is a comma missing between "Herbert" and "one."

Example Question #101 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Commas

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.

Whenever I get depressed I try to think of things that make me happy, like my dog Sam. NO ERROR

 

Possible Answers:

think of 

happy, like

depressed I

me

NO ERROR

Correct answer:

depressed I

Explanation:

In the sentence above, "Whenever I get depressed" acts as an introductory phrase. It should be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.

Example Question #3631 : 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.

When you go out this evening please be sure to lock the door. No error

Possible Answers:

sure to

this

No error

evening please

When

Correct answer:

evening please

Explanation:

Introductory or interrupting phrases (i.e. phrases that are subordinate and add information to a sentence, but are not necessary to the sentence being complete) must be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. In the sentence above, "evening please" should read "evening, please" so that the introductory phrase is properly separated from the rest of the sentence.

Example Question #3632 : 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 great teacher exhausted by the impositions of the school board, had decided to retire early. No error

Possible Answers:

school board

The great teacher exhausted

by

No error

to

Correct answer:

The great teacher exhausted

Explanation:

Introductory or interrupting phrases (i.e. phrases that are subordinate and add information to a sentence, but are not necessary to the sentence being complete) must be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. In the provided sentence, "The great teacher exhausted" should read "The great teacher, exhausted."

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