SAT Writing : SAT Writing

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #392 : Correcting Punctuation Errors

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 true problems that were facing our fast deteriorating project were as follows: we didn't have enough money we didn't have enough time and we didn't have the right people.

Possible Answers:

we didn't have money we didn't have time and we didn't have the right people.

we didn't have enough money, we didn't have enough time, and we didn't have the right people.

we did not have enough money, we didn't have enough time and we didn't have the right people.

we didn't have enough money we didn't have enough time and we didn't have the right people.

we didn't have enough money we didn't have enough time and we did not have the best people.

Correct answer:

we didn't have enough money, we didn't have enough time, and we didn't have the right people.

Explanation:

Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. In the sentence above, the best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is:"we didn't have enough money, we didn't have enough time, and we didn't have the right people."

Example Question #34 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas In Lists

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 asked our landlord to take care of the broken drainpipe clean up the yard and fix all of our locks.

Possible Answers:

I asked our landlord: to take care of the broken drainpipe, clean up the yard and fix all of our locks.

I asked our landlord, to take care of the broken drainpipe clean up the yard and fix all of our locks.

I asked our landlord to take care of the broken drainpipe, clean up the yard, and fix all of our locks.

I asked our landlord to take care of the broken drainpipe clean up the yard and fix all of our locks.

I asked our landlord: to take care of the broken drainpipe clean up the yard and fix all of our locks.

Correct answer:

I asked our landlord to take care of the broken drainpipe, clean up the yard, and fix all of our locks.

Explanation:

Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is: "I asked our landlord to take care of the broken drainpipe, clean up the yard, and fix all of our locks."

Example Question #3811 : 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.

In order to survive, people need the following three things: safe food adequate shelter and clean water.

Possible Answers:

 safe food, adequate shelter, and clean water.

safe food adequate shelter and clean water

safe food adequate shelter or clean water.

safe food adequate shelter, and clean water.

safe food, adequate shelter, or clean water.

Correct answer:

 safe food, adequate shelter, and clean water.

Explanation:

Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. In the sentence above, there is a comma missing between the first two items of the list that follow the colon. The best choice is: "safe food, adequate shelter, and clean water."

Example Question #3812 : 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 am a big fan all Roncesvales sports teams: I love the Bulls I love the Hawks I love the Bears and I love the Cubs.

Possible Answers:

I love the Bulls I love the Hawks, I love the Bears and I love the Cubs.

I love the Bulls I love the Hawks I love the Bears and I love the Cubs.

I love the Bulls, I love the Hawks, I love the Bears, or I love the Cubs.

I love the Bulls, I love the Hawks, I love the Bears, and I love the Cubs.

I love the Bulls I love the Hawks I love the Bears, and I love the Cubs.

Correct answer:

I love the Bulls, I love the Hawks, I love the Bears, and I love the Cubs.

Explanation:

Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. In the sentence above, there are a number of commas missing. The best choice is: "I love the Bulls, I love the Hawks, I love the Bears, and I love the Cubs."

Example Question #134 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas

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 three most important things in court are the testimony of witnesses the work of the lawyers and a fair and impartial judge.

Possible Answers:

the testimony of witnesses, the work of the lawyers, and a fair and impartial judge. 

the testimony of witnesses; the work of the lawyers; and a fair and impartial judge.

the testimony of witnesses the work of the lawyers, and a fair and impartial judge.

the testimony of witnesses: the work of the lawyers, and a fair and impartial judge.

the testimony of witnesses the work of the lawyers and a fair and impartial judge.

Correct answer:

the testimony of witnesses, the work of the lawyers, and a fair and impartial judge. 

Explanation:

Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. In the sentence above, there are commas missing between all the items in the list. Commas should separate the two items, and precede the "and."

Example Question #3813 : 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.

That chain has built an empire on three products: their chicken their rice and their beans.

Possible Answers:

three products: their chicken, their rice and their beans. 

three products: their chicken their rice, and their beans. 

three products: their chicken their rice and their beans.

three products, their chicken their rice and their beans. 

three products: their chicken, their rice, and their beans. 

Correct answer:

three products: their chicken, their rice, and their beans. 

Explanation:

Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. The sentence above is missing commas between all the items in the list after the comma (including the item preceded by "and"). 

Example Question #3814 : 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.

Before we go, I need to change my clothes: use the restroom: and find my bus pass.

Possible Answers:

I need to change my clothes use the restroom, and find my bus pass.

I need to: change my clothes, use the restroom and find my bus pass.

I need to change my clothes, use the restroom, and find my bus pass.

I need to change my clothes: use the restroom: and find my bus pass.

I need to change my clothes; use the restroom, and find my bus pass.

Correct answer:

I need to change my clothes, use the restroom, and find my bus pass.

Explanation:

Lists of three or more items in a sentence must have those items separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "I need to change my clothes, use the restroom, and find my bus pass."

Example Question #41 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas In Lists

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.

Some people only watch shows about lawyers doctors or politicians.

Possible Answers:

about lawyers, doctors, or politicians.

about lawyers doctors, or politicians.

with lawyers doctors, or politicians.

about lawyers doctors or politicians.

with lawyers doctors or politicians.

Correct answer:

about lawyers, doctors, or politicians.

Explanation:

In a list of three or more things in a sentence, commas, conjunctions, or both must separate those things. In the sentence above, the best way to correct the underlined portion above is, "about lawyers, doctors, or politicians."

Example Question #42 : Correcting Punctuation Errors: Commas In Lists

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 best way forward is to choose one of the following three paths: keep working as you have been give up or find another option.

Possible Answers:

keep working as you have been, give up, or find another option.

keep work as you have been, give up, or find another option.

keep work as you have been, give up or find another option.

keep working as you have been give up or find another option.

keep working as you have been, give up or, find another option.

Correct answer:

keep working as you have been, give up, or find another option.

Explanation:

In a list of three or more items in a sentence, all the items must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. In the sentence above, there are commas missing between all of the items that follow the colon.

Example Question #401 : Correcting Punctuation Errors

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 you're going to succeed in war, you must be able to control the battlefield your troops and the flow of battle.

Possible Answers:

you must be able to control the battlefield; your troops; and the flow of battle.

you must be able to control: the battlefield your troops and the flow, of battle.

you must be able to control the battlefield, your troops, and the flow of battle.

you must be able to control the battlefield, your troops and, the flow of battle.

you must be able to control the battlefield your troops and the flow of battle.

Correct answer:

you must be able to control the battlefield, your troops, and the flow of battle.

Explanation:

Every time there is a list of three or more things in a sentence, those things must be separated by commas, conjunctions, or both. The best way to correct the underlined portion above is: "you must be able to control the battlefield, your troops, and the flow of battle."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors