All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #31 : Sat Writing
Which word underlined in the sentence below is an action verb?
I asked him to resend the books since there was an error in the original version.
to
asked
was
original
books
asked
An action verb represents an actual action that the subject is doing. In this sentence, I (the subject) is asking someone to reprint something.
Example Question #32 : Sat Writing
Which word underlined in the sentence below is a linking verb?
I asked him to resend the books since there was an error in the original version.
asked
to resend
original
books
was
was
A linking verb is a verb that does not express an action. It connects the subject and the verb. In this case, "was" connects "there" and "a mistake."
Example Question #33 : Sat Writing
Identify the verb phrase in the sentence below.
The media has criticized Russia about various aspects of the Olympics.
the media
has criticized
of the
various aspects
media has
has criticized
"Has criticized" is the present perfect tense of the verb "to critcize." The media is the one doing the action.
Example Question #34 : Sat Writing
Identify the verb in the sentence below.
In order to focus on my homework, I disable the internet on my computer.
disable
in order to
on my homework
on my computer
I
disable
The verb in this sentence is "disable." It expresses the action of what I do "in order to focus on my homework."
Example Question #35 : Sat Writing
Identify the verb in the sentence below.
Greg made a beef stew for dinner.
stew
beef
for
Greg
made
made
The verb is "made," the past tense of "make." It expresses the action of what Greg did to prepare dinner.
Example Question #35 : Sat Writing
Identify the present tense verb in the sentence below.
Pedro wants to go bowling on Saturday.
wants
on
Saturday
bowling
to go
wants
The verb in present tense is "wants." Right now, Pedro wants to go to the bowling, even if going bowling in the future. "To go" is an infinitive verb.
Example Question #36 : Sat Writing
Identify the verb in the question below.
Are you bored at work?
Are . . . bored
at work
bored . . . work
are you
you bored
Are . . . bored
The verb is "are . . . bored." In questions, the auxiliary or helping verb goes before the subject and the main verb goes after the subject.
Example Question #37 : Sat Writing
Identify the verb in the question below.
Will you go to the movies with me on Friday?
Will . . . go
go to . . . movies
go
to the movies
will
Will . . . go
"Will . . . go" is the complete verb in this question. In questions, the auxiliary, or helping verb, goes before the subject and the main verb goes after the subject.
Example Question #39 : Sat Writing
Identify the verb in the sentence below.
Frank rode the train all the way to the end of the line.
train
way
end
rode
to
rode
"Rode" is the only verb in this sentence. "Train," "way," and "end" are nouns, and "to" is a preposition.
Example Question #40 : Sat Writing
Indentify the verb in the sentence below.
The past few days I have been unusually hungry.
days
unusually
hungry
have been
past
have been
"Have been" is the present perfect form of the verb "to be."