SAT Writing : SAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Everyone on the team agreed that the best option was to forfeit the game; without their best player; the team didn't have a chance of winning. No error
game; without
best option
player; the
chance of winning
No error
player; the
A comma should be used instead of a semicolon to separate the introductory phrase "without their best player" from the rest of the second independent clause "the team didn't have a chance of winning."
Example Question #16 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
That book over there belongs to Eileen; so we should return it to her before she needs to study for the massive English test next week. No error
that
No error
to study
Eileen;
there
Eileen;
A semicolon is meant to connect two thoughts that are both independent clauses. However, the second clause here is dependent and is connected by the word "so." In this situation, a comma would be appropriate to link that subordinate clause to the first independent clause. So, the corrected sentence would read, "That book over there belongs to Eileen, so we should help return it to her before she needs to study for the massive English test next week."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Punctuation Errors: Other Punctuation
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
During Roman times, Julius Caesar was well known not only for his superior strategy on the battlefield; but also for his oratorical abilities. No error.
No error.
also for
was
battlefield; but
well known
battlefield; but
A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses. In this case, the phrase that follows the semicolon is not an independent clause (a complete sentence that can stand on its own), so the use of a semicolon here is incorrect. Changing the semicolon to a comma would correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
James's grocery list included the following items; broccoli, frozen yogurt, bread, pork chops, and eggs. No error
pork chops, and
included
the following
No error
items; broccoli
items; broccoli
A colon, not a semicolon, should be used to introduce a list of things. Semicolons are only used to connect two independent clauses, or parts of a combined sentence that could each stand alone as an independent sentence. That isn't the case in this sentence; "broccoli, frozen yogurt, bread, pork chops, and eggs" is not a complete sentence.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I was going to go for a run today, however, the stormy weather caused me to postpone my workout. No error
was going
however,
No error
me to
today,
today,
The sentence has two independent clauses. Each could be its own sentence: "I was going to go for a run today" and "the stormy weather caused me to postpone my workout." They are joined by a conjunctive adverb, "however." (Other conjunctive adverbs include "accordingly," "consequently," "hence," "moreover," "otherwise," "therefore," and "thus.") When two independent clauses are joined by a conjunctive adverb, they require a semicolon after the first clause, not a comma. The corrected sentence would read, "I was going to go for a run today; however, the stormy weather caused me to postpone my workout."
Example Question #6 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The martial art of karate is based around two main techniques; kicks and punches. No error.
is based
techniques;
No error
of
and
techniques;
The semicolon used after "techniques" is an inappropriate way to introduce a list. To correct this error, we should replace the semicolon with a colon.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jamie and Geanna could not agree on what day would be best to go to the music festival; Jamie wanted to go see a great DJ on Saturday; while Geanna wanted to see her favorite band on Sunday. No error.
would be best
festival;
No error
Saturday;
what
Saturday;
The semicolon after "Saturday;" is the error in the sentence, and should be replaced with a comma to correctly separate the clauses.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Nathan has never been known as a shy person; and he proved that again tonight by jumping on stage and singing with the band. No error.
No error
singing
by jumping
person;
has never been
person;
The semicolon after "person" is incorrectly used in this sentence, and should be replaced with a comma.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Punctuation Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The guests will have several desserts to choose from; chocolate cake, lemon sorbet, peach pie, and flan. No error
choose
desserts
sorbet,
from;
No error
from;
Here, we’re separating an independent clause (“The guests will have several desserts to choose from”) from a list (“chocolate cake, lemon sorbet, peach pie, and flan”), so the correct punctuation is a colon and not a semicolon. Semicolons are only used to separate two independent clauses, not an independent clause and a list.
Example Question #551 : 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 carousel, originally introduced to Europe during the Crusades, was derived from a jousting game; and later became a staple at fairs and amusement parks. No error
Crusades,
No error
fairs and amusement parks
game;
carousel, originally
game;
A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses. In this case, the phrase after the semicolon is not an independent clause but rather a compound predicate of the subject "The carousel." No punctuation is needed here.
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