SAT Writing : SAT Writing
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #891 : 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.
Beverly Hills was a significant part of Los Angeles because its inhabitants include important professionals who have been very influential in the historical development of the entertainment industry. No error
historical development
because
was
No error
part of
was
This sentence is written in the present tense, as we can tell from its verb "include." However, the verb "was" is in the past tense. It should be in the present tense as well. To correct the sentence's error, "was" should be changed to "is."
Example Question #892 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed in order to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Justin, who had never tried celery before, was amazed by how crisp and refreshing it tastes. No error
who
tastes
by
No error
before,
tastes
The sentence is in past tense, as indicated by "was" and "had never tried." For this reason, the verb "taste" should also be in past tense. "Tasted" would be the correct version, not "tastes."
Example Question #893 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no errors at all.
The general was a man of great dignity and courage who sees the potential in men rather than simply their current ability, and he commanded in battle with clear eyes and a level head. No error
sees
a
No error
and courage
great
sees
Although the rest of the sentence clearly refers to the past ("was a man," "commanded in battle"), "sees" is written in the present tense. It should be changed to its third-person past tense form, "saw," to agree with the other verbs in the sentence.
Example Question #894 : Sat Writing
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no errors at all.
As I left my house to go to the store, I having my keys in hand and my makeup carefully applied; I had no idea that neither of those states would last. No error
As
No error
neither
having
carefully
having
"Having" is the present progressive form of the verb "to have," and the rest of the sentence is written entirely in the past tense. "Having" should be changed to "had" to agree with "left," "applied," and "had no idea."
Example Question #895 : Sat Writing
Since the argument about cheese curds, Paul and I are not speaking to each other more than is absolutely necessary.
each other
argument about
No error
than is absolutely necessary
are not speaking
are not speaking
The timeline of the verb tenses in this sentence is slightly off. The corrected sentence reads: Since the argument about cheese curds, Paul and I have not been speaking to each other more than is absolutely necessary.
Example Question #896 : Sat Writing
Allowed the students to continue their protest, the police stood watch without making a move.
Allowed the students to continue their protest
Allowing the students to continue they're protest
Allowed the students to continue they're protest
Allowing the students to continue their protest
Allowed students to continue their protest
Allowing the students to continue their protest
The underlined portion of the sentence is a conditional phrase, explaining the condition under which "the police stood watch." As such, the verb in the phrase needs to actually be a gerund, or a verb describing action that functions as a noun; therefore, "Allowing the students to continue their protest," is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #897 : 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.
No matter how diverse a menu may be, John always orders the most basic dish that he could find. No error
most
could
how
always
No error
could
The sentence is written in the present tense, except for the modal verb, "could," which expresses possibility where none is needed; we're told that John "always" orders basic dishes. "Could" should be changed to the present tense verb "can" so that its tense matches that of "orders."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Verb Mood Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
If I was the principal, I would make the student council dedicate their time to issues that concern all students. No error
No error
council dedicate
principal
concern all students
was
was
Since the speaker is talking about a hypothetical situation, it is appropriate to use the subjunctive mood to denote that. The sentence should therefore begin "If I were the principal," ("were" being the first-person subjunctive form of "is") rather than "If I was the principal." Look out for key words such as "if" or "I wish" to denote where the subjunctive mood should be used.
Example Question #898 : 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.
If I was president, I would adjust the national budget so that everyone would be able to live comfortably. No error
was
to live
No error
would
comfortably
was
Since the speaker of the sentence is discussing a hypothetical situation, the verb "was" should be changed to its subjunctive form, "were."
Example Question #4 : Identifying Verb Mood Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Caleb was certain that if he was in charge, the student council would be able to secure his favorite band to play at prom. No error
to play
was
No error
would be able
charge, the
was
In this sentence, the writer is referring to a hypothetical situation of Caleb being in charge. This requires the use of the subjunctive mood of the verb. The phrase "if he was in charge" should therefore be changed to "if he were in charge," so "was" should be replaced with "were."
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