SAT Writing : SAT Writing

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors

The woman convinced the rest of humanity that the aliens should be allowed to stay, and they settled peaceful in the Great Barrier Reef.

Possible Answers:

they

No error

peaceful

convinced the rest

should be allowed

Correct answer:

peaceful

Explanation:

This sentence uses the adjective “peaceful” to describe a verb. The correct sentence uses an adverb: The woman convinced the rest of humanity that the aliens should be allowed to stay, and they settled peacefully in the Great Barrier Reef.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors

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

As soon as (A) he woke up, he sprinted (B) quick downstairs to open his gifts (C) that were (D) under the tree. (E) No error

Possible Answers:

D

A

C

E

B

Correct answer:

B

Explanation:

Since "quick" is modifying the verb "ran," it needs to be an adverb. "Quick" is an adjective, but "quickly" is an adverb. So, "quick" must be changed to "quickly."

Example Question #1 : Identifying Other Adjective And Adverb Errors

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

Having finished their homework, the students quick decided to escape to the TV for entertainment. No error

Possible Answers:

their

to escape

Having

No error

quick decided

Correct answer:

quick decided

Explanation:

Here, "quick decided" contains the sentence's error. "Quick" is an adjective, but it is being used to describe a verb, "decided," so it needs to be in its adverbial form, "quickly."  

Example Question #11 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors

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

Randy grabbed the ball with his hand, moving intense and with a focused look in his steely blue eyes. No error

Possible Answers:

steely blue

intense

No error

grabbed 

focused

Correct answer:

intense

Explanation:

The underlined word "intense" modifies the verb, "grabbed." Therefore, "intense" should be an adverb, not an adjective. "Intense" is an adjective; the appropriate adverb would be "intensely."

Example Question #12 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb 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 narrator described how as a child, he loved to let his body drift down the river, floating serene and happily in the sparkling water. No error

Possible Answers:

happily

serene

as a child 

No error

described

Correct answer:

serene

Explanation:

The word "serene" is modifying the verb "floating." Therefore, "serenely," an adverb, should be used; "serene" is an adjective, and is improperly used in this sentence. 

Example Question #13 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors

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

It is often hard to keep up with my friend because she is in much better shape than I am and also walks very quickNo error

Possible Answers:

keep up

quick

she is

No error

than 

Correct answer:

quick

Explanation:

Adverbs modify verbs, while adjectives modify nouns. Given that “walks” is a verb, it should be modified by an adverb. “Quick,” however is an adjective, so the adverb "quickly" should be used instead.

Example Question #14 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb Errors

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

As the online presence of businesses has expanded at a rapidly pace, so too have the outlets for cyber shopping. No error

Possible Answers:

rapidly

too

for

No error

online

Correct answer:

rapidly

Explanation:

The underlined word, "rapidly," is modifying "pace," which is a noun. Therefore, the underlined word should be the adjective, "rapid," as opposed to the adverb, "rapidly."

Example Question #15 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb 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 artist painted slowly and deliberate, trying to capture every detail that she could with her paintbrush. No error

Possible Answers:

with

No error

every 

deliberate

painted

Correct answer:

deliberate

Explanation:

In this sentence, the adjective “deliberate” modifies the verb “painted.” Given that only adverbs can modify verbs, "deliberate" should be changed to “deliberately,” which is an adverb.

Example Question #16 : Identifying Adjective And Adverb 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 horse ran beautifully and fierce towards the ranch, anxious to see its new foals, which were only a few weeks old. No error

Possible Answers:

which 

ran

No error

its

fierce

Correct answer:

fierce

Explanation:

 In this sentence, the adjective “fierce” modifies the verb “ran.” Given that adverbs can only modify verbs, the proper word would instead be “fiercely,” which is an adverb. 

Example Question #921 : 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 bird flew cautious over the fence, which the owners had laced with barbed wire. No error

 

Possible Answers:

which 

No error

had 

cautious

barbed

Correct answer:

cautious

Explanation:

In this sentence, the adjective “cautious” modifies the verb “flew.” Given that only adverbs can modify verbs, the proper word to use would instead be “cautiously,” which is an adverb. 

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