SAT Writing : SAT Writing
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #6 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Sarah didn't end up buying this pizza, but instead chose those pizza over there. No error
No error
over there
those
this
end up
those
The sentence incorrectly uses the plural demonstrative pronoun "those" to modify the singular noun "pizza." Changing "those" to "that" would correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #6 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
She runs very fast; sometimes it's quite uncanny. No error
uncanny
very
fast
No error
it's
fast
In the example sentence, the word "fast" is used to describe how the subject of the sentence runs, and the word "very" is being used to modify this description. Therefore, it is correct should use an adverb (for instance swiftly or quickly) in place of "fast." Anytime the manner in which an action is performed is described it is correct to use an adverb, rather than a modified adjective (or any adjective at all). Adverbs describe some of the most important aspects of life, not merely the subject and the verb that subject did, but the way that thing was done.
Example Question #7 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement 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 blond man is real suspicious," said John. No error
blond
real
No error
suspicious," said
is
real
Here, the world "real" is being used to describe "the blonde man's" level of suspicion, and it seeks to do so by modifying the verb "is." Given that the word in question should be an adverb, you need to replace it with a word such as "really."
Example Question #8 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
The football coach took being fired really serious. No error
serious.
coach
being
The
No error
serious.
In the sentence above, "serious" is intended to describe how the coach reacted to his firing, therefore "seriously" is required.
Example Question #9 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement 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 replacement referee is supposedly just as good as the regular Mr. Peterson, but I don't trust them. No error
as good as
replacement
No error
them.
is
them.
In the example sentence, the plural pronoun "them" is used to incorrectly refer to the singular "replacement referee." To fix this sentence, "them" should be switched to "him."
Example Question #11 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although many think of them as incredibly fast, my cheetah runs less than half as fast as my pet falcon flies. No error
No error
less than
as fast as
them
my pet
them
"A cheetah" is singular, which does not match with the pronoun "them" used to refer to the cheetah in the preceding clause.
Example Question #12 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In this city, the strong survive much more frequent than the weak. No error
the weak.
survive
No error
frequent
the strong
frequent
In the sentence above, the word "survive" is being modified by the word "frequent." We know that frequent should be an adverb, rather than an adjective. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"In this city, the strong survive much more frequently than the weak."
Example Question #12 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Which of the two track stars will be quickest than the other? No error
No error
will be
quickest
other?
Which of the two
quickest
In the sentence above, the phrase "which of the two track stars" is being modified by the word "quickest." Only two things are being compared, so a comparative adjective should be used, rather than a superlative. Superlatives are used when one item is being distinguished from a group of 3 or more items; comparatives are used to directly compare two items. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"Which of the two track stars will be quicker than the other?"
Example Question #13 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement 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 soldiers may well have been the bravest man in the unit, but that bravery cost him his life. No error
but that
bravest man in the unit
cost him his life
No error
soldiers
soldiers
In the sentence above, the word "soldiers" is being modified by the phrase "bravest man in the unit." Therefore, we know that soldiers should be singular. The best way to correct the sentence above is:
"The soldier may well have been the bravest man in the unit, but that bravery cost him his life."
Example Question #15 : Identifying Modifier Word Modified Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
After practicing for hour on end, Sarah finally managed to perform a perfect kickflip on her skateboard. No error
perform
managed
No error
hour
her
hour
The structure of the sentence suggests that Sarah practiced for several hours in a row. The phrase "hours on end" would be correct.
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