SAT Writing : SAT Writing
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #16 : 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.
Josie ran as quick as the wind; she knew that she needed to gain some distance now, if she wanted a chance to win the race. No error
No error
now,
to gain
quick
to win
quick
The word "quick" is modifying the verb "ran." Any time a verb is modified, it is correct to use an adverb (in this case, "quickly") rather than an adjective. A runner is quick, but that runner runs "quickly."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
All four of Martha’s children became a varsity athlete in high school; she was incredibly proud of her family. No error
a varsity athelete
All four
proud of
No error
was
a varsity athelete
Given that Martha has four children, the number of athletes should be plural. Therefore, “a varsity athlete” should be “varsity athletes."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
Two out of four teenagers who become addicted to drugs will go on to become a high school dropout. No error
who
will
a high school dropout
No error
out of
a high school dropout
Given that this sentence is talking about the fate of “two out of four teenagers,” multiple teenagers are being referred to. Therefore, “a high school dropout” should also be plural, and therefore read, “high school dropouts.”
Example Question #1171 : 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.
All of my classmates wanted to become a singer when they grew up, except for me. No error
wanted to
No error
except
a singer
All of
a singer
There are multiple classmates described in the sentence. Therefore, there should also be multiple (or plural) singers. However, the word here is the singular, “singer,” which is incorrect.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
I despise the chores that my mother asks me to do, but the act of pairing socks is by far the most tedious tasks. No error
but
asks
is
tasks
No error
tasks
In the clause "the act of pairing socks is by far the most tedious tasks," "act" and "tasks" are referring to the same thing, so "task" must be singular like "act" is. "Tasks" is plural and is therefore incorrect.
Example Question #1172 : 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.
Polydactyl cats can have seven toes on each feet, a fact that makes me wonder whether the extra digits make it easier for them to scratch things. No error
No error
seven toes
easier
feet
that makes me wonder whether
feet
The sentence uses the phrase "seven toes on each feet," and this is incorrect because "each" is used to describe a singular noun, but "feet" is plural. Changing "feet" to "foot" corrects this error.
Example Question #1173 : 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.
Bob and Frank won the prize for first and second place in the elementary school baking contest. No error
elementary school baking contest
in
the prize
No error
won
the prize
This sentence refers to two prizes, first and second, for two people, Bob and Frank. The plural noun "prizes" should be used. The corrected sentence reads, "Bob and Frank won the prizes for first and second place in the elementary school baking contest."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
Lewis and Clark, the now legendary explorers of the Louisiana Purchase, were chosen for their scientific knowledge and skills as a frontiersman. No error
their
No error
were chosen
legendary
skills as a frontiersman
skills as a frontiersman
This sentence has a discrepancy in number. Lewis and Clark are two different people, so they are two different frontiersmen. The corrected sentence reads: "Lewis and Clark, the now legendary explorers of the Louisiana Purchase, were chosen for their scientific knowledge and skills as frontiersmen."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Noun Noun 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.
All three of the pumpkins that Gerald entered into the contest became a top-ten winner; needless to say, he was thrilled. No error
No error
that
a top-ten winner
entered into
was thrilled
a top-ten winner
In this sentence, there is a discrepancy in number. There are three pumpkins, so there should be multiple winners. The corrected sentence reads: "All three of the pumpkins that Gerald entered into the contest became top-ten winners; needless to say, he was thrilled."
Example Question #7 : Identifying Noun Noun 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 professor decided that all of his students should become a fan of his favorite violinist, so he lent them CDs so that they could listen to the music. No error
so he
a fan
No error
they
all of
a fan
"Students" is plural, so the plural word "fans" should be used in the sentence. However, the word used in the sentence as it is written is the singular “fan,” which is incorrect.
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