SAT Writing and Language Tips: Grammar Rules You Must Know
The SAT Writing and Language section can be a challenging part of the exam, but with the right preparation and understanding of grammar rules, you can significantly improve your performance. This section tests your ability to identify and correct errors in grammar, usage, and punctuation, as well as your ability to improve the clarity and organization of written passages. You must know the key grammar rules to excel in this section.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the most commonly tested grammar rules on the SAT is subject-verb agreement. This rule requires that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number—singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. For example:
Incorrect: The list of items are on the table.
Correct: The list of items is on the table.
To avoid errors, identify the subject of the sentence and ensure it matches the verb. If this is an area you struggle with, a private SAT tutor can help clarify these concepts with tailored examples and exercises.
2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender. Additionally, the antecedent must be clear to avoid ambiguity. For example:
Incorrect: Each of the students must bring their own notebook.
Correct: Each of the students must bring his or her own notebook.
Watch for singular pronouns like "each," "everyone," and "anyone," which often require singular agreement.
3. Parallel Structure
Parallel structure ensures that elements in a sentence that are joined by conjunctions (such as "and" or "or") are in the same grammatical form. For example:
Incorrect: She likes reading, to jog, and painting.
Correct: She likes reading, jogging, and painting.
Consistency in structure improves the clarity and readability of your writing.
4. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Modifiers must be placed next to the word or phrase they describe. A misplaced modifier can confuse the reader, while a dangling modifier leaves the sentence unclear. For example:
Incorrect: Running down the street, the backpack fell off her shoulder.
Correct: Running down the street, she dropped her backpack.
Ensure that the modifier is logically and grammatically connected to the subject it describes.
5. Comma Usage
The SAT frequently tests your understanding of commas. Here are some key rules:
Use commas to separate items in a list: "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."
Use commas after introductory elements: "After the meeting, we went out for lunch."
Avoid unnecessary commas: "The dog, that barked loudly, was taken inside" (incorrect).
6. Verb Tense Consistency
Verb tense should remain consistent within a sentence or passage unless a change in time is clearly indicated. For example:
Incorrect: She runs every morning and ate breakfast afterward.
Correct: She runs every morning and eats breakfast afterward.
Look for context clues to determine the appropriate tense.
7. Commonly Confused Words
The SAT may test your ability to distinguish between commonly confused words such as "affect" and "effect" or "then" and "than." Understanding the meanings and proper usage of these words can help you avoid errors.
8. Conciseness and Clarity
The SAT Writing and Language section often rewards concise and clear writing. Avoid redundancy and unnecessary words. For example:
Wordy: Due to the fact that he was late, he missed the bus.
Concise: Because he was late, he missed the bus.
Final Tips for Success
Practice Regularly: The more you practice identifying and correcting errors, the more confident you’ll become.
Use High-Quality Resources: Consider investing in reputable SAT prep books or online courses.
Seek Expert Help: SAT private tutoring can make a significant difference in your preparation, offering customized lessons and immediate feedback.
By mastering these grammar rules and practicing consistently, you can improve your SAT Writing and Language score and boost your overall test performance. Remember, preparation and persistence are key to success!