SAT Skills Insight
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6/1
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Select a score band
Manage phrases and clauses in a sentence
Skills needed to score in this band
SKILL 1: Recognize simple parallel structure
SKILL 2: Recognize sentence fragments
SKILL 3: Recognize appropriate and logical relationships between parts of a sentence
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1
Recognize simple parallel structure
ExampleThe following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A; if not, select one of the other choices.
In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence-clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.
On the shore of South Carolina’s Bull Island, the solitude of the beach is awesome, intense, and it can be exhilarating.
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2
Recognize sentence fragments
ExampleThe following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A; if not, select one of the other choices.
In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence-clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.
An increased concentration of carbon dioxide and certain other gases in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
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3
Recognize appropriate and logical relationships between parts of a sentence
ExampleThe following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A; if not, select one of the other choices.
In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence-clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.
Under the new regulations governing tobacco advertising, the well-known ad that shows people riding horses smoking cigarettes will no longer be allowed.
Skills needed to score in the next band
In your reading, choose a paragraph and be able to distinguish gerunds from main verbs, especially when both end in ���ing. In your own writing, make sure you use gerunds and participles appropriately.
