SAT Skills Insight
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6/1
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Select a score band
Manage grammatical structures used to modify or compare
Skills needed to score in this band
SKILL 1: Recognize illogical sentences caused by dangling modifiers
SKILL 2: Recognize inappropriate correlative constructions (e.g., neither . . . nor)
SKILL 3: Recognize noun-noun disagreement
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1
Recognize illogical sentences caused by dangling modifiers
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.
Hearing no objections from property holders at the meeting, the town council’s vote was in favor of closing off Bradley Street to cars.
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2
Recognize inappropriate correlative constructions (e.g., neither . . . nor)
ExampleThe following sentence tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. The sentence will not contain more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice E. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English.
Although Marion had made a commitment to finish the painting by September, she had neither the energy or the inclination to continue working on it. No error
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3
Recognize noun-noun disagreement
ExampleThe following sentence tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. The sentence will not contain more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice E. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English.
In the aggressive society created by William Golding in Lord of the Flies, both Ralph and Jack emerge early on as the leader of the lost boys. No error
Skills needed to score in the next band
In your reading, choose a paragraph and identify the adjectives and adverbs in the sentences and the words they modify. In your own writing, check to see that your adjectives are used to modify nouns and that your adverbs are used to modify verbs.
In your reading, focus on sentences that contain comparative phrases (e.g., "as strong as" or "more fit than"). In your own writing, check to see that you use appropriate structures to compare things and ideas.
In your reading, pay attention to the placement of modifying words, phrases, and clauses. In your own writing, check to see that you use modifiers appropriately.
