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 proper placement of multiple parallel structures within a single sentence
SKILL 2: Recognize the correct use of the colon to join ideas in a sentence
SKILL 3: Recognize correct use of complex syntax
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1
Recognize proper placement of multiple parallel structures within a single 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.
Medical students must learn to pay attention and be respectful of the needs of both their patients and their patients’ families.
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2
Recognize the correct use of the colon to join ideas in 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.
The rock band's first album was a hit in the United States but not in the band's home country of Australia, in Sydney the band's album sales were quite low.
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3
Recognize correct use of complex syntax
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.
Medical students must learn to pay attention and be respectful of the needs of both their patients and their patients’ families.
