The following sentence contains
either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error,
select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence
correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.
Searching a sentence for a grammatical error may seem like a daunting
task because there are so many rules in the English language. However, if you remember the Knowsys method,
you need not be intimidated. Read the
sentence carefully and evaluate each underlined portion using the Big 8 Grammar
Rules. For each blank, ask yourself whether there are any problems.
The results of the study indicate that the new drug is both safer and more effective than waspreviously assumed. No error
As you are preparing for the SAT, it's a good idea to start thinking about which colleges you want to apply to. It's important to set goals and know what scores you want to get. US News and World Report has a great list of the top colleges here. The list includes a variety of different categories including "best value schools" and "A+ Schools for B students."
6/25 Improving Sentences
Part or all of the following sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Select the option that produces the best sentence. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A.
"Improving Sentences" questions are very straightforward. All you need to do is look at the underlined portion. If there is an error or some obvious fault in the underlined portion, make a prediction about how you could improve the sentence. Then look at the answer choices. Remember that the correct answer choice will not always match your prediction exactly (since there are often several ways to improve a sentence). Even so, predicting will help you to analyze why the sentence is less than ideal as it stands. Also, don't forget that sometimes the sentence is best the way it is (in which case you will select answer choice (A)).
The well-preserved, 121-million-year-old fossilized bird embryo on display at the museum has several features that suggest that its young could move about and feed themselves very soon after they hatched.
Sharks are some of nature's most magnificent predators. They have no bones (only cartilage) and their streamlined bodies allow them to glide through the water at incredible speeds. While sharks have a sinister reputation, in reality they rarely attack people. You can learn more about sharks here.
6/4 Identifying Sentence Errors
The following sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.
For Identifying Sentence Errors questions, always read the sentence and focus on anything that sounds strange or wrong. Determine whether that part of the sentence is actually incorrect, then identify the part of the sentence that, if changed, would correct the error. Double-check that the other sections of the sentence are correct as they are and, finally, mark the correct answer on your answer sheet.
Most of the world’s sharks, living in temperate and tropical regions, though the Greenland shark lives in the cold Arctic waters, and the huge basking shark is at home in the seas around Antarctica. No error
Recycling can reduce pollution, save energy, conserve natural resources, and even save you money! You can read more about recycling (and learn about government initiatives to increase recycling) here.
5/29 Identifying Sentence Errors
The following sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.
For Identifying Sentence Errors questions, always read the sentence and focus on anything that sounds strange or wrong. Determine whether that part of the sentence is actually incorrect, then identify the part of the sentence that, if changed, would correct the error. Double-check that the other sections of the sentence are correct as they are, and finally mark the correct answer on your answer sheet. Besides conserving forest resources, recycling produces fewer pollutants than does the conventional pulping and bleaching processes that are normally used to create paper. No error
How many of you like to read? Did you know that reading makes you smarter? It might seem obvious that reading is good for you but did you know that it has other benefits besides increasing your knowledge? Reading has numerous benefits from the fairly obvious ones like improved critical thinking and memory, to the surprising ones like stress reduction or improved social skills (tell that to someone the next time they call you a bookworm). You can learn more about the benefits of reading here. If you don't have extra money to go see a movie this summer remember, the public library is free (and air conditioned too)!
5/26 Improving Sentences
Part or all of the following sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Select the option that produces the best sentence. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A.
Always read the sentence and try to make a prediction about the answer before you look at the answer choices. This will help you narrow down the answers and quickly select the correct one.
All of the ingredients for Pablo’s secret chocolate chip cookie recipe, which included the special dark chocolate, was available in his mother’s pantry. As always, we want to predict our answer before we look at the answer choices. Doing so will help us to feel more confident in our answer when we see a choice that matches our prediction. In this case, the test makers are trying to trick us by separating the subject and the verb. The subject is the ingredients not the recipe and, therefore, the correct verb is were not was. This is a classic trick that is used on the SAT. By separating the subject and the verb, the test makers try to confuse you. It would be correct to say "the recipe was available in . . . " but in this case, it the "ingredients" that "were available in . . . ". Additionally, if we look closely we can see that the word "which" is ambiguous. We don't know if it is the "recipe" or the "ingredients" that "included the special dark chocolate". We can predict that the correct answer will probably have the verb "were", and also fix the ambiguity brought about by the improper use of the word "which". Now it's time to look at the answer choices and see which one has the proper subject and verb agreement (and eliminates the ambiguity). (A) which included the special dark chocolate, was (B) which included the special dark chocolate, they were (C) including the special dark chocolate that was (D) including the special dark chocolate, being (E) including the special dark chocolate, were Remember that choice (A) is exactly the same as the sentence originally appeared in the question. Since we already know there is an error we do not need to read choice (A) and we can immediately cross it off. (B) has an unnecessary "they". (C) still has the verb "was", since you would not say "the ingredients that was" it won't work either. Answer choice (D) uses the word "being". On the SAT you will almost never want to use an answer choice with the word "being". In this case, only choice (E) matches our prediction and that is the correct answer.
On sat.collegeboard.org, 75% of the responses were correct.
The first zipper design was patented in 1851, but zippers did not become widely popular until the 1930s, when they were added to children's clothing and touted for their contributions to the youngsters' self-reliance. Early zippers look downright dangerous to modern eyes, though their earliest uses were on shoes and boots rather than clothing.
5/23 Identifying Sentence Errors
The following sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.
For Identifying Sentence Errors questions, always read the sentence and focus on anything that sounds strange or wrong. Determine whether that part of the sentence is actually incorrect, then identify the part of the sentence that, if changed, would correct the error. Double-check that the other sections of the sentence are correct as they are, and finally mark the correct answer on your answer sheet.
Used in place of buttons, hooks and eyes, or laces, the zipper consists of two rows of plastic or metal teeth and bound to the edges of two strips of fabric. No error
Westminster Abbey is one of the architectural, cultural, and historical treasures of London. Construction began in the 13th century and did not cease until the 16th. The Abbey is still a church used for regular worship services, and it has seen over a dozen royal weddings and several royal funerals. Look at the left-hand side of the web page for more information about the history of Westminster Abbey.
5/20 Improving Sentences
Part or all of the following sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Select the option that produces the best sentence. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A.
On Improving Sentences questions, always remember to read the sentence and make a prediction about what changes would correct any errors you find. This prediction will help you eliminate wrong answers and quickly zero in on the correct choice.
Since William the Conqueror in 1066, every British sovereign has been crowned in Westminster Abbey except Edward V and Edward VII, neither of them were crowned.
The first thing that you should notice is the comma after "Edward VII." Even though it is not underlined, it should jump out at you because if you split the sentence at that point, you could put a comma there and have two sentences. Normally, that would mean that the comma is incorrect and a semicolon would work better; since the comma is not underlined, the underlined section needs to be rephrased in such a way that it is not a sentence. The easiest way to do that is to change "of them" to "of whom." In addition, the singular word "neither" needs the singular verb "was." Check the answer choices for one that includes "of whom" and "was."
Barbara Jordan was the first African American elected to the Texas Senate since Reconstruction, and one of the first women ever. She entered the political arena in the 1960's and was known for her hard work and eloquence at both the state and national levels.
5/14 Improving Sentences
Part or all of the following sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Select the option that produces the best sentence. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A.
Always read the sentence and try to make a prediction about the answer before you look at the answer choices. This will help you narrow down the answers and quickly select the correct one.
After serving two terms in the Texas Senate, Barbara Jordan's election to the United States House of Representatives, where she served from 1973 to 1979.
The first question that occurs to me as I read this sentence is, "Wait, who got elected?" After an introductory phrase like this one, the first independent noun is always the subject. As the problem is currently written, it looks like Jordan's election served two terms in the Texas Senate! That, of course, makes no sense. Since you know that Barbara Jordan was the one who served in the Senate, you know that the correct answer must start with her name.
Sea stars, frequently misnamed "starfish," are fascinating creatures with no brain, no bones, and no blood. They are best known for their ability to regenerate their own limbs, and are a great example of the ability to adapt to any environment.
5/11 Identifying Sentence Errors
The following sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.
First, always read the sentence as if none of it were underlined. If something sounds strange or wrong, focus on that. Figure out which underlined part of the sentence you could change to correct that problem. Next, double-check the other underlined sections to make sure that they are correct. Finally, select the correct answer choice.
Among the most widespread of marine animals, starfish and sea urchins inhabit all seas except that of the polar regions. No error
Does anything sound strange? The last part of the sentence should because it has a problem. The word "except" is fine; it is a preposition, and it is used correctly. The same is true of "of," but look closely at the word "that." "That" is a pronoun, which means it must agree with one antecedent in the sentence. "That" refers to the word "seas," which is plural, so it might seem obvious that "that" should be the plural "those" in order to agree. However, because of the context of the sentence, "that" could still make sense. Imagine if the sentence referred to "all the books except that by Mr. Bob," or "all the jellybeans except that in Katie's stomach." The word "except" indicates a separation between the pronoun and its antecedent and creates a strange situation where the two do not actually have to agree, and, of course, this can create ambiguity. This sentence does not refer to books or jellybeans but to seas, specifically those "of the polar regions." If the seas are in both polar regions--that is, on both the northern and southern extremes of the globe--they cannot be the same sea. Since "that of the polar regions" needs to refer to multiple seas, the correct form is "those."
The Great Texas Sausage Festival in Somerville, TX, is proof that people will celebrate anything and everything! With everything from Doggie Costume Parades to Lawn Mower Races, this festival celebrates everything great about Texas.
5/8 Improving Sentences
Part or all of the following sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Select the option that produces the best sentence. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A.
First, always read the sentence to see what sounds strange or wrong. Remember not to bother looking at choice A; since it's the same as the sentence you've already read, it's a waste of time. Use the original sentence to make a prediction about the correct answer, then compare the answer choices to your prediction.
The wide variety of spices and condiments used in sausage making including salt and, it depends on the ethnic or regional origin of the recipe, coriander, nutmeg, cloves, garlic, vinegar, mace, pepper, chili peppers, or pistachio nuts.
What a mess! First, this sentence has no main verb. "Including" is a participle here, and "depends" is part of a modifying phrase. At least, it seems like it is part of a modifying phrase; with the word "it" acting as a subject of the verb, everything from "it" to "recipe" is technically an independent clause. The word "it," though, is a pronoun with no antecedent; it does not refer back to anything in the sentence.
The correct answer, then, will probably eliminate "it" entirely. It will change "including" to a main verb that agrees with the subject (What includes? The variety includes) and "depends" to a participle.
This "Brief History of The Simpsons" includes an introductory list of the characters and a few ways the show has interacted with the world outside TV. Information like that found in this article can turn a mediocre example (e.g., "In one episode of The Simpsons...") into an excellent one (e.g. a discussion of Marge Simpson's correspondence with First Lady Barbara Bush in late 1990).
Writing: Identifying Sentence Errors
The following sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.
Always read the sentence first to get a general feel for how it sounds. If something seems strange or wrong, start with the part of the sentence that caught your attention. Check that segment against what you know of standard English grammar. If nothing stands out to you, check all four underlined sections. When you find one that breaks the rules, mark it.
From its modest beginnings as a series of brief vignettes to its establishment as the longest-running prime-time animated series on television, The Simpsonstransformed the way both theaudiences and television programmers view the animated sitcom. No error
Does anything sound odd? If not, don't worry, just check each answer choice individually.
It is not uncommon for migrant workers to find pay in Florida's orange groves. Picking fruit is hard work, and because it is seasonal, many Americans will pass it over in favor of a more steady job. However, sometimes these migrant workers are in dire straits, and they are taken advantage of. This unedited interview with Miguel tells how he came to America hoping to earn enough money for his son's cancer treatments, but found fear and desperation.
5/2 Improving Sentences
Part or all of the following sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Select the option that produces the best sentences. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A.
First, read the sentence and predict how to solve any problems you identify. After that, look for an answer choice that matches your prediction or finds another way to solve those problems. Focus on differences among the answer choices to quickly eliminate wrong answers.
About 35 percent of the world's orange juice is produced by Florida, comparing it with nearly 50 percent produced by Brazil, the world's largest orange producer.
Clearly, the underlined portion needs to be changed. The pronoun "it" has no antecedent (it is not standing in for any noun in the sentence), and the correct idiom for comparing things that are different is "compared with." Check the answer choices for an option that avoids these errors.
The first Swiss chocolate factory was built in 1819. The man who founded it was in his early 20s and had been working as an "immigrant labourer" in Italy for four years because the chocolate he saw at a Swiss fair smelled so good! This short list of Swiss chocolate makers Swiss chocolate makers can be used for Excellent Examples about entrepreneurship, determination, and dedication.
4/29 Identifying Sentence Errors
The following sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.
Remember to read through the sentence for anything that sounds strange, then focus on the part that must be changed to correct the error. If nothing sounds strange to you, check all the options against the rules of English grammar. After checking each option, if none of them are wrong, select choice E.
An abundant supply of milk from dairy farms nearby make the Bern region of Switzerland a leading producer of condensed milk and milk chocolate. No error
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one of the most famous and most well-loved authors in the Spanish-speaking world. His autobiography broke records in 2001 as the best-selling book ever. He is known for writing in the genre of magic realism, seamlessly blending the fantastical and the everyday. One of my favorite short stories of his is A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings, in which a decrepit old man with wings tumbles out of the sky after a storm and is put on display by the farmers who find him. Soon the farmers begin to charge for admittance and make a handsome profit off the strange old man. Villagers come to debate whether he is an angel or just a strange old sailor who smells like fish. Read and decide for yourself!
4/26 Improving Sentences
Part or all of the following sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Select the option that produces the best sentence. If you think the original phrasing sounds better than any of the alternatives, select choice A.
First, read the sentence to see what sounds strange or wrong. Use that as your prediction and look among the answer choices for something that fixes the problem you found.
For both his shorter and longer works of fiction, Gabriel Garcia Marquez achieves the rare feat of being accessible to the common reader while satisfying the most demanding of sophisticated critics.
The biggest problem here is the word "both." Whenever you see the construction "both X and Y," remember that all the words between "both" and "and" need to be duplicated or paralleled after the word "and." The original sentence said "both his shorter and longer works," using "longer" as the parallel word for "shorter" but ignoring "his." Look for an answer choice that uses "both" correctly.
