SAT writing course

Introduction
1. Shorter is better
2. Sound
3. Check all choices
4. POE
5. No change (N/A for digital)
6. Watch for new errors
7. Cross stuff out
8. Being almost always wrong

Sentence Structure & Punctuation

Fragments
1. Watch out for fragments ≠ sentence
2. Complete sentence = subject +main verb
3. Dependent clauses need independent clause

Run Ons & Comma Splices

1. Run on sentence: “I walk I run.” “I walk then run”
2. We need to know how to combine sentences in a logical way and structure.
3. Comma is usually not enough to combine two complete sentences

Coordination
Coordinating conjunction: way to connect two complete sentences.
Coordination = comma + FANBOYS
Coordination: combining two or more independent clauses in one sentence.

F-for
A-and
N-nor
B-but
O-or
Y-yet
S-so
Semicolons
1. A semicolon must connect two complete sentences (independent clauses) – nj
fragments allowed! A “semicolon splice” is legal! Generally, we prefer using
semicolons if the two clauses express some related ideas.
Examples:
- The shareholders were getting impatient; the CEO knew he needed to improve the
company’s quarterly numbers.
- The rocket jettisoned its first stage; there was no need for the ship to carry that dead
weight into orbit.

An exceptional case:
- City + state
- I lived in Sacramento, California; Austin, Texas; New York, New York.

Colons
Colons MUST follow an independent clause, but basically anything can follow a colon.
1. Introduce a list
2. To provide a short explanation
3. Connect two independent clauses provided that the second sentence explains or
expands on the first one.
4. Introduce a quote

Dashes
Dashes function like commas and colons but also add emphasis. Be consistent - don’t mix
commas and colons.They are usually more informal than the other punctuation marks.

“Everyone I know-even Mary and Bob- attended my party.”

“There are only two guarantees in life - death and taxes.”

Dashescan also show interruptions, interjections, or a change in thought.

“What are you doing with that donut -no!”

Subordination
Dependent/Subordinate Clause: clause that can’t stand by itself without creating a fragment.
It “depends” on an independent clause.

“Although I pretend otherwise(DC), I love practising

for the SAT(IC).”
- Comma after DC
“I love practising for the SAT(IC) although I pretend otherwise(DC) ”
- No comma

Sentence Combination
1. Separate a sentence with a period.
2. Use FANBOYS conjunction + comma
3. Use a semicolon
4. Transform one independent clause into a subordinate clause or a phrase.
5. Use a colon.

Participial Phrases
“Kicking the can as he walked,...” - participle phrase;
- Starts with -ing verb
- Starts with -ed verb
-ing verb does NOT usually imply present tense

“Typically, the ice sheet begins to show evidence of thawing in the late summer, following the
high temperatures.”

Dangling & Misplaced Modifiers

1. The noun that follows the modifier should directly address what is happening/
described in the modifier.
2. Look out for ambiguity and vagueness
3. Proximity matters

Example: Having become frustrated trying to solve difficult problems, I missed having
colleagues nearby to consult.

Essential vs. Nonessential

1. Participial phrases/ clauses, and appositive phrases that appear in the middle of a
sentence will either take TWO commas or NONE depending on whether the clause is
ESSENTIAL or NONESSENTIAL.
2. If you can remove the part without the sentence losing its meaning or idea it is a
nonessential clause.

Example:
- My brother, who is in the army, came home yesterday.
- The project, developed by more than 100 scientists, is to be presented this week on
an international conference.
 Relative Pronouns & Clauses
1. Relative clauses modify nouns and pronouns. They begin with relative pronouns
(which, that, who, whom, whose) or relative adverbs (when, where, why). They can
either be essential or nonessential.
2. Which -> nonessential (+commas), that -> essential (no commas)

WHO vs. WHOM:

- Antecedent = the noun that the pronoun refers to or stands in for.
- Is the antecedent DOING action? -Then use who.
- Is the antecedent the TARGET or BENEFICIARY of an action? - The use whom.

Example:
- The juggler whom I wanted to meet turned out to be a real jerk.
- The person who organised the meeting was very successful.