Transitions
Why do we use transition words or phrases?
Transition words and phrases connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs. They make the writing fluid and connected. Without them, writing would be choppy and disconnected, lacking coherence and meaning.
What is concision?
Concision refers to an economy of words in writing (or speaking). The challenge is to convey your meaning without unnecessary words, phrases, or sentences.
What is a "non-essential element" and what punctuation marks indicate it?
a WORD, PHRASE, or DEPENDENT CLAUSE that does not change the meaning of the sentence when omitted. It is always set off from the rest of the sentence with comma(s).
How much time do you have for the SAT Writing & Language section?
35 minutes
Insert transitions in the blank spaces: Deciding on a college is often a difficult decision for students. ___________, most school counselors try to provide students with different resources such as assessments and college brochures.
Deciding on a college is often a difficult decision for students. Therefore, most school counselors try to provide students with different resources such as assessments and college brochures.
What are three transition words or phrases that indicate a contrast?
However, in contrast, nevertheless, alternatively, either...or, but, otherwise
What is one tip for making writing more concise?
One of the following: Combine sentences by creating phrases or dependent clauses, remove excessive forms of the verb “to be,” whenever possible, limit or avoid phrases “announcing” your writing strategies, replace wordy phrases or clauses with single words
If items in a series already contain a comma, what should be used to separate the items?
How many questions are there on the SAT Writing & Language section?
44 questions
Revise the following sentence to make it more concise: I really enjoy stepping, and I love my team for the reason that the girls have built an amazing relationship.
I really enjoy stepping, and I love my team because the girls have built an amazing relationship.
What are three transition words that indicate a cause and effect?
Thus, therefore, consequently, hence, for, for this reason, as a result
What word could you use instead of "due to the fact that" to make it more concise?
Because
Name two uses for a colon.
Any two of the following:
a. To direct attention to a list, after an independent clause that includes the phrase “the
following” or “as follows”
b. To direct attention to an appositive, after an independent clause
c. To direct attention to a quotation, after an independent clause
d. To direct attention to a summary or explanation, after an independent clause
e. To indicate a proportion or ratio
f. After a formal salutation in a letter or email
g. Between hours and minutes
h. Between a title and subtitle
What are the passage topics on the SAT Writing & Language test?
Careers, Science, Humanities, History/Social Studies
Revise this sentence to have correct punctuation: This year’s cohort included Nathan Santos, a Cooperman Scholar from Newark’s East Side High School, Junmo Kwon, from Chicago’s Noble Network of Charter Schools, and Kaylee Kriner, a Lenfest Scholar from Mercersburg, Pa.
This year’s cohort included Nathan Santos, a Cooperman Scholar from Newark’s East Side High School; Junmo Kwon, from Chicago’s Noble Network of Charter Schools; and Kaylee Kriner, a Lenfest Scholar from Mercersburg, Pa.
Add the appropriate transition word in the blank below: Some people in New Jersey built their houses very close to the shoreline. ____________, they have had to spend a lot of money trying to protect their property from the sea.
Consequently,
What are two tips for making writing more concise that weren't already stated?
Two of the following: Combine sentences by creating phrases or dependent clauses, remove excessive forms of the verb “to be,” whenever possible, limit or avoid phrases “announcing” your writing strategies, replace wordy phrases or clauses with single words
Edit the following sentence with punctuation marks (commas, semicolon, or colon): We closed the program as we do each year with a talent show and a project fair, where the students proudly presented their learning.
We closed the program, as we do each year, with a talent show and a project fair, where the students proudly presented their learning.
What type of writing skills is the SAT Writing & Language section testing?
The SAT Writing and Language section is designed with “life” writing skills in mind. It aims to see how prepared you are – regardless of your desired career - to edit, proofread, and revise writing across a variety of nonfiction texts.
Revise the following sentences for concision without removing any information: Aid Agency works to bring immediate assistance to people whose lives have been devastated by natural disasters and conflict. Through our work we provide emergency relief in the initial stages of the disaster, and we also provide continued support to affected communities as they rebuild and rehabilitate towards a sustainable future.
Aid Agency helps people affected by natural disasters and conflict. We provide emergency relief when disaster occurs and support communities as they rebuild.