Grammar Mechanics
What are the FANBOYS conjunctions?
For And Nor But Or Yet So
What is parallel structure?
all phrasing in a series must follow the same pattern
How many questions are on the reading section?
53 (5 passages, 10-11 questions each)
Skip fiction, finish last
Semicolons have the same purpose as what other punctuation mark?
Period
What should you do if you see the word "being" in an answer choice?
Get rid of it! Almost always wrong.
How much time should you spend on each reading passage?
Less than 20 minutes (ideally through first half by break)
Main idea answers should be...
broader
What functions do dashes and colons share?
Introducing a list or explanation
What is an example of a dangling modifier?
-ing verb starts the sentence, subject is unclear (must come after the comma)
How many questions are on the writing section?
44 (4 passages, 11 questions)
eliminate it!
What are the three pairs of punctuation that set off a nonessential clause?
Commas, dashes, parentheses
What are strategies for considering verb tense or agreement?
Look at the tenses around it, and consider its plurality/singularity.
How much time should you spend on each writing passage?
About 13 minutes
How should you approach comparative passages?
Read one at a time.
What are the main comma uses? Hint: use the acronym FINIL.
Fanboys (between clauses), introductory phrase, nonessential, interruption, list
Give examples of transitions that serve the following purposes: continue, contradict, cause and effect
Shorter is...
better!
What are certain things to pay attention to in the fiction passage?
Tone words, relationships, shifts in plot