INFORMATION AND IDEAS
This question type asks you to summarize the key point of a passage, often in the form of a thesis statement or central claim.
→ What is a main idea question?
This type of question asks you to determine the meaning of a word or phrase based on how it is used in a passage.
What is a vocabulary-in-context question?
A writer wants to make a paragraph clearer by improving transitions between sentences. This type of SAT question asks about the best way to _______.
What is improve consistency?
A sentence must always have a subject and a verb to be complete. If a sentence is missing either, it is called a _______.
What is a fragment?
"Each of the students have their own locker at school."
"Each of the students has their own locker at school."
Subject-Verb Agreement
You are asked to select the best textual evidence that supports your answer to a previous question, requiring you to find explicit proof in the passage.
What is a command-of-evidence question?
You are asked to analyze how an author’s choice of words, tone, and structure influence the meaning of the passage.
What is a style and tone question?
Which of the following revisions would best strengthen the argument in a persuasive passage?
A) Add an emotional appeal to engage readers
B) Remove all evidence and rely on opinion
C) Introduce a counterargument but ignore it
D) Use longer sentences to make the argument seem complex
What is A) Add an emotional appeal to engage readers?
Which of the following correctly uses a semicolon?
A) I love reading; especially mystery novels.
B) I love reading; I just finished a great mystery novel.
C) I love reading; and I just bought a new book.
D) I love reading; but I don’t have much time for it.
What is B) I love reading; I just finished a great mystery novel?
"Neither the teacher nor the students was excited about the pop quiz."
"Neither the teacher nor the students were excited about the pop quiz."
Subject-Verb Agreement
A passage discusses the effects of urbanization on local wildlife. You must determine whether the author presents a neutral analysis or argues for a particular viewpoint.
What is a tone or point of view question?
A passage presents a complex argument. You must determine whether the author builds their case using statistics, expert opinions, or emotional appeals.
What is an author’s use of evidence question?
True or False: When revising a passage for conciseness, you should always replace longer phrases with the shortest possible wording, even if it changes the meaning.
What is False?
True or False: The pronoun “they” can always replace “he” or “she” in formal writing, regardless of context.
What is False? (It depends on whether the singular “they” is appropriate.)
"Each of the runners on the track team train hard every day to improve their speed."
"Each of the runners on the track team trains hard every day to improve their speed."
wo passages present opposing views on the use of artificial intelligence in the workforce. You must determine how the author of Passage 2 would most likely respond to a claim in Passage 1.
What is a comparing-two-passages question?
A passage contains the phrase: "The scientist’s theory, once dismissed as radical, is now widely accepted." You are asked to explain the effect of the phrase “once dismissed as radical.
What is a rhetorical effect question?
I help connect ideas, guide the reader, and ensure smooth logical flow. Without me, a paragraph might feel choppy. What am I?
What is a transition?
I help show possession, but people often confuse me with a contraction. I belong in "the dog wagged ___ tail" but not in "___ going to the park." What am I?
What is an apostrophe in a possessive noun? (Its vs. It’s)
"Walking through the park, the flowers looked especially beautiful."
"Walking through the park, I thought the flowers looked especially beautiful."
What is the misplaced modifier?
A passage states: “Despite advancements in renewable energy, fossil fuels continue to dominate global markets.” You are asked to evaluate how this statement functions within the argument and what role it plays in the author’s reasoning.
What is a function/ rhetorical role question?
Two passages discuss the same historical event, but one takes a neutral stance while the other conveys strong emotion. You must determine how differences in structure and language contribute to their differing perspectives.
What is an analyzing author’s choices question?
A passage explains the impact of space exploration on climate research, but the conclusion suddenly shifts to discussing funding challenges. What type of revision does this passage need?
What is maintaining focus and avoiding unnecessary shifts in topic?
Rearrange the following sentence for correct punctuation and clarity:
"Even though I was exhausted I stayed up late to study I had a big test the next day."
What is: "Even though I was exhausted, I stayed up late to study; I had a big test the next day."
She enjoys reading, writing, and to paint in her free time.
She enjoys reading, writing, and painting in her free time.
Parallel Structure