SAT Writing Review

​ (a)   should not be separated from the rest of the sentence without any punctuation, while ​ (b)   must be separated from the rest of the sentence with matching punctuation before and after- either two commas, two dashes, or two parentheses- unless it comes at the beginning or end of the sentence, in which case it will only have one punctuation mark.

• Extra Information
• Specifying Information

Organize these rules into acceptable ways to connect clauses.

note: Independent + Dependent clause rules are the same in either order.

Groups:

(a) Independent + Independent

,

(b) Independent + Dependent

,

(c) NEVER: Independent + Independent

,

(d) NEVER: Independent + Dependent

• Comma , without coordinating conjunction

• A comma ,

• A period

• Colon : if the second part describes the first in some way

• Coordinating conjunction without a comma

• Comma plus an appropriate FANBOYS

• A colon [if independent clause is first]

• No punctuation at all

• Semicolon ;

• FANBOY alone

• No punctuation

• A semicolon ;

Organize these words by part of sentence.

Groups:

(a) FANBOYS

,

(b) Subordinating Words

• Though

• Although

• Unless

• Or

• And

• While

• But

• Since

• Nor

• For

• So

• If

• Yet

• As

True or False:

An -ing or 'to' verb can be the main verb in a sentence

• True

• False

Answer explanation

According to Rules on Complete Sentences, -ing or 'to' verbs can only be correct if the sentence already has a main verb.

Categorize each statement as complete or incomplete.

Groups:

(a) Complete Sentence

,

(b) Incomplete Sentence

• While dancing, they enjoyed the event together

• They wanted to be on vacation

• The scientists discussing the data

• Classes at night to learn together

True or False:

Labels that precede a person's name, a book title, or any other potentially unfamiliar noun are never followed by a comma.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In Example:

a. artist, Pablo Picasso

b. artist Pablo Picasso

b is correct [artist is a label]

Items in a list of three or more things need to be separated by punctuation, typically​ (a)   . If one or more items within a list contain a comma, the list should be separated with ​ (b)   .

• commas
• semicolons

True or False:

It is acceptable to use punctuation, even if there is not a reason.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

If there is not a reason for punctuation, don't use it!

Rules:

1. 1. Don't put punctuation where there is specifying information.

2. 2. Never put a single punctuation mark between a subject and verb.

3. 3. Don't put punctuation after a preposition.

The resplendent quetzal, the national animal of Guatemala, is a species of _ with a colorful plumage of iridescent green feathers.

• bird:

• bird

• bird,

• bird-

Social psychologist Walter Truett Anderson hypothesizes that intelligent life required two significant _ symbolic communication and taking responsibility for one's actions.

• shifts:

• shifts such as

• shifts, such as

• shifts;