In our previous post, we covered the most common SAT Writing & Language grammar traps—from subject-verb agreement to tricky transitions. Now it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are sample SAT-style questions, followed by detailed explanations so you can learn from mistakes. You can also download the PDF to self-test.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Question:
The collection of rare coins are worth a fortune.
A) are
B) is
C) were
D) have been
Answer: B) is
Explanation: The subject is collection (singular), not coins. Always match the verb to the subject, not the nearest noun.
2. Pronoun Ambiguity & Case
Question:
Neither James nor his friends remembered to bring their notebook.
A) their
B) his
C) his or their
D) its
Answer: C) his or their
Explanation: Since the subject is compound (James + his friends), the pronoun must account for both. His or their covers both singular and plural options.
3. Modifier Placement
Question:
Excited to win the award, the acceptance speech was written by Sarah.
A) NO CHANGE
B) The acceptance speech, excited to win the award, was written by Sarah.
C) Excited to win the award, Sarah wrote the acceptance speech.
D) Sarah, the acceptance speech excited to win the award, wrote it.
Answer: C) Excited to win the award, Sarah wrote the acceptance speech.
Explanation: The modifier “Excited to win the award” must describe Sarah, not the speech.
4. Parallelism
Question:
The coach emphasized that the team must practice regularly, eat well, and getting enough sleep.
A) getting
B) get
C) got
D) has gotten
Answer: B) get
Explanation: All verbs must be parallel: practice, eat, get.
5. Punctuation
Question:
The movie was engaging, it had stunning visuals.
A) NO CHANGE
B) The movie was engaging it had stunning visuals.
C) The movie was engaging; it had stunning visuals.
D) The movie was engaging, and stunning visuals.
Answer: C) The movie was engaging; it had stunning visuals.
Explanation: A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses.
6. Transitions
Question:
The weather forecast predicted heavy rain. Therefore, we decided to have a picnic.
A) NO CHANGE
B) However,
C) For instance,
D) In addition,
Answer: B) However,
Explanation: A picnic contradicts a forecast of heavy rain. The logical transition is However, not Therefore.
7. Idioms & Usage
Question:
The scientist was responsible to designing the new experiment.
A) responsible to
B) responsible on
C) responsible for
D) responsible at
Answer: C) responsible for
Explanation: The correct idiom is “responsible for.”
Final Drill: Spot the Errors
Question:
Each of the students in the advanced math class have their own calculator, however, some prefer to work without it.
Correction:
Each of the students in the advanced math class has his or her own calculator; however, some prefer to work without it.
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Subject-verb agreement: “Each” → singular → has
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Pronoun precision: “his or her” (or pluralize to avoid: All students have their own calculators.)
-
Punctuation: Semicolon before however
Quick Study Checklist
✔️ Match verbs to true subjects, not nearby nouns
✔️ Watch for ambiguous pronouns
✔️ Place modifiers next to what they describe
✔️ Keep lists parallel
✔️ Use semicolons, commas, and colons correctly
✔️ Choose transitions based on logic, not “what sounds right”
✔️ Memorize common idioms
Download Printable SAT Writing & Language practice worksheet (PDF) with questions, answer choices, explanations.
