SAT Writing Section

In this section, we shall discuss a few grammar rules tested in the New SAT Writing section.

1. Its/ it’s/ its’

Students tend to have the most difficulty in using ”ITS”. Hence, the answer to the question is usually ”ITS” (the possessive case). Remember, ITS’ (apostrophe after S) does not exist in English. It is smartly introduced into the passage to confuse the students. Note, IT’S is the short form of IT IS.

Look at the example below:

Dubai is a city known for its many tourist attractions. It’s the most visited city in the world. (wrong)

Dubai is a city known for its many tourist attractions. It’s the most visited city in the world. (correct)

2. Redundancy

When the answer choices are grammatically correct and state the same information, remember to pick the most concise and clear answer. Let’s look at a question from the New SAT:

In the popular imagination today, Harpers Ferry is still seen as a crucial place of great importance during the Civil War.

1. NO CHANGE
2. Place
3. An important place
4. A place where a great deal happened

All the choices are similar if we notice the answer choices. Be smart and

pick out the clearest choice without being redundant. The word before the underlined

phrase is crucial, which is important. Hence, we can eliminate A, C & D.

3. Misplaced Modifier

 Let’s look at another question from the New SAT Writing section.

Although printed cheaply and for quick consumption, today’s cultural experience is largely shaped by dime novels.

1. NO CHANGE
2. We experience culture the way we do because of dime novels.
3. Dime novels have shaped the way we experience culture today.
4. The shape of dime novels influences cultural experiences.

From the dependent clause before the comma, we can identify that the dime novels were printed cheaply and for consumption. Hence, the words ”dime novels” must be placed after the comma next to the modifier phrase. So, we can eliminate A, B & D.

The rules are quite straightforward, but you must start early and keep practicing the rules. Option Institute has trained numerous students for the Old & New SAT. We walk the test with you, and each session is a step towards a better score.