ApexSAT Writing Section Tip #1

On the SAT Writing section, the answer choices will frequently have you choose between something like the following:

1. fell over. He got up 
2. fell over; he got up
3. [Placeholder]
4. [Placeholder]

Regardless of what C and D says, or the context of the passage, we know that answers A and B are incorrect. This is because a semicolon and a period are functionally identical (except for the capitalized H but the SAT doesn’t test on capital letters). And as we know, there can only be one correct answer per question. If A were correct, it would mean that B is correct as well since they are grammatically identical. We can’t have two correct answers so we can conclude that they are both incorrect. 

When on the SAT Writing section, several questions will ask you about use of different punctuation marks. It’s important to understand the main ones you’ll see. 

Period (.): Ends one complete clause

Semicolon (;): separates two complete clauses within one sentence

Comma (,): separates a complete clause from an incomplete clause within one sentence

Colon (:): introduces a list or a explanation/relating idea

On the SAT, there will be several questions that involve something called a parenthetical phrase. A parenthetical phrase is something that can be removed from the sentence entirely and the sentence will still make grammatical sense. 

They are separated by a comma, dash, or parenthesis. The important thing to know for the SAT is that the punctuation mark has to be the same for both the beginning and the end of the phrase. If a parenthetical phrase is introduced through a dash, it must end with a dash. 

For example:

The discovery - which could have had a massive impact on agriculture - was lost. 

The parenthetical phrase began and ended with dashes. 

On the SAT, you will be asked to choose between several common transition words that can drastically differ in meaning. As such, it is important to know some of the main ones. 

However: indicates a contradiction, change from what is expected

Conversely: similar to however, indicates a contradiction, change from what is expected

Nevertheless: similar to however, indicates a contradiction, change from what is expected

Consequently: indicates something that happened as a result of something else

Similarly: indicates another example or instance being brought up that is comparable to the previous sentence

Furthermore: indicates an addition of information that usually supports or goes in line with a previous claim

Afterward: indicates chronological order