Free SAT Writing Standard English Conventions Practice Test

Question 1

Which sentence uses correct punctuation? A. The dog ran quickly, it leaped over the fence. B. The dog ran quickly; it leaped over the fence. C. The dog ran quickly it leaped over the fence. D. The dog ran quickly, and, it leaped over the fence.

Accepted Answer

Sentence B

Answer

Sentence B uses a semicolon correctly to join two independent clauses. Sentence A is a comma splice. Sentence C is a run-on. Sentence D over-punctuates with unnecessary commas.

Question 2

Which sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error? A. The team plays every Saturday. B. The team of players are ready. C. She runs three miles daily. D. He has been studying for hours.

Accepted Answer

Sentence B

Answer

In Sentence B, 'team' is the singular subject, so the verb should be 'is,' not 'are.' The prepositional phrase 'of players' does not change the subject.

Question 3

Choose the version that correctly uses a comma: A. Before the storm arrived, we closed all the windows. B. Before the storm arrived we closed all the windows. C. Before, the storm arrived we closed all the windows. D. Before the storm, arrived we closed all the windows.

Accepted Answer

Sentence A

Answer

An introductory adverbial clause ('Before the storm arrived') should be followed by a comma before the main clause. Sentence A is correct.

Question 4

Which option correctly punctuates the list? A. I need eggs, milk, bread and butter. B. I need eggs, milk, bread, and butter. C. I need, eggs milk bread and butter. D. I need eggs milk, bread, and butter.

Accepted Answer

Sentence B

Answer

In a series of three or more items, commas separate each item. Sentence B uses the Oxford (serial) comma correctly before 'and,' which is standard in formal writing.

Question 5

Identify the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement: A. Each student must bring their textbook. B. Each student must bring his or her textbook. C. Each student must bring its textbook. D. Each students must bring their textbooks.

Accepted Answer

Sentence B

Answer

'Each' is singular, so the pronoun should agree in number. 'His or her' is the traditional singular pronoun. Note: 'their' is increasingly accepted as singular in modern usage, but B remains the most traditional correct answer.

SAT Practice Test

SAT Practice Test

Free SAT Writing Standard English Conventions Practice Test