SATs Word Choice & Sentence Clarity 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?
- Walking to school, Maria noticed a lost dog. (Correct answer)
- Walking to school, a lost dog was noticed.
- A lost dog was noticed, walking to school.
- Walking to school was when Maria noticed a lost dog.
Correct answer: Walking to school, Maria noticed a lost dog.
In the first sentence, 'walking to school' correctly modifies 'Maria,' the subject.
Question 2: Which word best replaces 'got' in: 'She got a promotion after years of dedication.'?
- earned
- received
- acquired
- All of the above are acceptable replacements (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above are acceptable replacements
All three alternatives — earned, received, and acquired — are more precise and formal than 'got.'
Question 3: Which option corrects the wordiness? 'At this point in time, we need to make a decision.'
- Now, we need to make a decision. (Correct answer)
- At this current point in time, we need to decide.
- We need to make a decision at this time currently.
- In the current moment of time, a decision needs making.
Correct answer: Now, we need to make a decision.
'At this point in time' is a wordy phrase; 'now' conveys the same meaning concisely.
Question 4: In the sentence 'The council voted to ban smoking inside all public facilities,' what does 'facilities' most nearly mean?
- buildings (Correct answer)
- services
- regulations
- employees
Correct answer: buildings
In this context, 'facilities' refers to physical buildings or spaces used by the public.
Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' versus 'effect'?
- The new law will affect millions of workers. (Correct answer)
- The new law will effect millions of workers.
- The affect of the law was significant.
- She tried to effect her emotions during the speech.
Correct answer: The new law will affect millions of workers.
'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is typically a noun meaning a result.
Question 6: Which transition word best connects these sentences? 'She studied for weeks. _____, she failed the exam.'
- Nevertheless (Correct answer)
- Therefore
- Furthermore
- Similarly
Correct answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals an unexpected contrast — studying did not lead to passing.
Question 7: Which version of the underlined portion best improves clarity? 'The coach, he always arrived early, was respected.'
- who always arrived early, (Correct answer)
- he always arrived early,
- , always arriving early, he
- that he always arrived early,
Correct answer: who always arrived early,
A relative clause ('who always arrived early') correctly modifies 'the coach' without a redundant pronoun.
SATs Word Choice & Sentence Clarity 3
Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?