Free SAT Writing Standard English Conventions Practice Test — Questions and Answers
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.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
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.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
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.
- Sentence A (Correct answer)
- Sentence B
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence A
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.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
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.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
'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.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe? A. The dogs bone was buried in the yard. B. The dog's bone was buried in the yard. C. The dogs' bone was buried in the yard. D. The dogs's bone was buried in the yard.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
A single dog possesses the bone, so the possessive is formed with 's after the noun: 'dog's bone.' Sentence B is correct.
Question 7: Choose the version that eliminates the dangling modifier: A. Running to the bus, my backpack fell off. B. Running to the bus, I dropped my backpack. C. Running to the bus, the backpack fell off me. D. My backpack, running to the bus, fell off.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
A participial phrase ('Running to the bus') must modify the subject of the main clause. Only in Sentence B does 'I' correctly perform the action of running.
Question 8: Which sentence is correct? A. Neither the students nor the teacher are ready. B. Neither the students nor the teacher is ready. C. Neither the students nor the teacher were ready. D. Neither the student's nor the teacher is ready.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the noun closest to it. The closest noun is 'teacher' (singular), so the verb is 'is.' Sentence B is correct.
Question 9: Which sentence uses a colon correctly? A. She had one goal: to graduate with honors. B. She had: one goal to graduate with honors. C. She had one: goal to graduate with honors. D. She: had one goal to graduate with honors.
- Sentence A (Correct answer)
- Sentence B
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence A
A colon is used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, or amplification. Only Sentence A follows this rule correctly.
Question 10: Choose the correct word: 'The committee made (its/their/it's) final decision.'
- its (Correct answer)
- their
- it's
- they're
Correct answer: its
'Committee' is a collective noun treated as singular in formal American English. The correct possessive pronoun is 'its' (no apostrophe). 'It's' means 'it is,' which is incorrect here.
Question 11: Which sentence avoids a run-on error? A. It was raining hard we stayed inside. B. It was raining hard, we stayed inside. C. It was raining hard; therefore, we stayed inside. D. It was raining hard, and, so we stayed inside.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
Sentence C correctly uses a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb ('therefore,') to join two independent clauses. Sentences A and B are run-ons/comma splices. Sentence D has redundant coordinators.
Question 12: Which uses correct verb tense? A. Yesterday, she walks to school. B. Yesterday, she walked to school. C. Yesterday, she will walk to school. D. Yesterday, she has walked to school.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
'Yesterday' signals a completed past action, requiring simple past tense: 'walked.' Simple present (A), future (C), and present perfect (D) are all incorrect here.
Question 13: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence with a nonrestrictive clause: A. My sister who lives in Boston visited me. B. My sister, who lives in Boston, visited me. C. My sister who, lives in Boston, visited me. D. My sister, who lives in Boston visited me.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
A nonrestrictive clause (extra, non-essential information) is set off by commas on both sides. Sentence B correctly places commas before and after 'who lives in Boston.'
Question 14: Which sentence uses 'who' correctly? A. She is the student who I recommended. B. She is the student whom I recommended. C. She is the student who I recommended her. D. She is the student which I recommended.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
'Whom' is used for the object of a verb. In this sentence, 'I recommended [her/whom]' — the student is the object, so 'whom' is correct.
Question 15: Which sentence correctly uses a dash for emphasis? A. The only thing she wanted—was peace. B. The only thing she wanted was—peace. C. The only thing she wanted was peace—truly. D. The only thing—she wanted was peace.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
An em-dash can be used for emphasis or to set off a final word or phrase. Sentence C uses the dash grammatically and stylistically correctly to emphasize 'truly.'
Question 16: Identify the correctly constructed parallel sentence: A. She likes swimming, to run, and hiking. B. She likes to swim, running, and hike. C. She likes swimming, running, and hiking. D. She likes swim, run, and hiking.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
Parallelism requires matching grammatical forms in a list. Sentence C uses the gerund form (swimming, running, hiking) consistently.
Question 17: Which sentence is grammatically correct? A. The data shows that results are conclusive. B. The data show that results are conclusive. C. The data is showing that results are conclusive. D. The data shown that results are conclusive.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
'Data' is the plural form of 'datum.' In formal academic writing, 'data' takes a plural verb: 'The data show.' (Note: In informal usage, 'data is' is common but B is more formally correct.)
Question 18: Which version corrects the pronoun reference error? A. When Tom met Greg, he was nervous. B. When Tom met Greg, Tom was nervous. C. When Tom met Greg, they was nervous. D. When Tom met Greg, Greg he was nervous.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
In Sentence A, 'he' is ambiguous — it could refer to Tom or Greg. Sentence B eliminates ambiguity by naming Tom explicitly.
Question 19: Choose the sentence that avoids wordiness: A. Due to the fact that it was raining, we canceled the game. B. Because it was raining, we canceled the game. C. On account of the raining conditions, we canceled the game. D. Given the fact that rain was occurring, we canceled the game.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
'Because' is more concise than 'due to the fact that,' 'on account of,' or 'given the fact that.' Sentence B is the most direct and clear.
Question 20: Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly? A. I went to the store; because I needed milk. B. I went to the store; I needed milk. C. I went to the store; and I needed milk. D. I went; to the store I needed milk.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
A semicolon joins two independent clauses. Sentence B has two complete independent clauses. Sentence A incorrectly places a semicolon before a dependent clause. Sentence C incorrectly uses a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction.
Question 21: Identify the sentence with the correct use of 'affect' vs. 'effect': A. The noise effected my concentration. B. The noise affected my concentration. C. The affect of the noise was noticeable. D. The noise had an affect on me.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
'Affect' is usually a verb (to affect). 'Effect' is usually a noun (an effect). Sentence B uses 'affected' correctly as the verb meaning 'had an impact on.'
Question 22: Which sentence correctly handles a restrictive clause (no commas needed)? A. The book, that won the award, was excellent. B. The book that won the award was excellent. C. The book, which won the award was excellent. D. The book that, won the award, was excellent.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
A restrictive clause (essential to meaning) uses 'that' and no commas. The clause 'that won the award' identifies which book — it is restrictive. Sentence B is correct.
Question 23: Choose the version that correctly uses 'its' vs. 'it's': A. Its going to rain today. B. The tree lost it's leaves. C. The company increased its profits. D. The dog wagged it's tail.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun. 'It's' means 'it is.' Only Sentence C uses 'its' correctly as a possessive.
Question 24: Which option correctly places the modifier? A. She almost drove her kids to school every day. B. She drove her kids to school almost every day. C. Almost she drove her kids to school every day. D. She drove her kids almost to school every day.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
Modifiers should be placed next to what they modify. 'Almost every day' (Sentence B) modifies the frequency — the intended meaning. In Sentence A, 'almost drove' suggests she nearly drove but didn't.
Question 25: Which sentence uses 'fewer' vs. 'less' correctly? A. I have less friends than she does. B. I have fewer time than I expected. C. I have fewer friends than she does. D. She has less books on her shelf.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
'Fewer' is used for countable nouns (friends, books); 'less' is used for uncountable quantities (time, water). Sentence C correctly uses 'fewer' for 'friends.'
Question 26: Identify the sentence that correctly uses a hyphen: A. She is a well known author. B. She is a well-known author. C. She is a well-known-author. D. She is a well, known author.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
A hyphen is used to join compound modifiers that precede a noun: 'well-known author.' Sentence B is correct. If the modifier follows the noun ('the author is well known'), no hyphen is needed.
Question 27: Choose the sentence with correct capitalization: A. My English teacher, Dr. smith, teaches at the university. B. My english teacher, Dr. Smith, teaches at the University. C. My English teacher, Dr. Smith, teaches at the university. D. My English Teacher, dr. Smith, teaches at the University.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
'English' is a proper adjective (language/nationality), 'Dr.' and 'Smith' are proper nouns. 'teacher' and 'university' are common nouns — no capitalization. Sentence C is correct.
Question 28: Which sentence is in the active voice? A. The report was written by the manager. B. The manager wrote the report. C. The report has been written. D. The report, it was written by the manager.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
Active voice: subject performs the action. In Sentence B, 'the manager' (subject) 'wrote' (verb) 'the report' — active voice. The others use passive constructions.
Question 29: Choose the sentence that avoids an ambiguous pronoun reference: A. Maria told her sister that she needed to study. B. Maria told her sister, 'You need to study.' C. Maria told her sister, she needed to study. D. She told her sister that she needed to study.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
In Sentence A, 'she' is ambiguous — who needs to study? Sentence B uses direct speech to eliminate the ambiguity, making it clear the sister needs to study.
Question 30: Select the sentence that uses correct verb form after a modal: A. She should went to the doctor. B. He might of called earlier. C. They must have left already. D. We could of helped more.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
After modal verbs, use 'have' + past participle. Sentence C ('must have left') is correct. 'Might of,' 'could of,' 'should of' are incorrect — they should be 'might have,' 'could have,' 'should have.'
Question 31: Which sentence uses an em-dash correctly to set off an appositive? A. My best friend—Ahmed—called last night. B. My best friend—Ahmed called last night. C. My best—friend Ahmed—called last night. D. My best friend Ahmed—called last night.
- Sentence A (Correct answer)
- Sentence B
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence A
An appositive ('Ahmed') renames the subject. Em-dashes before and after ('—Ahmed—') correctly set off the appositive with emphasis. Sentence A is correct.
Question 32: Identify the sentence with a misplaced modifier: A. She served pasta to the guests that smelled delicious. B. She served the guests pasta that smelled delicious. C. She served delicious-smelling pasta to the guests. D. She served the guests the pasta, which smelled delicious.
- Sentence A (Correct answer)
- Sentence B
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence A
In Sentence A, 'that smelled delicious' appears to modify 'guests' rather than 'pasta' — a misplaced modifier creating unintentional humor.
Question 33: Choose the sentence with the correct use of 'lay' vs. 'lie': A. I need to lay down for a while. B. She lay the book on the table yesterday. C. She laid the book on the table. D. The cat lied down on the couch.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
'Lay' (to place an object) past tense is 'laid': 'she laid the book.' 'Lie' (to recline) past tense is 'lay.' Sentence C is correct: 'She laid the book on the table.'
Question 34: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a transition word? A. She worked hard; despite, she failed the exam. B. She worked hard; however, she failed the exam. C. She worked hard, however she failed the exam. D. She worked hard; however she failed the exam.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
Conjunctive adverbs like 'however' are preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma when joining two independent clauses. Sentence B follows this pattern correctly.
Question 35: Which sentence correctly avoids a double negative? A. She doesn't know nothing about the plan. B. She doesn't know anything about the plan. C. She don't know nothing about the plan. D. She knows nothing about no plan.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
Standard English does not use double negatives ('doesn't know nothing'). Sentence B correctly uses a single negative ('doesn't know anything').
Question 36: Choose the sentence with correct use of 'who' vs. 'whom': A. Whom do you think will win? B. Who do you think will win? C. Whom is calling? D. To who did you send it?
- Sentence A
- Sentence B (Correct answer)
- Sentence C
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence B
In 'Who do you think will win?' — 'who' is the subject of the embedded clause 'who will win.' Subject position requires 'who,' not 'whom.' Sentence B is correct.
Question 37: Identify the sentence that uses the correct comparative form: A. This is the most unique dress I have seen. B. This is a more unique dress than hers. C. This dress is unique. D. This is a uniquer dress than hers.
- Sentence A
- Sentence B
- Sentence C (Correct answer)
- Sentence D
Correct answer: Sentence C
'Unique' is an absolute adjective — something either is or is not unique; it cannot be 'more unique' or 'most unique.' The only correct usage is Sentence C: 'unique' without comparison.
Free SAT Writing Standard English Conventions Practice Test
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.