SAT Writing : Identifying Ambiguity and Redundancy Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Our physics teacher is famous for distributing papers to students while at the same time chewing his gum quite loudly. No error
No error
at the same time
loudly
distributing
physics
at the same time
“At the same time” means the same thing as “while.” Therefore, it is redundant, and doesn't need to be included in the sentence.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Certain colors are associated with certain emotions in our minds, and while certain smells are associated with certain memories. No error
with
associated
are
No error
and while
and while
Either "while" or "and" could be used as a proper transition between the two sections of the sentence, but the phrase "and while" is overly wordy and therefore incorrect.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Our Algebra homework this week was definitely without a doubt the most challenging assignment yet, so it was gratifying to get a perfect score on it. No error
No error
most
yet, so
without a doubt
Algebra
without a doubt
"Without a doubt" means the same thing as "definitely" and therefore does not need to be included in the sentence.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When Lonnie stepped onto the field, he was definitely without a doubt the most confident member of our high school marching band. No error.
our
When Lonnie stepped
No error
most confident
definitely without a doubt
definitely without a doubt
"Without a doubt" means the same thing as "definitely," and is therefore redundant when used in the above sentence.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While when Rachel was cleaning her apartment, she found her long-lost high school yearbook beneath her cat's bed. No error.
beneath
when
found
long-lost
No error
when
In the sentence above, "when" is redundant since "While" is already used.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jonah was really thirsty during the day, but however he didn't have enough money to buy a bottle of water from the vending machine. No error.
from
No error
however
to buy
really
however
In the sentence above, "however" is redundant, since "but" is already used.
Example Question #5 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
April's pencils were not all sharpened, even though although she had run them through the sharpener several times. No error.
although
were not
several
run them
No error
although
In this instance, "although" means the same thing as "even though" and is therefore redundant.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Calvin would often tell Jimmy that Jimmy was his best friend, while simultaneously at the same time he would tell Steve that he was his best friend. No error.
would often
he
Jimmy
simultaneously
No error
simultaneously
"Simultaneously" means the same thing as "at the same time" in this sentence, and is therefore redundant.
Example Question #6 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The kitten is very shy around most people, yet but he immediately runs up to play with Daisy whenever she comes into the house. No error.
to play
whenever
No error
around
but
but
"But" is a redundant word in the above sentence, as it is a synonym of "yet" and is not required for the sentence to be grammatically correct.
Example Question #7 : Identifying Ambiguity And Redundancy Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
As the substitute teacher wrote the homework assignment on the board, the last bell began to ring as well. No error
on
as well
No error
board, the last bell
wrote
as well
Since the use of "as" in the introductory clause already establishes that another action is happening at the same time, the "as well" is redundant and should be omitted.
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