SAT Writing : Identifying No Errors or Other Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Anne later discovered that Paul and she were the members of the choir to sing the correct notes of the song. No error

                                      

Possible Answers:

No error

were

later discovered

to sing

she

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There are no inherent grammatical errors in the sentence above. The phrase "Paul and she were" may ring some alarms, but it is the same as the phrase "she and Paul were." You can break it down into "Paul was the only person" and "she was the only person." When combined, it should appear as written in the question. "She" is used properly in the subject form of the pronoun, rather than "her," the object form; "she" is performing the action in the sentence.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

When I get home from school, I like to relax by playing my guitar, eating a snack, watching a television show, and taking a nap.

Possible Answers:

When I get home from school, I like to relaxing by playing my guitar, eating a snack, watching a television show, and taking a nap.

When I will have gotten home from school, I like to relax by playing my guitar, eating a snack, watching a television show, and taking a nap.

(No changes to original)

When I get home from school, I like to relax by playing my guitar, to eat a snack, watching a television show, and to take a nap.

When I got home from school, I like to relax by playing my guitar, eating a snack, watching a television show, and taking a nap.

Correct answer:

(No changes to original)

Explanation:

There is no error in the original sentence.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

She revealed herself and befriended the aliens, who were excited and pleased to meet a real human.

Possible Answers:

herself

befriended the aliens

No error

were excited

to meet a

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

As the author slowly stood up, stretched, and trudged to the doorway, his friends jumped out from behind the antique cabinets.

Possible Answers:

No error

jumped out from behind

and trudged

slowly

As

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

This sentence is correct as written.

Example Question #5 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Lucy realized that she would not be able to arrive at the opera in a timely mannerNo error

Possible Answers:

timely manner

realized

at the opera

No Error

would not be able to

Correct answer:

No Error

Explanation:

This is a grammatically correct sentence that needs no stylistic improvements.

Example Question #1 : Identifying No Errors Or Other Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Even though it is unclear exactly where volleyball was invented, it is undeniable that California beach culture and energy have played a role in its development. No error

Possible Answers:

where

Even though

California beach

No error

its

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence. 

Example Question #2 : Identifying No Errors Or Other 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 seeking to escape from a conversation, some people will tactfully excuse themselves to get dessert in order to avoid further interaction with the other person. No error

Possible Answers:

themselves

No error

seeking to escape

further interaction

conversation, some

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence. 

Example Question #5 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Many waiters barely make minimum wage, but it is possible to earn an impressive salary if one works at an expensive restaurant. No error

Possible Answers:

wage, but

one

No error

Many waiters

it is possible

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence. 

Example Question #5 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

 Tomorrow the professor is going to buy a new coat in order to look his best for the upcoming faculty dinner. No error

Possible Answers:

in order to 

upcoming

for

No error

is going to 

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence. 

Example Question #5 : Identifying Sentences That Contain No Errors

Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.

Mary was thinking about adopting one of the four rabbits because she had been feeling lonely lately and thought that the companionship would help her. No error 

Possible Answers:

and 

her 

one of

thinking about

No error

Correct answer:

No error

Explanation:

There is no error in this sentence. 

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