SAT Writing Practice Test With Answer Explanation

“Liam was nervous about performing his speech. **_He practiced diligently, revised his content, and as a result, he felt more confident on stage._** The audience applauded warmly at the end.” Which transition best improves the flow of the underlined sentence?

“Several theories exist about how language evolves. Some experts believe social factors influence language change. **Others think that changes in language are due to technological developments.** This diversity of thought highlights the complexity of linguistic evolution.” Which of the following sentences would best be placed after the underlined sentence to improve the logical flow?

“While students often enjoy discussing literature in class, their essays are sometimes disorganized and unclear. **To improve clarity, teachers recommend that students outline their ideas before writing.** This technique helps in identifying main points and organizing supporting details. As a result, the structure of essays becomes more coherent and effective.” Which of the following best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the passage?

“The old manuscript was discovered in a forgotten drawer. **_It was preserved by the museum staff and displayed in a climate-controlled case._** Visitors can now view the piece without damaging it.” Which revision best uses active voice in the underlined sentence?

‘Her reasons for moving were clear—better job opportunities, a safer neighborhood, **and a chance to start fresh.**’ Which revision uses the dash correctly in the underlined portion?

'She has went to the store to buy groceries. After that, she will cook dinner. Her friends is coming over later in the evening. Everyone is excited for the meal.' Which option corrects the verb form and consistency errors?

“The presentation was very informative and educational. **It taught the audience about climate change, its causes, and how to prevent it in the future.** Many attendees said they learned new and helpful information.” Which revision of the underlined sentence avoids redundancy?

“The author attempted to convey a serious message, but her word choices weakened the effect. **_Using words like “awesome” and “super good” in an academic essay reduce its credibility._** As a result, readers may not take the argument seriously.” Which revision best improves word choice in the underlined sentence?

'He decided to hit the hay early. After all, he had a big meeting tomorrow. Getting enough rest was important. His friends teased him for going to bed so soon.' Which option best explains the idiom 'hit the hay' in the passage?

“The biology lab was filled with activity. Students measured samples, recorded observations, and discussed results. **_The petri dishes were placed near the windows. They watched them closely._** Their data would be presented the following day.” Where is the best placement for the underlined sentence to improve the paragraph’s flow?

‘After reading the entire article, **the conclusion made perfect sense to the student.** He appreciated the writer’s clear structure and thoughtful reasoning.’ Which revision corrects the misplaced modifier in the underlined sentence?

“The old manuscript was discovered in a forgotten drawer. **_It was preserved by the museum staff and displayed in a climate-controlled case._** Visitors can now view the piece without damaging it.” Which revision best uses active voice in the underlined sentence?

“Jake spent the weekend cleaning his garage. He organized the tools, painted the shelves, and replaced the light fixtures. **_He also fixed the broken door and cleaning the oil stain._** By Sunday evening, the space looked completely transformed.” Which change is needed to maintain parallel structure in the underlined sentence?

“Many people enjoys spending their weekends outdoors. They goes hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing at the park. **The sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling makes the experience more peaceful.** Overall, outdoor activities provide a healthy escape from everyday stress.” Which of the following corrections should be made to the underlined sentence?

'The book, which was published last year, has won several awards. The author, who is also a professor, wrote it during a sabbatical. It explores themes of identity and belonging. Many readers found the story compelling.' Which option best combines the sentences using relative clauses?

‘She walk to school every day without fail. **Her friends notices how disciplined she is.** This routine helps her stay fit and arrive on time.’ Which revision of the underlined sentence uses correct verb form and maintains consistency?

“The new librarian introduced several programs for young readers. She arranged weekly storytelling sessions, book clubs, and art workshops to engage the children. Her initiatives increased the foot traffic in the children’s section by over 40% within two months. **_The programs, which she planned carefully and executed efficiently, had a positive impact on the library's attendance._** Many parents expressed appreciation for the enriched environment.” Which revision improves the structure of the underlined sentence?

“The dog barked loudly at the passing car. It was probably startled by the sudden movement on the street. **_However the car sped past without slowing down._** The noise gradually faded, and the dog calmed down after a few minutes.” What change should be made to the underlined sentence?

“The museum offers a variety of programs. Visitors can attend art workshops, take guided tours, **and learning about art history from experts.** These programs aim to educate and inspire creativity in the community.” Which change is needed to maintain parallel structure in the underlined part?

“During the team meeting, everyone agreed that the new schedule was better. It allowed more preparation time between projects. **_In addition, the new schedule also provides extra time for training._** The changes were welcomed by most staff.” Which revision removes redundancy in the underlined sentence?

“During the interview, the candidate appeared confident. **She spoke eloquent and answered every question thoughtfully.** The panel was impressed by her professionalism.” Which correction best improves word choice in the underlined sentence?

'Dear Mr. Smith, I hope this message finds you well. I would appreciate it if you could review the attached report at your earliest convenience. Your feedback is crucial to ensure the document meets our standards. Please let me know if you have any questions. Looking forward to your response.' Which of the following best identifies the tone of this passage?

“The hiking trail was long and rugged, but the views from the summit were worth the effort. Sarah and her friends brought sandwiches, water bottles, and sunscreen for the journey. **_They enjoys the peacefulness of the mountains and took many photographs along the way._** After returning to the base, they promised to come back next season.” Which correction should be made to the underlined sentence?

‘The teacher collected the students’ essays, **graded them overnight, and returned them the next day.**’ Which revision correctly uses the apostrophe in the underlined portion?

“College students often struggle with time management. **They may underestimate how long an assignment will take, or procrastinate until the last minute.** In contrast, those who plan ahead tend to experience less stress and better academic outcomes.” Which transition would best begin the underlined sentence to improve the passage’s progression?

'Many people say exercise improves health. Exercise helps the heart pump better. It also can reduce stress and improve mood. Walking, running, and swimming are common exercises. Eating well is also important but not discussed here.' What is the best revision to improve relevance and precision in the passage?

“The novel was written by a talented young author. **It was praised by critics for its originality and depth.** The story captivated readers with its strong characters and vivid setting.” Which revision best changes the underlined sentence to active voice?

‘The city installed new bike lanes last year. **They reduce traffic and promote fitness.** Residents report feeling safer while cycling in these areas.’ Which is the best revision of the underlined sentence to improve clarity by combining ideas?

‘Jessica wanted to buy a gift for her cousin, and she asked her sister to help. However, when she gave it to her, she seemed confused. **Jessica realized that she had not clarified who 'she' was referring to in the note.** To avoid misunderstandings, she rewrote the message with clear names.’ Which revision best corrects the pronoun ambiguity in the underlined sentence?

“The students submitted their final projects. Each report covered a different topic, ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence. **_The professor read them carefully and she gave constructive feedback._** Her comments helped students improve their writing significantly.” Which revision best combines the underlined sentence?

“The chef prepared the vegetables carefully. **He then added them to the boiling soup.** This step ensured the soup had fresh flavor and the vegetables remained slightly crisp.” Which of the following combines the underlined sentence with the one before it most effectively?

‘It is essential for students to prepare thoroughly for college applications. **They gotta make sure everything is polished and professional.** Guidance counselors often review essays and resumes to ensure quality.’ Which revision best maintains a formal tone appropriate for this context?

'Walking through the park, the birds sang beautifully. The flowers in bloom added to the scene’s charm. People were enjoying the sunny day.' Identify the misplaced or dangling modifier in the passage.

‘The tall man entered the café, ordered a coffee, and sat near the window. He glanced around the quiet room **noticing a group of students, scribbling in their notebooks.**’ Which revision most correctly punctuates the underlined portion?

‘Many believe that a healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. **Ice cream, though delicious, is also one of the most important aspects of staying fit.** Nutritionists recommend balanced meals to support overall health.’ How should the underlined sentence be revised to improve relevance and precision?

“Scientists are studying how plants respond to stress. For example, they look at drought and excessive heat. **However they also study the effects of high salt levels in soil.** This research could lead to developing more resilient crops.” Which of the following best corrects the underlined sentence?

'The speaker’s tone shifts throughout the speech. At first, she is enthusiastic and energetic. Later, she becomes more serious and reflective. Despite this, her overall style remains consistent, with clear language and engaging stories. This mix keeps the audience interested.' What is the main issue regarding style and tone consistency in this passage?

‘Rachel loved the classics; she spent hours reading Austen, Dickens, and Brontë. Her bookshelf was filled with worn novels **each one marked with notes and folded pages.**’ Which revision most accurately uses a semicolon in the underlined portion?

‘During the ceremony, the speaker gave a heartfelt speech about perseverance. **The message, warm and encouraging, uplifted the crowd with its sincerity.** Then, the awards were handed out to the recipients.’ Which revision maintains consistency in tone with the rest of the paragraph?

'The instructions were confusing. She didn’t understand how to assemble the desk. Many parts were unlabeled, and the diagrams were unclear. She wished the manual was simpler.' What change would improve clarity and reduce ambiguity in this passage?