SAT reading and writing

What are the four main categories of idea relationships in transitions?

Agreement/disagreement, sequence/order, addition/exemplification, and cause/effect.

What are the steps to answering a transition question? 

Summarize the text in your own words, Identify the relationship between the passage’s ideas, Choose the transition that matches the relationship. 

What transition shows cause and effect?

Therefore

What transition introduces an example?

For instance

Which transition adds more information to the first sentence? (addition/exemplification)

Furthermore

Give me one transition to show an agreement of ideas and one to show a contrast/disagreement of ideas.

Similarly is an agreement, and however is a contrast/disagreement.

What transition fits a sequence or time relationship?

Previously

What should you do if two transition choices have the same function?

Eliminate them both—they can’t both be right.

What are the steps to answering rhetorical synthesis questions?

Read the question prompt, read the bullet points, and then answer

When is it correct to use a semicolon (;) on the SAT?

To link two independent clauses without a conjunction, or to separate list items that already contain commas.

What are the correct uses for a comma (,) on the SAT?

Separate items in a list (of 3 or more), Set off nonessential elements, Link a dependent clause to an independent clause, and Link independent clauses with a FANBOYS conjunction.

When is it correct to use a colon (:) on the SAT?

Only after an independent clause, to introduce a list or explanation.

What is the main SAT-approved use of a dash (—)?

To separate a nonessential element from the rest of the sentence, either in the middle or at the end.

What is an independent clause?

A clause that can stand on its own as a complete sentence.

What is a clause?

a series of words that contains a subject and a conjugated verb.

What is a dependent clause?

A clause that must be linked to an independent clause.

How do you correctly join two independent clauses using coordination on the SAT?

Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

How do you create a dependent clause using subordination on the SAT?

Use a subordinating conjunction (e.g., although, because, while) and often a comma if the dependent clause comes first.

What’s the difference between essential and nonessential elements in a sentence?

Essential elements are necessary for the sentence to make sense and do not use punctuation. Nonessential elements add extra info, and must be separated from the sentence with punctuation.

How can you tell if a supplement is nonessential?

Remove the supplement from the sentence. If the sentence still makes sense, the element is nonessential and should be punctuated.

What punctuation can be used to separate nonessential elements?

you can use commas (,), dashes (—), or parentheses ( ), but the same punctuation must be used on both sides.

When punctuating a nonessential element, how does its position in the sentence affect punctuation?

If it's at the beginning or end, use one punctuation mark. If it's in the middle, use punctuation on both sides.

What’s the SAT rule about “that” vs. “which” in relative clauses?

Clauses starting with “that” are usually essential (no commas). Clauses starting with “which” are usually nonessential (use commas or other punctuation).

How do you approach cross-text connections questions?

Summarize the texts, determine the relationship, test the choices