English Language Conventions and SAT Information

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English Language Conventions

Form, Structure and Sense

• Verb Forms

  • Understanding different types of verbs (action, linking, auxiliary).

  • Importance of using the correct tense and mood.

• Plural and Possessives

  • Rules for forming plurals (adding -s, -es).

  • Rules for possessive nouns (adding 's, or using of).

• Pronoun Antecedent Agreement

  • Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.

  • Examples:

  • Everyone should bring their book.

  • The team lost their game.

• Subject-Verb Agreement

  • The subject must agree with the verb in number (singular/plural).

  • Examples:

  • She runs fast. vs They run fast.

• Subject-Modifier Placement

  • Modifiers should be placed next to the words they modify to avoid confusion.

  • Example:

  • I saw the man with the telescope. (ambiguous) vs With the telescope, I saw the man.

Boundaries

• Linking Clauses

  • Use conjunctions (and, but, or) to connect independent and dependent clauses.

  • Examples:

  • Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

  • I want to go, but I have to study.

• Punctuation

  • Correct use of commas, periods, semicolons, etc.

  • Importance of punctuation in clarifying meaning.

• Supplements

  • Use supplements (parentheses, dashes) to add additional information without breaking the flow of the sentence.

SAT English Information and Ideas

Textual Evidence

• Importance of textual evidence in supporting arguments or claims.

• Skills in identifying and using evidence from the text for explanations.

Graphs Evidence

• Interpreting and analyzing data presented in graphs.

• Connecting graphical information to textual context.

Essential Ideas & Details

• Distinguishing between main ideas and supporting details.

• Importance of summarizing and paraphrasing essential ideas from the text.

Inference

• Skills in making inferences based on textual cues and context.

• Example:

  • Reading between the lines to understand implied meanings.

Craft and Structure

• Words and Context

  • Analyzing the choice of words and their impact on meaning.

  • Connotation vs denotation of words.

• Text Structure and Purpose

  • Understanding how different structures affect comprehension and purpose (e.g., chronological, cause-effect).

• Cross Text Connections

  • Relating ideas or themes from multiple texts to enhance understanding and depth of study.

Expression of Ideas

• Transitions

  • Using transitional phrases to improve flow and coherence in writing.

  • Examples:

  • First, next, however, therefore.

• Rhetorical Synthesis

  • Combining multiple sources or ideas to create a cohesive argument.

  • Techniques for effective synthesis in writing and speaking.