Did you know that scoring well on the SAT Writing and Language Test can significantly impact your overall SAT score? In fact, this section alone contributes to 50% of your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, which is crucial for college admissions. With only 35 minutes to answer 44 multiple-choice questions, your ability to quickly and accurately revise passages is essential to achieving a high score.
For students, this section tests key skills in grammar, sentence structure, and clarity, but it’s also an opportunity to boost your score quickly if you focus on the right strategies. For educators, SAT Writing and Language is a prime area for helping students improve by targeting specific weaknesses in grammar and rhetoric.
This blog provides SAT writing and language tips, along with insights into how tools like LearnQ.ai can offer personalized support. From mastering grammar rules to understanding rhetorical techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to maximize your performance.
Are You a Tutor or a Test Prep Institute?
Give your students a Duolingo-like platform for the SAT with Shopify-like customization for tutors and test prep institutes.
Understanding the SAT Writing and Language Test
The SAT Writing and Language Test assesses your ability to improve and edit passages, focusing on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and the effectiveness of written expression. Unlike the reading section, this part is more about being a good editor—finding and fixing errors to enhance clarity and logic in writing.
The structure of this section in the SAT
- You will face 44 multiple-choice questions.
- These questions are spread across four passages with varying topics, including historical texts and scientific arguments.
- Each passage is typically 400-450 words long.
- You have 35 minutes to complete the section.
- This averages to less than one minute per question.
The questions test two key skill areas:
- Expression of Ideas: These questions focus on improving the development of ideas, organization, and overall clarity. You might be asked to reorder sentences, clarify the author’s intent, or choose a more precise word.
- Standard English Conventions: This category tests your knowledge of grammar and punctuation, including subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and correct punctuation usage like commas, semicolons, and colons.
Key topics that you need to focus on
- Grammar and Usage.
- Punctuation.
- Rhetorical Skills: overall flow and coherence of a passage.
Scoring Overview
Your performance in the Writing and Language Test combines with the Reading section to form the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score. This contributes up to 800 points to your overall SAT score, making it a critical section for boosting your competitiveness in college admissions.
Enhance your Digital SAT study routine with AI-driven insights and personalized practice tests.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Score
Getting a perfect score on the SAT Writing and Language Test isn’t just about memorizing grammar rules—it’s about applying them with confidence and speed. This section will walk you through practical strategies so that you can spot the right answers quickly.
1. Mastering Grammar and Usage
One of the areas most heavily tested in the SAT Writing and Language Test is grammar and usage. Nearly half of the questions will ask you to correct grammatical errors, making this a critical skill to master if you’re aiming for a high score.
Here are the most common grammar rules you’ll encounter:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
This is one of the most common traps on the SAT. The subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. The SAT often places distracting phrases between the subject and verb, making it tricky to identify the error.
SAT Question Example:
“The flock of birds, soaring through the sky, are a beautiful sight to see.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) is
C) have been
D) were
Correct Answer: B) is.
Explanation: The subject of the sentence is “flock,” which is singular. Although “birds” is plural, it is part of a prepositional phrase that does not affect the subject-verb agreement. The correct verb is “is.”
Tip: Strip the sentence down to its core components. Ignore everything between the subject and verb, focusing only on their agreement.
2. Verb Tense Consistency
SAT questions often include tense shifts that don’t make sense within the passage’s context. Your job is to ensure that all verbs remain consistent unless there’s a clear indication of a time change.
SAT Question Example:
“She bakes cookies every Sunday, and last week, she makes a batch for her friends.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) bake
C) made
D) will make
Correct Answer: C) made.
Explanation: Since the sentence starts with “last week,” indicating past action, the correct verb should be in the past tense, “made,” to maintain consistency.
Tip: Always match the verb tense to the time frame given in the passage. Look for time markers such as “yesterday” or “last week” to guide your answer.
3. Pronoun Clarity
Pronouns must clearly refer to a specific noun. If the pronoun reference is vague or unclear, it’s usually incorrect. Ambiguity can confuse readers about who or what the pronoun refers to.
SAT Question Example:
“When Sarah gave Mary the book, she thanked her for it.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) Mary thanked her
C) Sarah thanked her
D) Sarah gave her thanks to Mary
Correct Answer: B) Mary thanked her.
Explanation: The original sentence is unclear about who is thanking whom. In this case, “Mary thanked her” makes it clear that Mary is doing the thanking.
Tip: If there’s ambiguity in what the pronoun refers to, it’s likely incorrect. Try rewording the sentence to clarify the intended meaning.
4. Parallel Structure
Parallelism requires that elements in a list or comparison match in form. The SAT frequently tests this concept, especially in sentences with lists.
SAT Question Example:
“He enjoys reading books, watching movies, and to play sports.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) and playing sports
C) to playing sports
D) and to playing sports
Correct Answer: B) and playing sports.
Explanation: The items in a list should be in the same grammatical form. Since “reading” and “watching” are gerunds (verbs ending in -ing), the correct choice should also be a gerund, “playing.”
Tip: When you see a list, ensure that all the items are in the same form, whether they are verbs, nouns, or adjectives.
2. Understanding Punctuation
Punctuation questions often check your knowledge of how to use commas, semicolons, dashes, and colons properly.
Key punctuation rules to focus on
1. Commas
Commas are often used incorrectly, especially when separating clauses or items in a series. The SAT frequently tests whether you can use commas correctly to improve sentence clarity.
SAT Question Example:
“The author, who was born in 1920 wrote several best-selling novels during her career.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) The author, who was born in 1920, wrote several best-selling novels, during her career.
C) The author who was born in 1920, wrote several best-selling novels, during her career.
D) The author, who was born in 1920, wrote several best-selling novels during her career.
Correct Answer: D) The author, who was born in 1920, wrote several best-selling novels during her career.
Explanation: The comma after “1920” is needed to separate the non-essential clause (“who was born in 1920”) from the main sentence. Without this, the sentence can be confusing.
Tip: Use commas to separate non-essential clauses, lists, or introductory phrases, but avoid overuse.
Enhance your Digital SAT study routine with AI-driven insights and personalized practice tests.
2. Semicolon = Period
The SAT loves to test semicolons, and the rule is simple—semicolons function like periods. They connect two independent clauses that could stand alone as complete sentences.
SAT Question Example:
“The sun was setting fast; the sky turned brilliant shades of orange and red.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) fast, the sky
C) fast: the sky
D) fast. The sky
Correct Answer: A) NO CHANGE.
Explanation: A semicolon is correctly used here to connect two independent clauses that could stand as separate sentences but are closely related.
Tip: Use a semicolon when you need to link two complete sentences that are closely related in thought.
3. Colons
Colons introduce lists, explanations, or elaborations. The SAT tests whether you can correctly identify when a colon is appropriate.
SAT Question Example:
“The ingredients for the recipe are simple: flour, eggs, milk, and sugar.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) are simple; flour, eggs, milk, and sugar
C) are simple flour, eggs, milk, and sugar
D) are simple, flour, eggs, milk, and sugar
Correct Answer: A) NO CHANGE.
Explanation: A colon is correctly used to introduce the list of ingredients. A colon should come after an independent clause that can stand on its own.
Tip: Use a colon to introduce a list or an explanation, but only when the preceding clause is a complete sentence.
4. Dashes
Dashes are used to set off a word or phrase for emphasis or to indicate an abrupt change in thought. The SAT uses them to test if you can differentiate between proper and improper use.
SAT Question Example:
“The cake—baked to perfection—was the highlight of the meal.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) cake, baked to perfection, was
C) cake—baked to perfection, was
D) cake, baked to perfection—was
Correct Answer: A) NO CHANGE.
Explanation: The dashes are correctly used here to set off the phrase “baked to perfection” as an aside that adds more information about the cake.
Tip: Use dashes for emphasis or to set off non-essential elements in a sentence.
Also Read: SAT Punctuation Rules: Tips for Commas, Dashes and Colons
3. Improving Sentence Structure
Improving sentence structure is another key focus of the SAT Writing and Language Test. The test will often give you sentences with awkward phrasing or structural issues, and your task is to select the answer choice that makes the sentence more fluid and easier to read.
Key areas to focus on
1. Run-on Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are improperly joined without the correct punctuation or conjunction. The SAT frequently includes run-on sentences that need to be corrected.
SAT Question Example:
“She wanted to go to the concert she didn’t have enough money.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) concert, she didn’t
C) concert; however, she didn’t
D) concert she, didn’t
Correct Answer: C) concert; however, she didn’t.
Explanation: The original sentence is run-on because it contains two independent clauses without proper punctuation. The correct option, C, uses a semicolon and “however” to fix the run-on and properly link the clauses.
Tip: When faced with long sentences, look for separate independent clauses and make sure they are joined by a conjunction, semicolon, or period.
2. Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks either a subject or a verb. The SAT frequently tests your ability to recognize and fix fragments.
SAT Question Example:
“During the meeting that was held on Monday.”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) During the meeting, the team discussed the project’s progress.
C) The meeting was held on Monday.
D) During the meeting on Monday.
Correct Answer: B) During the meeting, the team discussed the project’s progress.
Explanation: The original sentence is a fragment because it lacks a complete thought. It only gives information about when something happened but doesn’t tell you what happened. The correct answer provides a complete sentence with both a subject and a verb.
Tip: Make sure each sentence expresses a complete thought with a subject and verb. If it doesn’t, it’s likely a fragment.
4. Developing Rhetorical Skills
In addition to grammar and sentence structure, the SAT Writing and Language Test evaluates your ability to understand and apply rhetorical skills. These questions test your understanding of how to improve a passage’s effectiveness, style, and tone. Recognizing and using rhetorical techniques will help you answer these questions confidently.
Here are key rhetorical skills to focus on
1. Recognizing Rhetorical Devices
Rhetorical devices such as parallelism, repetition, and rhetorical questions are tools writers use to enhance their arguments or make their writing more persuasive. The SAT often asks you to revise a passage to strengthen its rhetorical impact.
SAT Question Example:
“The speaker asked, ‘How many of us will continue to ignore the problem? How many will take action?’”
Answer Choices:
A) NO CHANGE
B) The speaker asked, ‘Who will continue to ignore the problem and who will do something?’
C) The speaker stated that we should not ignore the problem.
D) The speaker asked, ‘What are we going to do about the problem?’
Correct Answer: A) NO CHANGE.
Explanation: The original sentence effectively uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader and emphasize the speaker’s point. Changing it would weaken the passage’s impact.
Tip: Look for rhetorical devices that enhance the writing and ensure that any changes you make maintain the original intent and style.
2. Analyzing Tone and Style
Understanding the tone and style of a passage is essential for answering questions that ask you to revise sentences or phrases. Tone refers to the author’s attitude (e.g., formal, casual, persuasive), while style refers to how that tone is conveyed through word choice and sentence structure.
- Tip: Consider the subject matter when choosing tone-related answers. If the passage discusses a serious issue, a formal or serious tone is typically more appropriate.
5. Enhancing Clarity and Conciseness
The SAT Writing and Language Test prioritizes clear and concise writing. Many questions will challenge you to improve sentence clarity by removing redundancies, eliminating wordiness, and selecting the most efficient phrasing. To master this, you need to recognize when information is repetitive or overly complex.
Here are the key areas to focus on:
1. Eliminating Redundancies
Redundancy occurs when unnecessary words repeat information already implied in the sentence. The SAT often presents questions where you need to cut redundant words without changing the sentence’s meaning.
For example
“The annual marathon occurs every year to raise money for charity.”
The phrase “every year” is redundant because “annual” already means the event happens yearly. The concise revision would be: “The annual marathon raises money for charity.”
Tip: Always look for phrases that repeat information. The SAT rewards answers that eliminate repetition while maintaining clarity.
2. Replacing Wordy Phrases
Another common SAT challenge is identifying unnecessarily wordy phrases and replacing them with shorter, more direct alternatives.
For example
“The reason for her decision was because she wanted to help.”
This sentence is wordy. It can be revised to: “She decided to help.” This change improves clarity without altering the meaning.
Tip: When presented with multiple answer choices, the shortest, grammatically correct option is usually the best one.
3. Improving Precision
SAT Writing questions often require you to choose words that convey meaning more precisely. This not only makes the sentence clearer but also more concise.
For example
“The scientist explained the information in a way that was easy to understand.”
A more concise version would be: “The scientist explained the information clearly.”
Tip: Look for words that simplify the sentence while retaining its meaning, and avoid unnecessary explanations or extra details.
6. Practicing with Realistic Questions
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the SAT Writing and Language Test is by familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter.
Here are the strategies to follow when practicing
1. Use Official SAT Questions
The best way to get a feel for the SAT is by practicing with real SAT questions from official College Board materials. These questions are designed to mirror the structure and complexity of what you’ll see on test day.
Pro-tip for Educators: Educators can use LearnQ.ai to create mock exams that replicate official SAT practice tests. This helps students practice under real-time conditions, improving time management and reducing test-day anxiety while tracking progress through AI-powered insights.
2. Simulate Testing Conditions
When practicing, try to simulate real test conditions by timing yourself. This will help you manage your time effectively on the actual exam, as pacing can be a challenge for many students. Take full-length practice tests to build endurance and get a feel for the timing of each section.
3. Review Incorrect Answers
One of the most important aspects of practice is reviewing incorrect answers to understand why they were wrong. The SAT is consistent in the way it tests concepts, so by learning from your mistakes, you can avoid making the same errors on test day.
Creating a Study Plan
A focused study plan is essential for success on the SAT Writing and Language Test. Follow these practical steps:
- Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with an official SAT practice test to determine your baseline score and pinpoint weak areas. - Set Realistic Goals
Based on your target score, break your study time into smaller, achievable milestones. - Create a Balanced Schedule
Dedicate study time according to your weaknesses, alternating between content review and timed practice. Aim for 6-8 hours weekly. - Use Active Study Techniques
Incorporate methods like spaced repetition, flashcards, and the Pomodoro technique for better retention. - Take Regular Practice Tests
Complete a full-length practice test every 2-3 weeks to track progress and adjust your focus. - Review & Adjust
After each test, review mistakes and update your plan to target problem areas.
Let’s be real: doing all these can sometimes feel overwhelming. But there’s a solution. With Mia, an AI tutor from LearnQ.ai, you can now have a personalized study plan. Want to know how? Read on.
Utilizing LearnQ.ai Effectively
LearnQ.ai offers a range of tools that can enhance your SAT Writing and Language prep. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Customizable Study Plans
Create personalized study schedules tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Based on the platform’s feedback, adjust your plan as you progress. - Interactive Exercises
Use LearnQ.ai’s grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure exercises to reinforce key concepts. Practice these regularly to ensure steady improvement. - Timed Practice Tests
Leverage full-length practice tests with instant scoring to simulate real SAT conditions. Review your results to focus on problem areas. - Progress Tracking
Monitor your performance with LearnQ.ai’s progress-tracking features, which highlight areas for further review. - Practice with Mia, Your AI Tutor
Mia, LearnQ.ai’s AI tutor, provides personalized feedback and recommendations based on your performance. Use Mia to get real-time guidance on how to tackle questions and improve weak areas efficiently.
Also read: How to get started with LearnQ.ai for FREE?
Top Tips How Educators Can Use LearnQ.ai
- Create Tailored Lessons: Customize lessons to focus on areas like grammar, punctuation, or rhetorical skills based on each student’s needs.
- Design SAT-style quizzes: Build quizzes that mirror the SAT format to help students practice under real exam conditions and improve accuracy.
- Monitor Progress Effectively: Use LearnQ.ai’s tracking tools to get real-time data on student performance, allowing you to identify and address weak areas quickly.
Empower Your Students with LearnQ.ai
Conclusion
Achieving a top score on the SAT Writing and Language Test requires a strategic approach. By mastering grammar rules, improving sentence structure, and practicing regularly with realistic questions, you can significantly boost your performance. Data shows that the national average score for the SAT reading and writing section is about 529. However, with regular practice and the help of AI tools like LearnQ.ai, you can work towards the maximum score of 800 in this section.
For educators, success means creating tailored lessons, designing targeted quizzes, and providing personalized feedback. With LearnQ.ai, you can track progress, offer real-time insights, and ensure your students are well-prepared for the SAT.
Whether you’re a student aiming for a perfect score or an educator guiding students toward success, using the right resources and strategies can make all the difference. Together, with focused practice and support, the goal of achieving an excellent score is within reach!
