Académique Documents
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In the United States at the end of the nineteenth century, public places such as
theaters, restaurants, shops, and banks had installed electric lighting, but electricity
was in fewer than one percent of homes and lighting still provided mainly by
candles or gas.
A. electricity was in fewer than one percent of homes and lighting still
B. electricity was in fewer than one percent of homes, where lighting was still
C. fewer than one percent of homes that had electricity, where lighting was still
being
D. fewer than one percent of homes with electricity, having lighting that was still
E. fewer than one percent of homes had electricity, where lighting had still been
Correct Answer: B
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/improving-sentences/question-10-answerand-explanation.html#eXVPyctmdKdgsU5V.99
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Skill: Managing phrases and clauses in a sentence
Corrected Sentence: A farmer's field can have more than 50,000 weed seeds per
square meter buried beneath the soil; surface seeds buried more than about one
centimeter below the soil surface do not receive enough light to germinate.
Explanation for Correct Answer B : The error in this sentence occurs at (B), where
there is a lack of punctuation between two sentences. "Surface seeds...below the
soil surface" is a new subject, and "do not receive" is a new verb, so a new
independent clause is present. But no punctuation or conjunction separates this
new clause from the preceding independent clause, resulting in a run-on sentence.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-6answer-and-explanation.html#vIvoHguOqYsfqD2u.99
7. In 1952, when the Federal Communications Commission lifted its ban on new
television stations, there areA 105 stations and 15 million households with television
sets, but byB 1956 the number of stations had grownC to almost 500 and the
number of households with sets at nearlyD 35 million. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Skill: Managing phrases and clauses in a sentence
Corrected Sentence: In 1952, when the Federal Communications Commission lifted
its ban on new television station licenses, there were 105 stations and 15 million
households with television sets, but by 1956 the number of stations had grown to
almost 500 and the number of households with sets to nearly 35 million.
Explanation for Correct Answer D : The error in the sentence occurs at (D), where
there is an improper idiom. The coordinating conjunction "and" requires parallel
grammatical structures on either side of it, so the phrase "at nearly 35 million"
should be "to nearly 35 million," to be parallel with the phrase that precedes "and"
("to almost 500").
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-7answer-and-explanation.html#CFP4OPF1EOfaoJgS.9910. Shortly afterA Queen
Eleanor arrived in Nottingham in 1257 for a visitB , she fled the town because she
couldC not stand the smell of coal smoke and was afraidD and feared for her
health. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Skill: Managing word choice and grammatical relationships between words
Corrected Sentence: Shortly after Queen Eleanor arrived in Nottingham in 1257 for
a visit, she fled the town because she could not stand the smell of coal smoke and
feared for her health.
Explanation for Correct Answer D : The error in this sentence occurs at (D). The verb
phrase "was afraid" is redundant with "and feared for." It should be deleted from the
sentence.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-10answer-and-explanation.html#V814DaM6AMZzzijB.99
1. Harpsichords, their sound made by quills plucking strings that are stretcheDA over
a soundboard, dominated European music inB the 1700's, theyC were replaced late
in the century by the fortepiano, in whichD hammers struck the strings. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Explanation for Correct Answer B : The error in this sentence occurs at (B). The
pronoun "it" refers incorrectly to the "the volcano Krakatoa," which cannot logically
"be heard" from "3,000 miles away."
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-19answer-and-explanation.html#hRxB8cbsJW38cbr5.99
6. DuringA the whole period of the westward overland emigration from
1840 anDB 1860, well over half of the emigrants' wagons were pulleDC byD oxen. No
errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Skill: Managing word choice and grammatical relationships between words
Corrected Sentence: During the whole period of the westward overland emigration
from 1840 to 1860, well over half of the emigrants' wagons were pulled by oxen.
Explanation for Correct Answer B : The error in this sentence occurs at (B), where
there is an improper idiom. The preposition "from" calls for the preposition "to" to
follow it (from 1840 to 1860). Instead, the conjunction "and" is used, incorrectly.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-20answer-and-explanation.html#glwbWY1yssuAxUGV.99
7. The steam-propelled locomotive on rails was inventeDA inB the early nineteenth
century by George Stephenson movingC coal from the coal mines near Newcastle,
England, to shipping stations on the nearbyD Tyne River. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
14. Beginning in the 1830's, walking footraces in England, the United States, and
continental Europe became mass spectator
sports thatB sometimes attractC overD 25,000 people. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Skill: Managing word choice and grammatical relationships between words
Corrected Sentence: Beginning in the 1830's, walking footraces in England, the
United States, and continental Europe became mass spectator sports that
sometimes attracted over 25,000 people.
Explanation for Correct Answer C : The error in this sentence occurs at (C), where
there is an incorrect verb tense. The action of the sentence takes place in the past,
so the past-tense verb "attracted" should be used in place of the present-tense verb
"attract."
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-28answer-and-explanation.html#V8Kf1yO92uM3kuXJ.99
12. Both Dorothy Sayers plusA Carolyn Heilbrun have writtenB scholarly works as
well asC popular murder mysteries, demonstrating a diversity ofD talents and
interests. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: Both Dorothy Sayers and Carolyn Heilbrun have written
scholarly works as well as popular murder mysteries, demonstrating a diversity of
talents and interests.
Explanation for Correct Answer A :
The error in this sentence occurs at (A), where the idiom is inappropriate. The
connecting word "plus" is not the correct term for use in a phrase beginning with
"both."
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-40answer-and-explanation.html#yP7soaAixJRz4M6I.99
5. In the fifteenth century, Leonardo da Vinci suggested that defective vision can be
correcteDA by placingB a lens in direct contactC withD the eye. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Skill: Managing word choice and grammatical relationships between words
Corrected Sentence: In the fifteenth century, Leonardo da Vinci suggested that
defective vision could be corrected by placing a lens in direct contact with the eye.
Explanation for Correct Answer A : The error in this sentence occurs at (A), where
there is an inappropriate verb form. The present-tense auxiliary verb "can" is used,
but the past-tense auxiliary verb "could" is needed (to indicate that correcting vision
in this way was seen only as a possibility in the fifteenth century)
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-33answer-and-explanation.html#iFD6AQYM3xX48dh8.99
6. The two centers of the immenseA biological diversity on Earth are tropical
ecosystems, which supportB almost unbelievableC large numbers of plants and
animals, and islands, which by their isolationD promote the rapid evolution of unique
life forms. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Skill: Managing grammatical structures used to modify or compare
Corrected Sentence: The two centers of the immense biological diversity on Earth
are tropical ecosystems, which support almost unbelievably large numbers of plants
and animals, and islands, which by their isolation promote the rapid evolution of
unique life forms.
Explanation for Correct Answer C : The error in this sentence occurs at (C), where
there is improper use of a modifier. To modify the adjective "large," one must use an
adverb ("unbelievably"), not an adjective ("unbelievable").
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-34answer-and-explanation.html#ySz4VZJ9CDBq1M5P.99
7. AtA Chaco Canyon in the San Juan Basin, Anasazi people constructed large
towns, they congregateDB in large communities, and
left behinDC spectacularD ruins. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Skill: Managing phrases and clauses in a sentence
Corrected Sentence: At Chaco Canyon in the San Juan Basin, Anasazi people
constructed large towns, congregated in large communities, and left behind
spectacular ruins.
Explanation for Correct Answer B : The error in this sentence occurs at (B), where
there is a flaw in parallelism. The pronoun "they" is unecessary and should be
removed so that the sentence contains three parallel past-tense verbs
("constructed," "congregated," and "left" ) describing the activities of the Anasazi at
Chaco Canyon.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-35answer-and-explanation.html#khkKSvTI8MbsaS8e.99
4. MuchA of our knowledge ofB ancient Egypt has beenC derived from scenes carved
and painted on the stone walls of tombs and temples andD from artifacts buried in
the tombs. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-32answer-and-explanation.html#VhvzedrW5VH6i154.99
3. Chess players find that playing against a computer is helpful to
improveA theirB skills, even thoughC no chess-playing computer has yet wonD a
championship. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: Chess players find that playing against a computer is helpful in
improving their skills, even though no chess-playing computer has yet won a
championship.
Explanation for Correct Answer A :
The error in this sentence occurs at (A), where an improper idiom is used. The
infinitive "to improve" is used in combination with the verb phrase "is helpful,"
where it would be more idiomatic to use the phrase "in improving."
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-45answer-and-explanation.html#IRU6TorBCXyXEHJI.99
5. Maya Madera proudlyA wore her sister's most popular invention, a watch B for
winter campers that flashes the temperature inC lighted numerals and sends out a
loud alarm when pressing a buttonD. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: Maya Madera proudly wore her sister's most popular invention,
a watch for winter campers that flashes the temperature in lighted numerals and
sends out a loud alarm when one presses a button.
Explanation for Correct Answer D :
The error in this sentence occurs at (D), where modification is improper. The phrase
"pressing a button" cannot logically modify the noun just before it, "alarm," or any
other word in the sentence.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-47answer-and-explanation.html#aIHrq9UVsSsy6yTQ.99
7. A newly formed organization of homeowners and business people have met
withA the transportation department to voiceB its concerns aboutC plans forD a
shopping mall in the community. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: A newly formed organization of homeowners and business
people has met with the transportation department to voice its concerns about
plans for a shopping mall in the community.
Explanation for Correct Answer A :
The error in this sentence occurs at (A), where there is a problem with subject-verb
agreement. The plural verb "have" agrees with the interrupting nouns
("homeowners and business people") but not with its singular subject,
"organization."
The error in this sentence occurs at (C), where the idiom is inappropriate. After the
verbal "preventing" the phrase "to move" is not idiomatic.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-54answer-and-explanation.html#mqoCqqYF6VGVPt1G.99
4. Some plants use chemical signals that repelA insects, and also, theseB signals
help to put neighboring plants on alert so they canC mount their own defensesD. No
errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: Some plants use chemical signals that repel insects, and these
signals help to put neighboring plants on alert so they can mount their own
defenses.
Explanation for Correct Answer B :
The error in this sentence occurs at (B), where the adverb "also," in addition to the
conjunction "and," results in wordiness.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-60answer-and-explanation.html#XIWBDlQw9Axyhf2e.99
7. Working withA consummate skill, Picasso sketched a portrait ofB the
youthful butC experienced dancer who was posing forD him. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence:
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence:
Explanation for Correct Answer E :
There is no error in this sentence.
Explanation for Incorrect Answer A :
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-68answer-and-explanation.html#fsF1mXklVPu8ee9E.99
. While both disaster rescue workers and news reporters may faceA physical
danger, the latterB can usually control his or herC exposure to risk, whereasD rescue
workers often cannot. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: While both disaster rescue workers and news reporters may
face physical danger, the latter can usually control their exposure to risk, whereas
rescue workers often cannot.
Explanation for Correct Answer C :
The error in this sentence occurs at (C), where there is noun-pronoun disagreement.
Because the pronouns "his" and "her" are both singular, neither properly refers to
the plural noun "the latter" ("news reporters").
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-71answer-and-explanation.html#h9I7EdeTL0E1oJed.99
requires the use of the past tense ("was . . . criticized") rather than the present
perfect tense ("has been . . . criticized") in the main clause.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-80answer-and-explanation.html#zQPYSOWOzbRcTU6p.99
12. The black squirrels drewA a crowd of students, forB itC had never been seenD on
the campus before. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: The black squirrels drew a crowd of students, for they had
never been seen on the campus before.
Explanation for Correct Answer C :
The error in this sentence occurs at (C), where the number of the pronoun is
incorrect. The singular pronoun "it" does not agree with the plural noun to which it
refers, "squirrels."
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-82answer-and-explanation.html#MVm4Q6pEVJsSALeu.99
4. I have gone toA only oneB football game afterC I graduatedD from high school. No
errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: I have gone to only one football game since I graduated from
high school.
Corrected Sentence: Whereas the caterpillars of most butterflies are harmless, moth
caterpillars can cause an enormous amount of damage to plants, forest and shade
trees, clothing, and household goods.
Explanation for Correct Answer B :
The error in this sentence occurs at (B), where there is an improper verb tense.
Statements of general truth, such as the statement about moth caterpillars, require
the present tense ("can cause"), not the past tense ("caused").
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-95answer-and-explanation.html#RwvE7TISSzK4SL1V.99
2. A possible first step in developingA a nonsexist vocabulary with whichB to analyze
the works ofC the nineteenth-century writer Elizabeth Gaskell would be to
stopD referring to her as "Mrs. Gaskell." No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: A possible first step in developing a nonsexist vocabulary with
which to analyze the works of the nineteenth-century writer Elizabeth Gaskell would
be to stop referring to her as "Mrs. Gaskell."
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-86answer-and-explanation.html#9sSFrUVkOWj4LPtc.99
15. The uncompromisingA tone of a recent city hall ordinance concerningB the
blocking of emergency vehicles in traffic jams carryC a stern
warning toD motorists. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: The uncompromising tone of a recent city call ordinance
concerning the blocking of emergency vehicles in traffic jams carries a stern
warning to motorists.
Explanation for Correct Answer C :
The error in this sentence occurs at (C), where there is subject-verb disagreement.
The plural verb "carry" cannot refer to the singular subject, "The uncompromising
tone." The singular verb "carries" is needed.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-129answer-and-explanation.html#prBxa8S3v1gFiVfQ.99
15. Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man isA the story of a nameless young Black man
who ultimately decidesB to forge his own identity rather than acceptC the
oneD assigned to him. No errorE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence:
Explanation for Correct Answer E :
There is no error in this sentence.
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-114answer-and-explanation.html#OPgepVvWTETHlJ7i.99
8. FromA its modest beginnings as a series of brief vignettes andB its establishment
as the longest-running prime-time comedy series on television, The Simpsons has
transformed the way thatC both audiences and television programmers viewD the
animated sitcom. No errorsE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: From its modest beginnings as a series of brief vignettes to its
establishment as the longest-running prime-time comedy series on television, The
Simpsons has transformed the way that both audiences and television programmers
view the animated sitcom.
Explanation for Correct Answer B :
The error in this sentence occurs at (B), where a coordinating conjunction ("and") is
improperly used. The preposition "to" is the idiomatic preposition to follow "From"
and to introduce the prepositional phrase ("to television") that modifies the
proper noun "The Simpsons."
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-107answer-and-explanation.html#Wi1UQxLjir64AswH.99
4. Although the precise date and place of the origin of baseball are hotly debatedA ,
it is beyond disputeB that the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and
Brooklyn playC an important role in itsD early development. No errorsE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Corrected Sentence: Although the precise date and place of the origin of baseball
are hotly debated, it is beyond dispute that the New York City boroughs of
Manhattan and Brooklyn played an important role in its early development.
Explanation for Correct Answer C :
The error in this sentence occurs at (C), where the present tense of a verb ("play") is
incorrectly used to express an action that was completed in the past. The past-tense
verb "played" is needed instead.
Corrected Sentence: As he does in his other cookbooks, in his new book Chef Louis
offers lengthy explanations of what he considers to be basic cooking principles.
Explanation for Correct Answer A :
The error in this sentence occurs at (A), where there is an illogical comparison. It
would be appropriate to compare what is in "his other cookbooks" with what is in
"his new book," but instead the sentence illogically compares a thing ("his other
cookbooks") with a person ("Chef Louis").
Read more at http://www.cracksat.net/sat/identifying-sentence-errors/question-141answer-and-explanation.html#C2xc5ss1jcurdZC1.99