English Section - Test Taking Strategies Flashcards
What’s the first step when approaching the English section?
Read the sentence carefully and identify any potential issues before looking at the answer choices.
‘Read First, Act Second’—don’t jump to answers too quickly.
What should you do if you see a comma between two independent clauses?
Look for a conjunction (FANBOYS) or change the punctuation to fix the error.
‘FANBOYS’—look for conjunctions to connect two clauses.
How do you recognize a sentence fragment?
Look for a missing subject or predicate that makes the sentence incomplete.
‘Complete the Thought’—every sentence needs both a subject and a predicate.
What’s a strategy for dealing with misplaced modifiers?
Make sure the modifier is next to the word it’s supposed to modify.
‘Keep It Close’—modifiers should be as close as possible to the word they describe.
How can you improve sentence structure?
Check for variety in sentence length and structure to make your writing more engaging.
‘Variety is the Spice’—mix up sentence structures for better flow.
What’s the best way to deal with subject-verb agreement?
Ensure the subject and verb agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and vice versa.
‘Match the Pair’—singular subjects need singular verbs.
How do you recognize redundant or unnecessary words?
Eliminate words that don’t add meaning or clarity to the sentence.
‘Less is More’—remove excess words for clearer writing.
How can you improve your punctuation skills?
Use commas, semicolons, and colons correctly to separate ideas and list items.
‘Pause, then Punctuate’—use punctuation to break up thoughts and add clarity.
What’s a trick for answering questions about transitions between ideas?
Look for transition words like ‘however,’ ‘therefore,’ or ‘in contrast’ to indicate relationships between sentences.
‘Words That Link’—transitions help you move smoothly between ideas.
What should you do when you encounter a sentence with a double negative?
Correct the sentence by eliminating one of the negatives.
‘One is Enough’—avoid using two negatives in the same sentence.
