When preparing for the SAT Reading and Writing Test, you will encounter various types of questions designed to assess your understanding of Standard English conventions. Among these, "boundaries" questions are particularly important as they focus on how phrases, clauses, and sentences are linked together in written English. Let’s dive into what boundaries questions are and which conventions they test.
What Are Boundaries Questions?
On the SAT Reading and Writing Test, some questions present you with a short passage that contains a blank. The challenge is to complete the text in a way that adheres to the conventions of Standard English. These conventions are categorized into two main areas:
Form, structure, and sense
Boundaries
Boundaries questions specifically focus on the latter, testing your ability to correctly link and format different parts of a sentence or multiple sentences.
Standard English Conventions in Boundaries Questions
Boundaries questions target several key conventions in Standard English, particularly related to how sentences are constructed and connected. Here are the main areas you need to master:
Linking Clauses
One crucial aspect of boundaries questions is linking clauses. You need to understand how to join clauses using various methods such as:
Coordination: Connecting clauses of equal importance, often using coordinating conjunctions like "and," "but," or "or."
Example: "She wanted to go to the concert, but she had no one to go with."
Subordination: Connecting a dependent clause to an independent clause using subordinating conjunctions like "although," "because," or "since."
Example: "Although it was raining, they decided to go hiking."
End Punctuation: Determining where a sentence should end and ensuring it is punctuated correctly, which can include periods, question marks, or exclamation points.
Example: "He finished his homework. Then he went out to play."
Supplements
Another focus of boundaries questions is formatting and punctuating supplemental information within a sentence. This often involves:
Commas: Using commas to set off non-essential information or clauses within a sentence.
Example: "The book, which was published last year, has become a bestseller."
Dashes: Using dashes to add emphasis or additional information.
Example: "The results of the study—surprising as they were—changed the course of the research."
Parentheses: Incorporating parentheses to include supplementary information that is less crucial to the main sentence.
Example: "The committee (which meets monthly) will decide on the new policy next week."
Tips for Mastering Boundaries Questions
To excel at boundaries questions on the SAT, consider the following tips:
Understand Sentence Structure: Familiarize yourself with different types of clauses and how they function within a sentence.
Practice Punctuation: Practice using commas, dashes, and parentheses to ensure you can correctly format supplemental information.
Review Coordination and Subordination: Learn the various conjunctions and how they are used to link clauses.
Do Practice Questions: Work through SAT practice tests to get a feel for how boundaries questions are structured and what they require.
By mastering these conventions, you'll be well-prepared to tackle boundaries questions on the SAT and improve your overall score. Remember, practice is key, so keep honing your skills and testing your knowledge. Good luck!
Practice:
Here are some practice exercises to help you master boundaries questions on the SAT Reading and Writing Test. Each question requires you to correctly link clauses or format supplemental information.
Practice Exercise 1: Linking Clauses
Choose the best way to link the clauses in each sentence.
1. She enjoys reading mystery novels, ___ she dislikes horror stories.
A) but
B) and
C) so
D) because
2. He studied hard for the exam ___ he could earn a scholarship.
A) but
B) or
C) so that
D) although
The sun was setting, ___ the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange.
A) because
B) and
C) although
D) if
More practice:
Choose the best way to link the clauses in each sentence.
She loves to travel, ___ she has visited over 20 countries.
A) but
B) and
C) so
D) although
He wanted to go for a run, ___ it was raining outside.
A) because
B) but
C) so
D) if
The team practiced every day, ___ they won the championship.
A) and
B) but
C) although
D) because
She brought an umbrella, ___ it might rain later.
A) but
B) because
C) if
D) although
The book was fascinating, ___ it kept me up all night.
A) so
B) although
C) because
D) and
He was exhausted, ___ he had worked late the previous night.
A) but
B) so
C) because
D) if
She was nervous about the interview, ___ she prepared thoroughly.
A) so
B) because
C) although
D) but
They decided to leave early, ___ they wanted to avoid traffic.
A) because
B) so
C) although
D) but
The cake was delicious, ___ everyone asked for the recipe.
A) but
B) although
C) so
D) because
He enjoys playing soccer, ___ he joined the local team.
A) but
B) although
C) so
D) because
Practice Exercise 2: Punctuation of Supplemental Information
Add the correct punctuation to set off the non-essential information in each sentence.
The car which was parked on the street was towed away.
A) The car, which was parked on the street, was towed away.
B) The car which was parked on the street, was towed away.
C) The car, which was parked on the street was towed away.
D) The car which, was parked on the street, was towed away.
My friend a talented musician is performing tonight.
A) My friend, a talented musician is performing tonight.
B) My friend a talented musician, is performing tonight.
C) My friend a talented musician is, performing tonight.
D) My friend, a talented musician, is performing tonight. The meeting scheduled for next Friday has been postponed.
A) The meeting, scheduled for next Friday has been postponed.
B) The meeting scheduled for next Friday, has been postponed.
C) The meeting, scheduled for next Friday, has been postponed.
D) The meeting scheduled, for next Friday has been postponed.
Practice Exercise 3: End Punctuation
Choose the correct punctuation mark to complete each sentence.
She finished her assignment on time ___
A) .
B) ,
C) ;
D) :
Here are some more practice exercises focused on identifying sentence boundaries for the SAT:
Exercise 1: Identifying Run-On Sentences
Identify whether each of the following sentences is a run-on (RO), a fragment (F), or a complete sentence (CS). If it is a run-on or a fragment, rewrite it to form a complete sentence.
The students wanted to finish their project early they worked hard all weekend.
Because she loves to read science fiction.
He finished his homework early, he decided to go for a walk.
The concert was amazing everyone had a great time.
The cat slept on the windowsill while the dog napped on the couch.
Exercise 2: Correcting Sentence Boundaries
Correct the sentence boundaries in the following run-on sentences by adding punctuation or conjunctions where necessary.
The sun was setting the sky turned a beautiful shade of orange.
She loves to paint she has been taking art classes for years.
The storm was intense trees were falling everywhere.
He was late for the meeting he missed the bus.
The book was fascinating it kept me up all night.
Exercise 3: Combining Sentences
Combine each pair of sentences into one complete sentence without creating a run-on. Use conjunctions, semicolons, or relative pronouns as needed.
The movie was very long. It was also quite boring.
She was tired. She decided to go to bed early.
The car broke down. We had to walk home.
He didn't study for the test. He still managed to pass.
The weather was cold. We went for a hike anyway.
Exercise 4: Punctuation Practice
Add punctuation to the following sentences to correct any run-on errors.
I love visiting new places I always learn something interesting.
He enjoys cooking his favorite dish is spaghetti.
They went to the beach it was very crowded.
She writes poetry she hopes to publish a book someday.
The team played well they won the championship.
Exercise 5: Revising Paragraphs
Revise the following paragraph to correct any sentence boundary errors:
The park was beautiful the flowers were in full bloom. Birds were singing children were playing on the swings. The weather was perfect we decided to have a picnic. After lunch, we went for a walk we saw many interesting plants and animals. It was a wonderful day we all had a great time.
Answers
Here are the suggested answers to the exercises:
Exercise 1: Identifying Run-On Sentences
RO - The students wanted to finish their project early. They worked hard all weekend.
F - Because she loves to read science fiction, she always has a book with her.
RO - He finished his homework early, so he decided to go for a walk.
RO - The concert was amazing. Everyone had a great time.
CS
Exercise 2: Correcting Sentence Boundaries
The sun was setting, and the sky turned a beautiful shade of orange.
She loves to paint; she has been taking art classes for years.
The storm was intense; trees were falling everywhere.
He was late for the meeting because he missed the bus.
The book was fascinating; it kept me up all night.
Exercise 3: Combining Sentences
The movie was very long and quite boring.
She was tired, so she decided to go to bed early.
The car broke down, so we had to walk home.
Even though he didn't study for the test, he still managed to pass.
The weather was cold, but we went for a hike anyway.
Exercise 4: Punctuation Practice
I love visiting new places; I always learn something interesting.
He enjoys cooking; his favorite dish is spaghetti.
They went to the beach, and it was very crowded.
She writes poetry; she hopes to publish a book someday.
The team played well; they won the championship.
Exercise 5: Revising Paragraphs
The park was beautiful. The flowers were in full bloom, and birds were singing. Children were playing on the swings. The weather was perfect, so we decided to have a picnic. After lunch, we went for a walk and saw many interesting plants and animals. It was a wonderful day. We all had a great time.
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