Writing — 15 Practice Questions (Medium / Real SAT

Level)
Answers and brief explanations follow each question so you can learn as you go. Ready? Let’s
go!

1. The school decided to extend the library hours, however, few students took advantage of the
extra time.
A. NO CHANGE
B. hours; however,
C. hours — however —
D. hours. However,

Answer: D.
Explanation: Two independent clauses need a period (or semicolon). “hours. However, few…” is
correct punctuation and style.

2. The committee submitted its report on time, and it contained several important
recommendations.
A. NO CHANGE
B. but
C. which
D. as a result

Answer: A.
Explanation: The sentence is clear and correct as is; “and” properly connects the clauses.

3. To improve student performance, the principal introduced a tutoring program and more study
sessions.
A. NO CHANGE
B. program, more study sessions
C. program; more study sessions
D. program—more study sessions

Answer: C.
Explanation: Items in a compound list that themselves contain coordinating conjunctions or are
long are often better separated with a semicolon; here it improves clarity: “introduced a tutoring
program; more study sessions” (Note: option C is best punctuation-wise for clarity).
4. Scientists have discovered a new species that may adapt quickly to changing environments.
A. NO CHANGE
B. can
C. will
D. might have

Answer: A.
Explanation: “May” appropriately expresses possibility without overstating; it’s concise and
correct.

5. The novel, which was praised by critics, was widely read by teenagers.
A. NO CHANGE
B. has been
C. had been
D. is

Answer: A.
Explanation: Simple past “was” fits the past context; other tenses change meaning unnecessarily.

6. Although the coach emphasized discipline, the team still struggled to win games.
A. NO CHANGE
B. already
C. eventually
D. never

Answer: A.
Explanation: “Still” correctly contrasts expectation; sentence is correct as written.

7. The company launched an eco-friendly product line to attract young consumers, in addition
they improved their packaging.
A. NO CHANGE
B. ; in addition,
C. , therefore
D. and so

Answer: B.
Explanation: Two independent clauses with transitional phrase require semicolon + comma: “...,
in addition, ...” or “...; in addition, ...”.
8. The technology is not only cheaper but also more reliable than the previous model.
A. NO CHANGE
B. but as well
C. and also
D. and

Answer: A.
Explanation: “Not only... but also” is the correct correlative construction.

9. She studied hard for the exam; consequently, she earned one of the highest scores in the class.
A. NO CHANGE
B. consequently;
C. consequently —
D. consequently:

Answer: A.
Explanation: Semicolon + transitional adverb + comma is correct punctuation.

10. The survey results were surprising because participants reported few complaints.
A. NO CHANGE
B. little
C. a few
D. an amount of

Answer: C.
Explanation: “Complaints” is countable, so “a few” (some) is correct. “Few” implies almost
none; context suggests “some” complaints were reported (surprising), so “a few” fits.

11. Having read the instructions carefully, the experiment was completed successfully.
A. NO CHANGE
B. they completed the experiment successfully
C. the researchers completed the experiment successfully
D. successfully completed the experiment

Answer: C.
Explanation: Original has a dangling modifier — “Having read…” must modify the people who
read, not “the experiment.” Option C correctly supplies the actor.
12. If the city approves the plan, construction will begin next spring.
A. NO CHANGE
B. began
C. would begin
D. has begun

Answer: A.
Explanation: Future-in-the-future conditional is correctly expressed: “If… approves…, will
begin…”

13. The artist mixes classical techniques with modern themes, creating a distinctive style.
A. NO CHANGE
B. created
C. create
D. creation

Answer: A.
Explanation: Present participle “creating” correctly shows simultaneous/result action and keeps
sentence concise.

14. The essay lacked structure; therefore it was difficult to follow the main argument.
A. NO CHANGE
B. therefore,
C. therefore;
D. therefore:

Answer: B.
Explanation: When starting the independent clause after a semicolon, use the adverb without an
extra comma after semicolon; however, style guidance often prefers semicolon + transitional
adverb + comma: “; therefore, …” So B is correct because we need the comma after “therefore”.

15. Students should submit their applications a week before the deadline to avoid last-minute
problems.
A. NO CHANGE
B. during
C. after
D. on
Answer: A.
Explanation: “Before the deadline” is the correct phrase for early submission.

Grammar & Sentence Improvement — 15 Questions

1. Neither the scientists nor the assistant were able to explain the sudden reaction.
A) NO CHANGE
B) was
C) are
D) have been

✅ Answer: B — "was"
Explanation: With neither/nor, the verb agrees with the closest subject ("assistant" → singular
→ "was").

2. The teacher, along with her students, are preparing for the competition.
A) NO CHANGE
B) is
C) were
D) have been

✅ Answer: B — "is"
Explanation: "Along with her students" is extra information. The real subject is “teacher”
(singular).

3. The number of applicants have increased significantly this year.

A) NO CHANGE
B) has
C) were
D) are

✅ Answer: B — "has"
Explanation: "The number of" is singular, so use has. ("A number of" would be plural!)

4. Each participant must submit their entry before Friday.

A) NO CHANGE
B) his or her
C) our
D) its
✅ Answer: B — "his or her"
Explanation: In formal SAT grammar, singular subject → singular pronoun.

5. Running down the hallway, the keys fell out of his pocket.
A) NO CHANGE
B) he dropped the keys
C) the keys were falling
D) the man dropped the keys

✅ Answer: D — "the man dropped the keys"

Explanation: Original sentence has a dangling modifier — keys weren't running!

6. The book, as well as the notes, was left on the desk.

A) NO CHANGE
B) were
C) have been
D) are

✅ Answer: A — "was"
Explanation: "As well as the notes" is extra — subject is book (singular).

7. If she was more careful, she could have avoided the mistake.
A) NO CHANGE
B) were
C) is
D) had been

✅ Answer: B — "were"
Explanation: Hypothetical → subjunctive mood → “If she were…”

8. He is one of those people who is always complaining.

A) NO CHANGE
B) are always
C) will be
D) have been

✅ Answer: B — "are always"

Explanation: “Those people” → plural → "who are"
9. The team is celebrating their victory tonight.
A) NO CHANGE
B) are
C) were
D) has been

✅ Answer: A — "is"
Explanation: In American English, team = singular unit.

10. There is many reasons to support the proposal.

A) NO CHANGE
B) are
C) has been
D) was

✅ Answer: B — "are"
Explanation: “Many reasons” → plural → "are"

11. Not only the students but also the principal were shocked by the news.
A) NO CHANGE
B) was
C) have been
D) are

✅ Answer: B — "was"
Explanation: Verb agrees with closest subject (principal → singular).

12. Each of the boys play a different instrument.

A) NO CHANGE
B) plays
C) have played
D) are playing

✅ Answer: B — "plays"
Explanation: Each = singular → plays
13. The committee have reached their decision.
A) NO CHANGE
B) has
C) are
D) was

✅ Answer: B — "has"
Explanation: “Committee” = singular (as one unit).

14. The experiment was a success, despite of the unexpected challenges.

A) NO CHANGE
B) despite
C) although
D) in spite

✅ Answer: B — "despite"
Explanation: "Despite" is correct alone. “Despite of” ❌

15. He wanted to quickly finish the task.

A) NO CHANGE
B) to finish the task quickly
C) quickly to finish the task
D) to finish quickly the task

✅ Answer: B — "to finish the task quickly"

Explanation: SAT prefers to avoid splitting infinitives when possible.
📖 SAT Reading Practice — 15 Questions

Passage 1 (Lines 1–4):

Many people assume that creativity is an innate talent reserved for artists or inventors.
However, recent studies suggest that creativity is more like a skill—one that can be strengthened
through deliberate practice.

1. The main purpose of the passage is to:

A) Argue that creativity is only for professionals.

B) Suggest that creativity can be developed.
C) Claim that creativity is becoming less common.
D) Explain how scientists measure creativity.

✅ Answer: B
Explanation: The author clearly argues that creativity is a skill anyone can strengthen.

2. The phrase “innate talent” most nearly means:

A) Skill learned over time

B) Ability someone is born with
C) Knowledge gained from reading
D) Interest in many subjects

✅ Answer: B
Explanation: “Innate” = inborn, natural from birth.

Passage 2 (Lines 5–8):

Although Maria was nervous about speaking in public, she reminded herself that every expert
was once a beginner, and confidence often follows action—not the other way around.

3. What does the author suggest about confidence?

A) It must be perfected before taking action.

B) It usually comes after trying something.
C) It is only important for public speaking.
D) It is impossible to build over time.
✅ Answer: B
Explanation: “Confidence often follows action” means you gain confidence by doing.

4. The phrase “every expert was once a beginner” is used to:

A) Criticize professionals
B) Motivate the character
C) Suggest Maria should quit
D) Compare experts to beginners

✅ Answer: B
Explanation: It’s clearly encouragement to reduce her fear.

Passage 3 (Lines 9–13):

Some people argue that technology isolates us, reducing face-to-face interaction. Yet others
point out that it connects distant friends and allows people to maintain relationships that would
otherwise fade.

5. Which statement best captures the author’s viewpoint?

A) Technology always harms human connection.

B) Technology should be banned.
C) Technology has both positive and negative effects.
D) Most people dislike technology.

✅ Answer: C

6. In context, the phrase “would otherwise fade” most nearly means:

A) Become stronger
B) Disappear over time
C) Become more exciting
D) Change rapidly

✅ Answer: B
Passage 4 (Lines 14–18):

The desert may appear lifeless at first glance. However, beneath the scorching sun lies a
complex ecosystem filled with resilient plants and nocturnal creatures that thrive when
temperatures drop.

7. What is the author’s purpose?

A) To argue that deserts are dangerous

B) To show beauty in unexpected places
C) To explain how to survive in the desert
D) To discourage people from visiting deserts

✅ Answer: B

8. In the passage, the word “resilient” most nearly means:

A) Fragile
B) Easily broken
C) Able to recover or endure
D) Unimportant

✅ Answer: C

Passage 5 (Lines 19–25):

When the town replaced streetlights with energy-efficient LED bulbs, residents initially
complained about the harsher glow. Over time, however, many acknowledged that the brighter
lighting made evening walks feel safer.

9. What change in opinion is described in the passage?

A) People liked the LEDs immediately.

B) People disliked LEDs at first but then appreciated them.
C) People never accepted the change.
D) LEDs made streets look worse.

✅ Answer: B

10. What is the tone of the passage?

A) Angry
B) Humorous
C) Balanced and reflective
D) Sarcastic

✅ Answer: C

Passage 6 (Lines 26–32):

While many people believe multitasking improves productivity, research shows the opposite.
Constant task-switching forces the brain to repeatedly refocus, which results in slower work and
more mistakes.

11. What is the author’s main claim?

A) Multitasking is helpful only for students.

B) Multitasking reduces efficiency.
C) Multitasking strengthens the brain.
D) Most people avoid multitasking.

✅ Answer: B
Explanation: The passage clearly states multitasking slows work and causes mistakes.

12. The phrase “forces the brain to repeatedly refocus” suggests that multitasking is:

A) Mentally draining
B) Fun but pointless
C) Only useful at night
D) Recommended by scientists

✅ Answer: A

Passage 7 (Lines 33–38):

Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly. However, what they lack in aerial ability, they make up
for in aquatic skill—gliding through water with remarkable speed and grace.

13. What contrast does the author make?

A) Flying vs walking
B) Strength vs weakness
C) Lack of flight vs strong swimming ability
D) Land vs sky

✅ Answer: C

14. The tone of this passage can best be described as:

A) Critical
B) Admiring
C) Sarcastic
D) Disappointed

✅ Answer: B
Explanation: The author appreciates penguins’ skill with words like “remarkable,” “speed,”
and “grace.”

Passage 8 (Lines 39–44):

Some inventions are created through careful planning, while others are discovered accidentally
—like penicillin, which emerged when a scientist noticed mold killing bacteria in a petri dish.

15. What is the main idea of the passage?

A) Accidents rarely lead to anything useful.

B) All inventions are planned.
C) Some discoveries happen unexpectedly.
D) Scientists dislike surprises.

✅ Answer: C
🧮 SAT Math Practice — 15 Questions (with Answers &
Explanations)

1. (No Calculator)

If 5x−7=185x - 7 = 185x−7=18, what is the value of xxx?

A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 7

✅ Answer: C (5)
Explanation: 5x=25→x=55x = 25 → x = 55x=25→x=5

2. (No Calculator)

What is the slope of the line y=−3x+2y = -3x + 2y=−3x+2?

A) -3
B) 2
C) 3
D) -2

✅ Answer: A (-3)
Explanation: In y=mx+by = mx + by=mx+b, m = slope.

3. (No Calculator)

If 2(a+4)=202(a + 4) = 202(a+4)=20, what is aaa?

A) 3
B) 5
C) 6
D) 8

✅ Answer: B (5)
Explanation: (a + 4 = 10 → a = 6? No. Wait → 2(a+4)=20 → a+4 = 10 → a = 6 → Actually 6.
Correct answer: C (6)**

⚠️Correction: C (6)
4. (Calculator)

A car travels 180 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed?

A) 30 mph
B) 45 mph
C) 50 mph
D) 60 mph

✅ Answer: D (60 mph)

Explanation: 180÷3=60180 ÷ 3 = 60180÷3=60

5. (Calculator)

What is 30% of 250?

A) 50
B) 65
C) 70
D) 75

✅ Answer: D (75)
Explanation: 0.30×250=750.30 × 250 = 750.30×250=75

6. (No Calculator)

What is the value of 32+423^2 + 4^232+42?

A) 12
B) 18
C) 25
D) 31

✅ Answer: C (25)
Explanation: 9+16=259 + 16 = 259+16=25

7. (Calculator)

If a shirt costs $40 and is discounted by 25%, what is the sale price?
A) $10
B) $20
C) $30
D) $35

✅ Answer: C ($30)
Explanation: 25% of 40 = 10 → 40 - 10 = 30

8. (No Calculator)

Solve for xxx: x/5=7x/5 = 7x/5=7

A) 12
B) 25
C) 30
D) 35

✅ Answer: D (35)
Explanation: Multiply both sides by 5

9. (Calculator)

What is the area of a circle with radius 3? (Use π≈3.14\pi ≈ 3.14π≈3.14)

A) 9.42
B) 18.84
C) 28.26
D) 56.52

✅ Answer: C (28.26)
Explanation: πr2≈3.14×32=3.14×9=28.26πr^2 ≈ 3.14 × 3^2 = 3.14 × 9 =
28.26πr2≈3.14×32=3.14×9=28.26

10. (No Calculator)

If x=4x = 4x=4, what is the value of 2x2−32x^2 - 32x2−3?

A) 29
B) 25
C) 13
D) 9
✅ Answer: A (29)
Explanation: 2×16−3=32−3=292×16 - 3 = 32 - 3 = 292×16−3=32−3=29

11. (Calculator)

Which of the following is equal to 0.75?

A) 1/2
B) 2/3
C) 3/4
D) 4/5

✅ Answer: C (3/4)

12. (No Calculator)

A triangle has sides 3, 4, and 5. What type of triangle is it?

A) Equilateral
B) Isosceles
C) Right
D) Obtuse

✅ Answer: C (Right)
Explanation: 32+42=523^2 + 4^2 = 5^232+42=52 → Pythagorean triple

13. (Calculator)

What is 15% of 80?

A) 8
B) 10
C) 12
D) 15

✅ Answer: C (12)
14. (No Calculator)

If a rectangle has width 6 and length 9, what is its perimeter?

A) 15
B) 30
C) 42
D) 54

✅ Answer: C (42)
Explanation: (2(6 + 9) = 2 × 15 = 30? Wait — mistake! Actually: 2(6+9) = 2×15 = 30 → Correct
answer is B (30)**

⚠️Correction: B (30)

15. (Calculator)

Solve: (5+3)×2 (5 + 3) × 2(5+3)×2

A) 11
B) 13
C) 14
D) 16

✅ Answer: C (16)
Explanation: Parentheses first → 8×2 = 16