Struggling with The SAT Writing Multi-choice Section

The setting: 1985, the National Council of Teachers of English business meeting in Philadelphia

“Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English affirm the position that the use of isolated grammar and usage exercises not supported by theory and research is a deterrent to the improvement of students’ speaking and writing and that, in order to improve both of these, class time at all levels must be devoted to opportunities for meaningful listening, speaking, reading, and writing; and

that NCTE urge the discontinuance of testing practices that encourage the teaching of grammar rather than English language arts instruction.”

Grammar teaching as a “deterrent to the improvement of students’ speaking and writing” must have been a hard-sell for some at the time, but apparently a relief to others.  Unfortunately, the SAT writing section has shined a spotlight on the gap that was created by dropping this aspect of the curriculum.

Sample writing multiple-choice question:
Though now one of the most famous abstract artists, critics once ridiculed Jackson Pollock for his technique of splattering paint on canvases.

Appearing in Test 3 of the College Board’s SAT Study Guide, this question features a dangling modifier issue.  When starting a sentence by modifying a subject with a phrase plus comma, that subject *must* follow the comma.  Hence, “Jackson Pollock” had to be placed after the comma as seen here: Though now one of the most famous abstract artists, Jackson Pollock was once ridiculed by critics for his technique of splattering paint on canvases.

Proper sentence structure and punctuation rules dominate the multiple-choice section.  Back in 1985, some education leaders would have never imagined the day that the writers of a standardized college-admissions test would demand knowledge of about 20 grammar rules, plus lists of different verb forms.  But there is help out there- even free lessons and exercises online.  If you are looking for support as you prepare for the SATs, check out Erica Meltzer’s blog,

http://www.thecriticalreader.com/general-grammar-tips/sat-grammar/item/264-complete-sat-grammar-rules.html

There, she describes the types of grammar concepts that are tested.  You can take her online quizzes too.

Best of luck with the SAT and ACT this fall.