For a tiny bit of a different perspective...
Bahah see what we did there? Perspective. Get it? Okay we'll stop. Let's walk through some different approaches for answering test questions that may help.
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Let's Prep Now
Before you answer the question ask yourself:
"What rule is this question testing?"
This is our biggest pro-tip for writers on test-taking writing exam sections. Don't just read and try to answer the question, flip your thinking!
First, figure out what the question is testing. Is it verb tense agreement? Is it checking if the sentence is complete? Subject-verb agreement?
Once you identify the rule being tested, you can immediately pick out the error (or confirm there isn't one!).
This requires knowing the set of rules, which is just simple memorization. Run through the list in your head and match it to the question.
THE SECRET SAUCE
The test makers aren't being creative, they're pulling from a predictable set of rules. Once you know what they're testing, the answer becomes obvious. You're not guessing anymore; you're recognizing patterns!
For every single question, ask yourself: What is this question trying to test?
Make the rules memorable
Use the pictures and silly questions below to remember the rules if it is helpful to you. For example, if the sample question we have uses phrases like sushi below then you can call it the sushi rule (we'll basically do that anyways as we go). It's way easier to have a reference for the rule that is memorable instead of some ye' old English names for grammar that are not memorable e.g. past perfect tense. Also, we're hungry. Obviously.
Answer first, then check
Cover up the answers to the questions. Do not look. Instead, answer the question yourself and then look for the answer. This helps you answer questions faster. But...you still might find yourself looking at the below:
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Find the difference between two close answers
If you're still stuck, that's okay. Options can be tough to discern between with test pressure. Test-makers generally have a few throw-away answers and then they put two potential answers. Answers B and C above look kind of similar, but they are clearly different e.g. red outside on B. Find the difference. There is only one right answer. Identify the difference between the two answers (what is one doing vs. the other) and try to go back to the rule.
Complete Sentences
(A Story of Love in Blue Emojis)
Standardized tests do lots of things to try to see if you know what a complete sentence is (or isn't).
1. Random comma nonsense (more formally known as a comma splice):
a. The team will throw a random comma in the middle of two sentences to try to tie it together. These should be two separate sentences!
b. They can also test the reverse, where they have a comma in the middle of the sentence, but it's totally fine (because it's a complete sentence).
c. Generally incomplete sentences can be strung together by:
Let's take this lovely example:
1. She always sends me the blue heart emoji. Then, I send her one back.💗
2. She always sends me the blue heart emoji and then I send it back.💙
3. She always sends me the blue heart emoji; then I send it back.💙
You can however have a comma in a sentence if the phrase beforehand can stand on its own or when there is a so, or but OR some kind of definition: "So, what do you think?"....
Practice Time! 💪
Complete Sentences ✨
Click on the answer you think is correct!
She always sends me the blue heart emoji______ I send her one back.
💡 Explanation: Nope! This one smashes two complete texts together with just a comma. Like "hey, what's up" crammed into one bubble. These are two separate thoughts that need a proper break. Either a period, semicolon, or "and" to hold hands. A lonely comma can't do that job! 😬
💡 Explanation: YES! The semicolon is like saying "new thought, same energy". Perfect for connecting two complete ideas that are besties. Think of it as a soft pause between two texts that belong together. You understood the assignment! 💙
💡 Explanation: This one's missing punctuation! 😭 We've all been there at 2am, but "emoji then" just runs together like speed-talking. These two complete thoughts need SOMETHING between them. A period, semicolon, or ", and" would work perfectly!
💡 Explanation: Whoa, this one's trying a bit too hard! 😅 It's like adding 17 emojis to a simple "hey." The extra comma after "then" is unnecessary and makes it read all choppy. Keep it simple. A semicolon alone would do the job perfectly!
Katseye's debut was iconic______ everyone immediately learned the "Touch" choreography.
💡 Explanation: Katseye didn't survive that Netflix competition show just for you to disrespect their sentence! 💅 A comma alone can't connect two complete thoughts. It's like trying to hold two bowling balls with one pinky. You need "and" or a semicolon to help out!
💡 Explanation: Oops, this one's missing punctuation. Like Sophia forgetting her umbrella in the rain! 🌧️ Without ANY punctuation between these two complete thoughts, they just crash into each other. Give them some breathing room with a comma + "and" or a semicolon!
💡 Explanation: You ATE that! 🔥 When "and" is connecting two complete thoughts, it needs its comma bestie right before it. Think of it like the "Touch" choreography. The comma and "and" work together in perfect sync! Daniela would be proud.
💡 Explanation: A colon here is basically announcing a royal entrance... for "and"? 👑 Dramatic much? Colons are for introducing lists or explanations, not for connecting sentences with "and." Save the drama for the stage, not your punctuation!
Making friendship bracelets for the Eras Tour while listening to every Taylor Swift album in order______ is how I spend my weekends.
💡 Explanation: A semicolon here? 😵 That's like putting a dramatic pause in "My name is... ... ... Taylor." The bracelet-making part isn't a complete thought on its own. It's just describing WHAT happens on weekends. No punctuation needed between the activity and "is"!
💡 Explanation: Taylor wouldn't approve of a random comma there! 🎸 The whole "making friendship bracelets..." part is just one big description of a hobby. It's not its own complete thought. Adding a comma makes it sound like there's a weird breath mid-sentence. Keep it smooth and let it flow!
💡 Explanation: You're in your reputation era with this answer! 🐍 No punctuation needed because the whole "making friendship bracelets while listening to Taylor" part is just describing WHAT is your favorite weekend activity. It flows right into "is" without any pause. Swiftie approved! ✨
💡 Explanation: A period here creates a sentence fragment! 😱 "Is how I spend my weekends" can't stand alone. It's missing a subject. It's like saying "Is my favorite song" without saying WHAT is your favorite song. Keep it all together, no period needed!
I wanted to binge-watch every Pedro Pascal show______ I had a 10-page essay due tomorrow.
💡 Explanation: This one ghosted "but" entirely! 👻 There's just a sad comma standing there alone like Joel looking for Ellie. A comma by itself can't connect two complete thoughts. It needs a buddy like "but" or "and" to help. These two sentences need a proper connection!
💡 Explanation: Pedro Pascal would be SO proud! 🥺 When "but" is playing matchmaker between two complete thoughts, it needs a comma wingman RIGHT BEFORE it. You nailed the formula: complete thought + comma + but + complete thought. This is the way! 🫶
💡 Explanation: Semicolon AND "but" together? 🤔 That's giving try-hard energy. Like wearing a belt AND suspenders. Pick a lane! You either use a semicolon alone OR "comma + but" but never semicolon + but. That's just overkill, bestie.
💡 Explanation: Ooh, the comma's in the wrong spot here! 😅 Having it AFTER "but" is like putting socks on over shoes. Technically possible, but why?? The comma goes BEFORE "but" to give the reader a little breath before the plot twist. Just flip it around!
The sandworms in Dune are absolutely terrifying______ however, riding one looks kinda fun.
💡 Explanation: "However" is high-maintenance and needs more than just a comma before it! 🪱 It's like trying to ride a sandworm without the hooks. You're gonna fall off. "However" demands the full Fremen treatment: semicolon BEFORE it, comma AFTER it. The spice must flow correctly!
💡 Explanation: This one's missing the semicolon AND the comma after "however"! 😵 That's like walking on Arrakis without a stillsuit. Things get messy fast. "However" needs the full setup: semicolon before, comma after. It's picky like that!
💡 Explanation: He who controls the punctuation controls the universe! 🪱✨ You nailed it. "However" is the spice of transition words and DEMANDS the royal treatment: semicolon BEFORE, comma AFTER. You've mastered the ways of the Fremen... and grammar. The spice flows through you!
💡 Explanation: A colon here is like summoning a sandworm when you just wanted to take a casual stroll! 🏜️ Colons are for introducing lists or big explanations, not for connecting sentences with "however." Swap that colon for a semicolon and you'll be riding in style!
Your Score: 0 / 5 ✨
Now for a little essay sample <3.
The Essay
Use the essay structure. Be the essay structure. Know the essay structure. ✨
Use the same essay structure every time: review it below. ✨
Let's try another one: The Sorting Hat in "Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling illustrates that while people have to respond to the circumstances, they can still exercise some degree of choice.
Context] 📖
For context, the Sorting Hat is a magical hat that decides which group of classmates with similar personalities of students will study and live together. The Hat is placed upon each student's head to make a decision, evaluating a student's personality and fit for their group.
When the main character, Harry Potter, wears the Sorting Hat, he tells the hat he does not want to be placed in a particular group with students he does not get along with. As a result, the Sorting Hat places Harry in the group of students Harry ultimately desires.
What this means is that while people are often placed in circumstances that seem fateful, expressing a voice and preferences allows a degree of autonomy that can often go unrealized.
Even expressing choice then, realized or not, may influence circumstance, just like it did for Harry.
When you have a formula for the way you approach the paragraph you know exactly what to write next. ✨