20 Real-Style Questions · All Domains · Full Explanations
20
Questions
35
Minutes
4
Domains
Reading ComprehensionVocabulary in ContextGrammar & UsageRhetoric & Style
📚 SAT English – Core Concepts
Review all domains before taking the test
📖 Domain 1 · Reading Comprehension
Central Idea / Main Purpose Ask: What is the overall point the author is making? Avoid answers that are too narrow (one detail) or too broad (beyond the passage).
Evidence & Support Correct evidence answers must directly support the claim in the previous question. Match the logic, not just a keyword.
Inference The answer must be strongly implied by the text — not just possible, but necessary based on evidence.
Author's Tone & Purpose Look for adjectives, verbs, and rhetorical devices. Distinguish: inform, persuade, critique, describe, celebrate.
Example Question
"The passage primarily serves to…" A) summarize all studies on climate change B) argue that urban green spaces reduce local temperatures ✓
🔠 Domain 2 · Vocabulary in Context
ameliorate
to make better, improve
ambiguous
having multiple meanings
concede
to admit reluctantly
bolster
to strengthen, support
mitigate
to reduce the severity
cogent
clear and convincing
tenuous
weak, flimsy
proliferate
to grow rapidly
nuanced
subtle distinction
assert
to state confidently
Strategy
Replace the word in the sentence with each answer choice. Pick the one that keeps the exact same meaning in context — not the most common definition.
✏️ Domain 3 · Grammar & Writing Conventions
Subject–Verb Agreement
"The list of items is (not 'are') on the table." — The verb agrees with the head noun, not the nearest noun.
Pronoun–Antecedent Agreement
Collective nouns (team, company) take singular pronouns: "The team submitted its report."
Comma Splices & Run-ons
Two independent clauses need: (1) semicolon, (2) period, (3) coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), or (4) subordinating conjunction.
Apostrophes
it's = it is / it has · its = possessive
they're = they are · their = possessive · there = place
Parallelism
Items in a list or comparison must have the same grammatical form: "She likes hiking, swimming, and reading." ✓
Modifier Placement
Modifiers must be placed next to the word they modify. "Running quickly, the bus was caught by Maria." ✗ → "Running quickly, Maria caught the bus." ✓
Semicolons vs. Colons
Semicolon: joins two related independent clauses. Colon: introduces a list, explanation, or quotation after a complete clause.
🎯 Domain 4 · Rhetoric, Style & Organization
Transition Words
Contrast: however, although, despite, on the other hand
Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition
Cause/Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
Sequence: first, subsequently, finally
Sentence Combining & Conciseness
Avoid redundancy: "advance planning," "past history," "free gift" are all redundant. Pick the clearest, shortest option.
Adding/Deleting Information
Ask: Does this sentence support the paragraph's main idea? Is it redundant? Does it introduce an irrelevant topic?
Transition Example
"The study found significant benefits. Furthermore, participants reported side effects." ✗
"However, participants reported side effects." ✓ — use contrast, not addition