While the SAT won’t test Punctuation explicitly, it’s important to understand how to use certain items of punctuation to get the most out of those Improving Paragraphs questions. Here are the main pieces to look out for and to make sure are being used correctly!
Commas (,) can be used in a list, to set apart nonessential clauses, after an introductory phrase, or before conjunctions to join two independent clauses.
Example (in a list): My favorite foods are ice cream, macaroni and cheese, pancakes and string cheese.
Example (with a nonessential clause): Her Aunt Shelley, married to her Uncle Eric, had a great voice.
Example (after an introductory phrase): After the movie, I went to the late-night diner.
Example (before conjunctions): I am a good soccer player, but my sister is much better.
For commas used with a nonessential clause, you can always check to see if the clause is “nonessential” by removing it and re-reading the sentence without it. If the sentence makes sense without the clause, then the commas are okay. Commas are one of the most overused pieces of punctuation so unless they are functioning in one of the above ways, look for answer choices that get rid of them!
Try this SAT improving paragraphs practice question and test your comma use knowledge!
