New SAT Writing and Language

The New SAT Writing and Language section focuses on grammar, usage, and clarity in writing through various passages and questions.

Study Strategies

Reading for Context

Look Beyond the Underlined Part

On the SAT, the answer often depends on what’s happening in the whole sentence or paragraph, not just the underlined words. Read a few lines before and after the question to understand the context and avoid easy traps.

Why It Works

  • Context reveals the author’s intent.
  • Helps spot subtle errors or awkward transitions.
  • Ensures your choice fits smoothly into the passage.

Examples

  • Reading the full sentence to catch verb tense shifts.

  • Checking nearby sentences to pick the best transition word.