Know Your Keywords — Writing
Points 0A through 13 — every Standard English Conventions decision on the Reading & Writing section, plus the two Expression of Ideas question types, each with the cue to spot and the elimination order to follow.
Each point opens with the cue that identifies the question type and the rule that resolves it. Work the questions with the grey box in view — the aim is to reach the answer by applying the rule, not by ear. Watch for stub errors: options that are correct punctuation in isolation but wrong once you notice what follows the blank.
A sentence or clause to be classified as an independent clause, a dependent clause, or a phrase.
A verb to be classified as finite or non-finite (infinitive, gerund, or participle).
A title (biologist, chemist, runner…) followed by a name, with the options differing only in commas: Title, Name / Title, Name, / Title Name, / Title Name / Title : Name.
At least three of these four in the options: period / semicolon / colon / dash / comma + FANBOYS; a lone comma; no punctuation; a conjunction without a comma.
At least three of: comma + modifier + period/semicolon/colon/dash; period/semicolon/colon/dash + modifier + comma; comma or dash on both sides of the modifier; modifier + comma.
A strong transition (however, for example, on the contrary…) inside the options, with the punctuation shifting from one side of it to the other. Not applicable to though — see Point 5.
Respectively in the options, with punctuation varying: period/semicolon/colon/dash + respectively + comma; comma on both sides; no punctuation on either side; punctuation on one side only.
IC + though + IC — though as a strong transition. IC + though + IC + IC — though as a subordinating conjunction.
Options offering: period / colon / comma + FANBOYS; a lone comma; no punctuation; a semicolon.
7A (Pure SVA): a 3:1 split in the options — three singular and one plural, or the reverse. 7B (SVA 2:2): two singular and two plural options, all finite verbs.
8A (Pure verb forms): a 3:1 split of finite to non-finite options. 8B (Comma splice with verb forms): the same 3:1 split, where all three finite options would create a comma splice.
A 3:1 split of finite to non-finite options, or a 2:2 split.
Which appears in the options or immediately after the blank.
Both a colon and a dash appear among the answer options.
A graph or table with either a claim to verify or illustrate, or a conclusion to select.
A set of student notes plus a stated goal (“The student wants to…”).