Tests Uncovered: Punctuation Questions in Redesigned SAT Writing

This week we are taking a look at Punctuation Questions on the Redesigned SAT Writing Section.

What does this question look like?

These questions will ask a student to select the correct punctuation mark or marks to use in a sentence. Commonly tested punctuation marks include commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, dashes, and periods.

Example:

How often does this question appear?

There are approximately 5–7 Punctuation Questions (14% of the section).

How does this compare to the current SAT?

The current SAT does not directly test punctuation marks. Instead, students can use other clues to bypass any punctuation marks they don’t know. On the redesigned exam, students must know proper punctuation rules in order to answer these questions correctly.

What does this mean for students?

Students who wish to do well on the redesigned SAT Writing section should learn their punctuation rules. You’d be surprised how often people misuse these marks—in news articles, books, social media, and even academic journals! If you’re not absolutely sure how a punctuation mark works, take some time to study independently or with a tutor.

Will this question be on the PSAT?

Yes. Every PSAT will include a Writing section. Punctuation Questions will make up approximately 10% of this section.