How to answer it
- Find the subject and verb on each side of the blank.
- Decide whether each side could stand alone as a sentence.
- Two complete sentences need a period, semicolon or comma plus and, but or so. Nothing goes between a subject and its verb.
Worked example
An original question in the SAT format, already answered.
SAT Reading and WritingWorked example
The museum’s newest exhibit features a rare medieval must reserve timed tickets to see it.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Amanuscript, visitors
- Bmanuscript; visitors
- Cmanuscript visitors
- Dmanuscript, and, visitors
Answer: B. Both sides are complete sentences, so a semicolon can join them. A is a comma splice, C runs the sentences together, and D puts a comma after “and.”
The most common trap
A comma that feels natural when you read aloud. A comma alone can’t join two complete sentences.
Practice it
Hourly Prep’s daily sets mix boundaries with the rest of SAT Reading and Writing, and send more of it your way when it’s a weak spot. See how the SAT prep plan works, or browse the other SAT skill guides.