DS
Digital SAT — Cracking Guide • Exam-bug notebook
Quick elimination rules • scan fast • remember the exceptions
🧭 Approaching the Questions Test Strategy
An efficient question order saves time — follow this sequence during a module.
1) Start with Standard English conventions — usually Q15→end.
2) Then go back to Q1–Q15 (Reading & Vocabulary).
3) Vocabulary: if you know the word, answer it; if not, skip it to save time.
2) Then go back to Q1–Q15 (Reading & Vocabulary).
3) Vocabulary: if you know the word, answer it; if not, skip it to save time.
Why: conventions are fast and rule-driven. Doing them first buys time for interpretive reading and vocab questions.
📚 Vocabulary in Context Rule
If two or more choices are synonyms or nearly synonyms, eliminate both — the test rarely offers multiple correct synonyms.
A) pinnacle
B) triumph
C) culmination
D) apex
B) triumph
C) culmination
D) apex
Scan choices first — spotting synonyms saves time.
🔁 Transitions Rule
If two transitions perform the same rhetorical function, eliminate both.
A) ; however,
B) ; moreover,
C) , and
D) , being that
B) ; moreover,
C) , and
D) , being that
Prefer the transition that exactly matches the logical link in the sentence.
✂️ Concision Rule
The correct choice is usually the most concise form that preserves meaning — avoid redundancy.
A) and
B) and with
C) and also
D) and competing with
B) and with
C) and also
D) and competing with
If two choices mean the same, pick the shorter one.
✍️ Writing Mechanics Rule
1) If semicolon and period both appear among choices, both usually indicate the same function → eliminate both (90%).
2) Matching punctuation for appositives: use two commas, two em-dashes, or parentheses — don't mix.
2) Matching punctuation for appositives: use two commas, two em-dashes, or parentheses — don't mix.
A) followed. Many
B) followed; many
C) followed, many
D) followed—many
B) followed; many
C) followed, many
D) followed—many
Exception: semicolons are valid for complex lists. Watch context.
⚙️ Less-frequent Punctuation Quick
- Colon connects related independent clauses — Independent clause: independent clause.
- Semicolons separate items in a complex series (items with commas).
Pattern: A.1, A.2; B; C.1, C.2
🎯 Rhetorical Synthesis Focus
Read the question purpose first — identify the objective and filter choices against it.
Q example: "Which choice most effectively presents the significance of Dr. Keaton's discovery?"
Frame every option against the specific objective named in the prompt.
⚠️ Run-ons & Comma Splices Eliminate
Avoid choices that create comma splices or run-on sentences.
Independent clause, independent clause. (Comma splice)
Independent clause independent clause. (Run-on)
Independent clause independent clause. (Run-on)
🔎 Half-Right Answers Beware
Many choices are partly true. One incorrect clause makes the choice wrong. Verify every clause and punctuation mark.
Check both content accuracy AND the role the sentence plays in the passage.
🧭 Text Structure / Signals Map
- Experiment / study → Evidence
- Tools (telescope, survey) → Methodology
- Past date → Historical / past event
Any choice with a comma/semicolon immediately after "and" is almost always wrong.
❝ Quotation Marks Punctuation
In American style, commas and periods go inside the closing quotation mark.
A) In his iconic speech titled "I Have a Dream,"
B) In his iconic speech titled "I Have a Dream",
B) In his iconic speech titled "I Have a Dream",
📖 Read the Prompt First When
Always read the question before digging into the passage for these types:
- Direct comprehension
- Paired passages
- Command of evidence
- Rhetorical synthesis
Reading prompt first orients you — saves time and avoids traps.
✍️ Snapshot rules
⏱ Scan first
🧠 Q → Goal
❌ Synonym pairs = eliminate
🔁 Same-function transitions = eliminate
SAT Tactics Notebook • compact rules for review
Made for quick drills — © Digital SAT Blueprint
