Acing the Exam: Mastering the Essential Grammar Rules for EST Test, Digital SAT and ACT English
Ultimate EST Writing Cheat Sheet: Boost Your Score
Welcome to your go-to resource for acing the EST (Egyptian Scholastic Test) Writing section! Whether you're aiming for a top score or just want to improve your performance, this cheat sheet covers essential rules and tips that will give you an edge on test day. As a bonus, we've included some ACT Grammar tips that apply to both exams, making this guide a powerful tool for all university-bound students in Egypt.
Essential EST Writing Rules
1. Concision is Key
Remember, shorter is better. The EST rewards clear, concise writing. If you can convey the same meaning with fewer words, that's usually the correct choice.
2. Avoid Incorrect Options
Sometimes, the easiest way to find the right answer is by eliminating options that are clearly wrong. Trust your ear and your knowledge of grammar rules.
3. Punctuation Matters
Pay attention to how sentences are connected. The pattern Period Semicolon Comma + and/but is a common structure you'll encounter in the EST.
4. Non-Essential Clauses
Information between two commas or dashes is often a non-essential clause. If you can remove it without changing the sentence's core meaning, it's probably correct.
5. Common Confusions
Don't mix up:
- Its (possessive) vs. It's (it is)
- Their (possessive) vs. They're (they are) vs. There (place)
Advanced EST Writing Tips (Also Applicable to ACT Grammar)
6. Mastering Colons
Use a colon to introduce a list or explanation. Remember, you need a complete sentence before the colon, but not necessarily after it.
7. Parallel Structure
In lists, all items should match grammatically. For example: noun, noun, noun or verb, verb, verb.
8. Comma Placement
Be cautious with commas. A comma before a preposition is often incorrect in EST writing questions.
9. Avoiding Comma Splices
Watch out for comma splices. A comma followed by it, this, he, she, they often indicates this error.
10. Than vs. Then
Than is for comparisons, while then indicates sequence.
Additional Grammar Tips for EST Success
11. Singular vs. Plural Verbs
Singular verbs often end in -s, while plural verbs typically don't. For example: "He reads" vs. "They read".
12. Demonstrative Pronouns
This, that, these, and those should be followed by a noun for clarity in EST writing.
13. Pronoun Consistency
Maintain consistency with pronouns: one = one; you = you; he or she = he or she; people = they.
14. Transition Words
For questions about transitions, try crossing out the transition word and determine the relationship between sentences before looking at answer choices.
15. Insert/Delete Questions
When deciding whether to insert or delete a sentence, reread surrounding sentences and state the topic in your own words. If the sentence is directly relevant, it belongs.
Test Your EST Writing Knowledge
Ready to apply what you've learned? Take this quick quiz to reinforce your understanding of EST Writing and grammar rules!
Which of the following is correct in EST Writing?
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