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Punctuation Party: How to Master Those Pesky Dots and Dashes for the Digital SAT, EST, and ACT
Punctuation Party: Mastering Dots and Dashes for Digital SAT, EST, and ACT
Introduction to Punctuation in Digital Exams
Punctuation is very important for doing well on the digital SAT, EST, and ACT exams. These tests are now done on computers, so you need to know how to use punctuation correctly in this new format. This guide will help you learn about punctuation basics, common mistakes to avoid, and how to do your best on the English parts of these tests.
Punctuation Basics: Commas, Periods, and Semicolons
Commas
Commas are used to separate items in a list, join two complete sentences, set off extra information, or introduce a sentence. For example:
Periods
Periods end sentences. They show where one thought ends and another begins. Use periods for regular sentences and indirect questions. For example:
Semicolons
Semicolons connect two related complete sentences or separate items in a list that already have commas. For example:
Using Dashes and Hyphens Correctly
Dashes
Dashes can set off extra information, show a sudden change in thought, or emphasize something. There are two types: the en dash (–) and the em dash (—). For example:
Hyphens
Hyphens join words together or break words at the end of a line. For example:
Mastering Quotation Marks and Parentheses
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks show direct speech, titles of short works, or irony. Use double quotes (" ") for most things and single quotes (' ') for quotes within quotes. For example:
Parentheses
Parentheses add extra information without changing the main sentence. For example:
Punctuation Rules for Capitalization and Abbreviations
Capitalization
Capitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns (like names or places), and the first word in a direct quote. For example:
Abbreviations
Use periods with some abbreviations and commas to separate parts of an address. For example:
Common Punctuation Errors to Avoid
Watch out for these common mistakes:
- Comma splices (joining two sentences with just a comma)
- Run-on sentences (no punctuation between two sentences)
- Misplaced modifiers (describing words put in the wrong place)
Punctuation Strategies for Digital SAT, EST, and ACT English Sections
- Read carefully and pay attention to punctuation clues.
- Use process of elimination to remove wrong answers based on punctuation errors.
- Make sure your punctuation matches the tone and purpose of the passage.
Online Resources and Practice Materials
Visit these links for more help with punctuation:
Advanced Punctuation
Although the scientific community initially rejected the theory of continental drift, Alfred Wegener's hypothesis gained significant support in the 1960s, when new evidence from paleomagnetism and seafloor spreading emerged.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Great Britain in the late 18th century, dramatically transformed economic and social structures; it led to unprecedented urban growth, as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of factory work.
Photosynthesis—the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy—is crucial for life on Earth: it produces oxygen, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and forms the basis of most food chains.
The author argues, "The rise of social media has fundamentally altered interpersonal communication; while it has expanded our ability to connect across vast distances, it has also led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, potentially impacting our capacity for empathy and deep, meaningful relationships."
Understanding these advanced sentence structures and punctuation uses is crucial for success on the SAT. Practice identifying independent and dependent clauses, and pay close attention to how punctuation connects and separates ideas within complex sentences.
Helpful Resources for Digital SAT Preparation
To help you prepare better for the Digital SAT, here are some useful blog posts from The Test Advantage:
- Digital SAT Past Papers: Authentic Practice Tests
- How to Solve Digital SAT Vocabulary: Words in Context | Domain 2 Tips
- A Tutorial on Digital SAT Purpose Questions
- How to Solve Inference Questions on the Digital SAT (DSAT)
- Digital SAT Leaks: The Risks of Using DSAT Past Papers | Prep Strategies
- Digital SAT Reading and Writing: Expert Guide to Boost Your Score
- Learn Your Digital SAT Punctuation Skills | Grammar Cheat Sheet
- The Only Guide You Need to Master Inference Questions on the Digital SAT
- Digital SAT Vocabulary Guide: Mnemonics & Context Strategies | Domain 2
- Digital SAT Vocabulary: Fun Ways to Learn Common SAT Words using Mnemonics
These resources cover a wide range of topics to help you prepare for different aspects of the Digital SAT. From vocabulary strategies to practice tests, these blog posts offer valuable tips and information to boost your performance on test day.