Question

A) NO CHANGE B) whether she really had to go through with the performance. C) did she really have to go through with the performance? D) whether she really had to go through with the performance? On the day of the concert, the crowd numbered over 75,000 and reached from the Lincoln Memorial all the way to the Washington Monument. Despite her fears, Anderson went ahead with the concert, which included a patriotic song, two classical 20 songs; and several spirituals. Her performance was highly 21 acclaimed. She was praised for her rich and beautiful voice and for her powerful stand representing all those who faced racial discrimination. Not wanting to take attention away from Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt chose not to be publicly affiliated with the concert and in fact did not attend it due to other obligations. However, the two remained friends throughout their lives. Anderson's performance made her an international celebrity, and she is hailed for her role in cutting down barriers for African American performers. Later, the DAR changed its rules and apologized, and Anderson did eventually perform at Constitution Hall. 22

Short answer

Option A, "NO CHANGE", is the best selection, as the other options do not fit the context of the passage and/or are grammatically incorrect.

Step-by-step solution

Read the passage and understand the context

Before looking into each option, read and understand the passage to identify the context of the sentence that needs to be replaced. It is describing the day of a concert and how Anderson went ahead with her performance despite her fears. Now, let's analyze each option.

Option A - NO CHANGE

Option A states "NO CHANGE," which means the sentence would remain: "On the day of the concert, the crowd numbered over 75,000 and reached from the Lincoln Memorial all the way to the Washington Monument." Since the focus seems to be on choosing the best option for replacing the underlined sentence, we can skip option A for now and come back to it if none of the other options work.

Option B - whether she really had to go through with the performance.

Option B is a declarative sentence because it states a fact or opinion, and it has a period at the end, indicating it is a complete sentence. However, it does not fit the context of the passage, as it does not provide any information about the day of the concert or the number of attendees. This option is not suitable.

Option C - did she really have to go through with the performance?

Option C is an interrogative sentence, as it asks a question and has a question mark at the end. This option does not fit the context of the passage either, as it does not provide any information about the day of the concert and the crowd. It is an inappropriate choice.

Option D - whether she really had to go through with the performance?

Option D combines elements of both declarative and interrogative sentences. However, it is grammatically incorrect, as it starts with the word "whether" and ends with a question mark. It also does not fit the context of the passage, as it does not provide any information about the concert and the crowd. This option is not appropriate either.

Reevaluate Option A - NO CHANGE

None of the other options (B, C, or D) are suitable choices for replacing the underlined sentence, as they do not fit the context of the passage and/or are grammatically incorrect. Therefore, the best selection is option A, "NO CHANGE".

Key concepts

Sentence Correction

Sentence correction is a vital skill, especially when preparing for standardized tests like the SAT Reading Comprehension section. A correct sentence must be grammatically sound and contextually appropriate. When you encounter sentence correction exercises, begin by:

• Identifying the part of the sentence that may be incorrect.
• Considering grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, and correct use of modifiers.
• Making sure the sentence logically fits within the passage.

In the exercise provided, the use of "NO CHANGE" was deemed appropriate as the other options did not fit the passage context or were grammatically incorrect. Always remember, clarity and coherence are key.

Context Analysis

Understanding the context is crucial when determining the appropriateness of a sentence or word choice. Context analysis involves identifying the main idea of a passage and recognizing how each part contributes to that idea. Here are a few steps to effectively analyze context:

• Read the entire passage to get a sense of the overall theme and tone.
• Note the purpose of the sentence in question—is it providing information, making an argument, or offering an opinion?
• Ensure that the sentence aligns with the passage’s intended message and mood.

In the given exercise, the sentence needed to frame the context of a significant event, a concert. Neither questions nor statements about internal conflict were suitable. The passage's focus was on providing descriptive clarity about the event itself.

Grammar and Punctuation

English grammar and punctuation are pivotal in conveying the correct meaning. Poor grammar or incorrect punctuation can drastically change a sentence's meaning or make it incomprehensible. Key areas to focus on include:

• Sentence structure: ensuring sentences have clearly defined subjects and predicates.
• Punctuation: using commas, periods, question marks, etc., correctly to clarify meaning.
• Syntax: arranging words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

In the exercise, options were evaluated for compliance with these rules. "Whether she really had to go through with the performance?" was incorrect due to the improper use of "whether" with a question mark. Proper grammar and punctuation ensure your writing is clear and professional.

Exam Strategies

When tackling sentence correction parts of exams like the SAT, it’s helpful to have a set of strategies to capture maximum points.

• Read each sentence carefully and spot any glaring errors before going through options.
• Eliminate choices: discard options that are obviously incorrect, saving time and reducing confusion.
• Re-read the sentence with each chosen option to affirm it makes sense contextually and grammatically.
• Practice regularly with sample questions to hone speed and accuracy.
• Stay calm and focused. Skipping questions you find difficult initially and revisiting them later can be beneficial.

Using these strategies can significantly improve your performance, allowing you to handle sentence corrections with confidence and precision.