Question

A) NO CHANGE B) passed on C) had a passing of D) passed by

Short answer

Option D) passed by

Step-by-step solution

Read the options and analyze each one

In this step, weigh each option and analyze the correctness. A) NO CHANGE B) passed on C) had a passing of D) passed by

Eliminate options that do not fit the context

We will now eliminate options that do not make sense in the context. Option A) NO CHANGE means that there is no need for any change. Option B) "passed on" is usually used to mean that someone has passed away or to say that something was passed from one person to another. It does not fit the context well. Option C) "had a passing of" is not a common phrase in English. It might mislead the reader. Option D) "passed by" --- This phrase makes sense in the given context, as it means that something happened while moving past or during a specific time period.

Choose the best option

Based on our analysis, the best option to fit the context is: Option D) passed by

Key concepts

Grammar

Grammar is like the backbone of the English language. It ensures our sentences are structured correctly and convey the intended meaning. In the given exercise, understanding grammar helps us decide which phrase appropriately completes a sentence. Here are the important elements of grammar assessed in such exercises:

• Tense: Understanding whether an action takes place in the past, present, or future is key. Each option may imply a different tense, influencing the sentence's meaning.
• Verb forms: Identifying the correct form of verbs helps maintain consistency and clarity. For example, choosing between forms like "passed" vs. "passing."
• Agreement: Ensuring subjects and verbs agree in number helps maintain smooth reading. "She passes by" rather than "She pass by."

Grasping these concepts makes it easier to tackle questions that test your ability to use proper grammar, thereby improving your SAT writing score.

Multiple-choice questions

Multiple-choice questions are a staple of standardized tests like the SAT. They assess a student's ability to quickly analyze and select the best possible answer from a set of given options. Here's how to effectively approach them:

• Analyze each option: Read through each option carefully instead of quickly choosing one. Consider what each option implies in terms of meaning and correctness.
• Use the process of elimination: Remove options that do not fit the context or are grammatically incorrect. This narrows down your choices, making it easier to identify the correct answer.
• Cross-reference with context: Always check how your chosen answer fits into the overall context of the sentence or passage.

Mastering the technique of answering multiple-choice questions can significantly boost your confidence and efficiency during the exam.

Context Analysis

Context analysis is crucial when dealing with SAT writing sections. It involves understanding the broader meaning of a sentence or passage to decide what answer fits best. Here's how to enhance your context analysis skills:

• Identify the main idea: Focus on the sentence's main subject and action. This provides clues about what type of word or phrase you need to complete the sentence.
• Consider the surrounding text: Pay attention to sentences before and after the one in question. They often provide hints about the tone, style, or logic you need to maintain.
• Predict and verify: Make a prediction about the blank before looking at the options, then see which option matches your prediction best.

Engaging deeply with the text and learning to read between the lines makes selecting the correct option more intuitive.

English Language Usage

Proper English language usage is fundamental for clear communication. In standardized tests, it involves understanding nuances in word meaning and phrase application. Here are aspects to keep in mind:

• Common phrases and idioms: Knowing idiomatic expressions helps you quickly spot phrases that don't sound right or fit contextually.
• Connotation vs. denotation: Understand both the direct meaning (denotation) and the implied meaning (connotation) of words.
• Precision in language: Choose words or phrases that precisely convey the intended meaning. In the exercise, "passed by" was chosen for its specific meaning compared to less precise options.

Enhancing your knowledge of English language usage not only helps in exams but also in daily communication, ensuring your message is clear and effective.