Question

A) NO CHANGE B) counterattack, and, adapt C) counterattack and adapt D) counterattack and adapt,

Short answer

C) counterattack and adapt

Step-by-step solution

Read the sentence carefully and identify the problematic part

In order to identify what needs to be changed, read the sentence, pay attention to punctuation and coordinating conjunctions, and try to understand the structure of the sentence.

Analyze each option

Carefully compare the options with the original sentence and determine which one would make the sentence grammatically correct. A) NO CHANGE B) counterattack, and, adapt C) counterattack and adapt D) counterattack and adapt,

Evaluate option A: NO CHANGE

If the original sentence makes sense and is grammatically correct, then there's no need for any change. It is important to compare it with other options to confirm the correctness.

Evaluate option B: counterattack, and, adapt

This option adds an unnecessary comma after "and," which is grammatically incorrect. A comma before and after the coordinating conjunction "and" is not needed.

Evaluate option C: counterattack and adapt

This option removes the comma and leaves only the coordinating conjunction "and" to connect the two verbs "counterattack" and "adapt." This creates a clearer and grammatically correct sentence.

Evaluate option D: counterattack and adapt,

This option adds a comma after the second verb "adapt," which is not needed and makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. There is no justification for adding the comma in this case.

Choose the best option

Based on the analysis, the best option is C) counterattack and adapt. As it provides a clear and grammatically correct structure for the sentence by keeping the coordinating conjunction "and" between the two verbs without unnecessary commas.

Key concepts

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are the glue that holds words, phrases, and clauses together, making sure that each part of a sentence fits snugly to convey a complete thought. These conjunctions are easy to remember with the acronym FANBOYS, which stands for 'for', 'and', 'nor', 'but', 'or', 'yet', and 'so'.

Consider the sentence from the exercise involving the use of 'and', which is one of the most common coordinating conjunctions. It joins together two actions – 'counterattack' and 'adapt' – so they are understood as a paired set of actions. The correct use of coordinating conjunctions is crucial as it determines the clarity of the sentence. Overusing commas, or placing them incorrectly can confuse the reader and interrupt the flow of the sentence. For instance, option B ('counterattack, and, adapt') misplaces the commas, disrupting the intended meaning and cluttering the sentence unnecessarily.

Always remember that when using conjunctions, the addition of commas depends on whether you're combining two independent clauses or simply merging two elements of a sentence. If it's the latter, as with the verbs in the exercise, a comma isn't necessary.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure pertains to the way words are organized and arranged in a sentence. Good sentence structure makes your writing easier to understand and helps convey your message more effectively. In the context of SAT Writing and Language Test preparation, understanding sentence structure is vital. It involves recognizing the relationship between the subject and the predicate, and how clauses and phrases fit together.

Analyze the sentence structure to determine whether it's simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. Simple sentences, for example, contain one independent clause, while compound sentences contain at least two independent clauses that are usually connected by coordinating conjunctions. The exercise presents a simple sentence structure that becomes muddled when punctuated incorrectly, as seen in options B and D.

A clear understanding of sentence structure would help you easily identify that option C, 'counterattack and adapt', is structurally sound. It connects two verbs related to the subject without complicating the sentence with additional punctuation.

Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar and punctuation are the rules and markers that make written language clear and standardized. On the SAT Writing and Language Test, these rules help test takers decide how to correctly structure sentences, ensuring each written thought is presented clearly and effectively. The improper use of punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence or make it difficult to understand, as illustrated in the exercise.

In options B and D, the incorrect punctuation disrupts the grammatical flow. Punctuation marks like commas and periods serve to separate ideas within a sentence, and incorrect placement can create run-on sentences or sentence fragments. Option C is free from such errors and demonstrates proper use of grammar and punctuation, resulting in a sentence that is clear and grammatically correct.

Remember, mastery of grammar and punctuation can significantly enhance your writing, making it compelling and polished. Paying close attention to the standard rules and their application will not only help in test preparation but also in the craft of writing overall.