Question

A) NO CHANGE B) they're C) its D) it's

Short answer

The correct usage of the given options are as follows: - Option A: NO CHANGE - Use if the original text is correct and doesn't need modification. - Option B: they're - Use as a contraction of "they" and "are." - Option C: its - Use as a possessive form of the pronoun "it." - Option D: it's - Use as a contraction of the words "it" and "is" or "it" and "has." Analyze the context and choose the appropriate option A, B, C, or D accordingly.

Step-by-step solution

Option A: NO CHANGE

No change in this instance means that the original text should remain as it is without any modification. Without more context, it's impossible to properly determine if this option is the correct one. Consider whether the word in question is already correct or whether it should be replaced by one of the following options below.

Option B: they're

"They're" is a contraction of the words "they" and "are." Use this option when referring to more than one person or thing and describing something about them that requires the verb 'to be.' Example: "They're going to the store."

Option C: its

"Its" is a possessive form of the pronoun "it" and is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a thing that was previously mentioned. Example: "The dog chased its tail."

Option D: it's

"It's" is a contraction of the words "it" and "is" or "it" and "has." Use this option when referring to a thing and describing something about it with the verb 'to be' or when referring to something that it has. Example: "It's a beautiful day" or "It's been a long time since we met." With the understanding of these options and their correct usage, you can now analyze the context and use the appropriate option A, B, C, or D in your exercise.

Key concepts

SAT Writing and Language

The SAT Writing and Language section assesses your ability to read, find errors, and use English effectively in context. In your SAT preparation, understanding the nuances of grammar rules is essential for success. The SAT Writing and Language section might present you with sentences where you have to choose the correct word or form to fit the context.

Mastering this section includes being able to distinguish between commonly confused elements like homophones (words that sound alike but have different meanings) and knowing when to use certain types of punctuation. Practice regularly and take note of any specific grammatical rules or patterns that frequently appear in your mistakes. Over time, you will begin to naturally recognize the proper use of grammar in context, which is a key skill this SAT section aims to evaluate.

Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns are a fundamental part of English grammar. They are used to indicate ownership or possession. Examples of possessive pronouns include 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its', 'our', and 'their'. Unlike contractions, possessive pronouns don't contain apostrophes.

For instance, 'its' is a possessive pronoun used when referring to an object or entity having something. On the SAT, you may encounter a sentence that requires you to choose the correct possessive pronoun to show possession correctly. Remember, possessive pronouns should align in number and gender with the noun they are replacing or modifying. Regular practice with these small but significant details can greatly improve your SAT writing scores.

Contractions in English

Contractions in English are shortened forms of words or syllables where an apostrophe takes the place of the omitted letters. Common examples include 'don't' (do not), 'can't' (cannot), and 'it's' (it is or it has). They are primarily used in informal speech and writing.

In the context of the SAT, understanding contractions is important, as they can alter the meaning of a sentence drastically. Remember that contractions always contain apostrophes, which can help distinguish them from possessive pronouns that never do. For instance, 'it's' is a contraction and should only be used when you can replace it with 'it is' or 'it has'. Mastering the appropriate use of contractions will not only serve you well on the SAT but also in your everyday English communication.