Question

A) NO CHANGE B) at, say C) at, say, D) at say These questions may seem overly pessimistic (or overly optimistic depending on 4 your point of view); however, some recent studies have been truly remarkable. Take Ellie, a computer program used primarily to diagnose patients with depression, 5 PTSD and, other mood disorders. Many patients found it easier to talk to "Ellie" than to a real 6 person: she didn't react in some of those seemingly judgmental ways that a person would, and her voice never 7 broke on top of that she could help psychologists to diagnose mental illnesses better than human observation could. She could detect facial movements or voice tones that a person might have not heard or ignored.

Short answer

The correct punctuation option is C) at, say,. The sentence should be: "Take Ellie, a computer program used primarily to diagnose patients with depression, at, say, PTSD and other mood disorders."

Step-by-step solution

Identify the options presented

The options provided are: A) NO CHANGE B) at, say C) at, say, D) at say We have to decide which punctuation option is the most grammatically accurate in the given context.

Analyze the options

We'll go through each option and evaluate its correctness based on punctuation and syntax rules. A) NO CHANGE: The original sentence is "Take Ellie, a computer program used primarily to diagnose patients with depression, 5 PTSD and, other mood disorders." In this sentence, there is an unnecessary comma before "other mood disorders," which disrupts the flow of the sentence. B) at, say: "Take Ellie, a computer program used primarily to diagnose patients with depression, at, say PTSD and other mood disorders." Adding commas after "at" and before "say" breaks the flow of the sentence and creates confusion. C) at, say,: "Take Ellie, a computer program used primarily to diagnose patients with depression, at, say, PTSD and other mood disorders." This option properly uses the commas to set off "say" as a parenthetical expression, showing that the writer is giving an example by mentioning PTSD. D) at say: "Take Ellie, a computer program used primarily to diagnose patients with depression, at say PTSD and other mood disorders." This option doesn't use any punctuation marks; it reads awkwardly and fails to set off "say" as a parenthetical expression.

Choose the correct option

Based on our analysis, option C is the most accurate choice. The corrected sentence should read: "Take Ellie, a computer program used primarily to diagnose patients with depression, at, say, PTSD and other mood disorders."

Key concepts

Standard English Conventions

Understanding the standard English conventions is critical for effectively communicating your ideas in written form. These conventions include the rules and guidelines that govern the structure of sentences, paragraphs, and the overall organization of written language. In the SAT Writing and Language section, questions on standard English conventions underscore the importance of clarity, coherence, and proper structure in writing.

For example, the correct placement of commas with parenthetical expressions—as shown in the aforementioned exercise—illustrates the need for precision in separating clauses and enhancing readability. When you encounter a sentence that includes an aside or additional information, like 'say' in our exercise, standard conventions direct you to use commas to set apart that phrase. This demarcates it from the rest of the sentence and clarifies that it is an interjection rather than integral to the main clause.

Punctuation Usage

Punctuation marks serve as road signs for readers; they guide rhythm, emphasize meaning, and structure written language. Punctuation usage is therefore a pivotal skill for the SAT Writing and Language Practice.

Take, for instance, the use of commas in the exercise. Commas can indicate a slight pause in the sentence or separate items in a list. They can also set off parenthetical elements—which are parts of a sentence that can be removed without altering the fundamental meaning of the sentence. Using commas correctly, as with the phrase 'at, say,' helps ensure that the sentence is easily understood and that the additional information is clearly presented as non-essential.

Grammar and Syntax

The rules of grammar and syntax are the engine of language, powering our ability to construct sentences that are not only correct but also express our thoughts clearly. On the SAT, you will find questions testing your knowledge of subject-verb agreement, pronoun consistency, verb tenses, and more. Understanding syntax—the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences—is equally vital.

In the exercise, correct syntax is achieved by recognizing that the phrase 'at, say,' is an appositive, which modifies 'PTSD' and needs to be set apart by commas. This ensures that readers process this insertion correctly, thus maintaining the intended meaning of the sentence.

SAT Test Preparation

Effective SAT test preparation hinges on familiarity with the exam’s structure, time management strategies, and a strong grasp of the concepts being tested. Practice becomes essential, whether it’s through drills, taking full-length practice tests, or reviewing sections like Writing and Language piece by piece.

Each question on the SAT Writing and Language test examines your command of English language conventions, and becoming proficient in these areas requires methodical study and application. Resources like study guides, online exercises, and tutoring can aid in honing your skills. Additionally, understanding the rationale behind correct answers, as seen in the step-by-step solutions for exercises, reinforces the principles you need to master and boosts your confidence on test day.