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Cheat sheet

SAT Reading & Writing cheat sheet

A condensed reference for the formulas, graph-reading rules, and must-know facts most worth reviewing before exam day.

Punctuation & sentence boundaries

  • A semicolon joins two complete sentences (independent clauses) — same job as a period.
  • A colon introduces a list, explanation, or example, and must follow a complete sentence.
  • Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) joining two independent clauses.
  • No comma between a subject and its verb; set off nonessential (extra) information with a pair of commas, dashes, or parentheses.
  • Fix a run-on by making one clause dependent, or splitting with a period/semicolon; a dash can add emphasis where a comma or colon would also work.

Agreement, tense & modifiers

  • Subject-verb: find the true subject (ignore prepositional phrases between it and the verb).
  • Pronoun-antecedent must agree in number; 'its' = possessive, 'it's' = it is.
  • Keep verb tense consistent with the passage's timeframe unless a clear time shift is signaled.
  • A modifier must sit next to the word it describes — the noun right after an opening modifying phrase must be who/what is doing it.
  • Parallelism: items in a list or comparison must share the same grammatical form.

Reading & evidence strategy

  • Read the short passage first, then the question — the answer is always supported by the text.
  • For 'main idea/central claim,' choose the option the WHOLE passage supports, not one detail.
  • Command-of-Evidence (textual): pick the quote that directly backs the given claim. (Quantitative): read the graph/table and match the data to the claim exactly.
  • Inference questions: choose the option that must be true given the passage — not merely plausible or from outside knowledge.
  • Watch for trap answers that restate passage words but change the meaning, or overreach beyond what's stated.

Expression of Ideas

  • Transitions — contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand; cause/effect: therefore, thus, as a result; addition: moreover, furthermore; example: for instance.
  • Rhetorical Synthesis: read the GOAL in the prompt, then pick the choice that uses the bullet notes to accomplish exactly that goal.
  • Prefer the most concise choice that keeps the meaning — the SAT rewards precision, not extra words.
  • Match the sentence's job (introduce, emphasize, conclude) to what the prompt asks for.

Practice this first: Standard English Conventions - Grammar and punctuation are rule-based and the fastest points to lock in — start here for quick score gains.

Now put it to work - practice SAT Reading & Writing free

Reviewing the sheet is step one. Passers are usually hitting about 70-80% on realistic practice before test day, so the fastest way to know you are ready is to start answering real questions.