Add or delete sentence decisions
56 flashcards covering Add or delete sentence decisions for the SAT Reading & Writing section.
Add or delete sentence decisions involve evaluating whether a sentence in a passage should be included, removed, or revised to improve the overall writing. This means checking if the sentence adds value by supporting the main idea, providing necessary details, or enhancing clarity, or if it introduces irrelevant information, redundancy, or confusion. Mastering this skill helps you craft more effective and concise texts, which is essential for strong communication.
On the SAT Reading and Writing section, these questions appear in the Writing and Language test as multiple-choice items that ask you to decide on adding, deleting, or keeping a sentence based on its fit within the passage. Common traps include overlooking how a sentence ties to the context or mistakenly removing one that provides crucial evidence. Focus on the passage's logical flow, relevance to the thesis, and avoidance of repetition to choose the best option. Always consider the surrounding sentences for context.
Terms (56)
- 01
What is adding a sentence
Adding a sentence means inserting new content into a passage to improve its clarity, provide necessary details, or strengthen the development of ideas while ensuring it aligns with the main topic.
- 02
What is deleting a sentence
Deleting a sentence involves removing content from a passage that is irrelevant, redundant, or disrupts the flow, thereby making the text more concise and focused.
- 03
Relevance in adding sentences
When deciding to add a sentence, relevance means the new content directly supports the main idea or provides essential context without introducing unrelated topics.
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Irrelevance as a reason to delete
A sentence should be deleted if it is irrelevant, as it distracts from the passage's central argument or topic without contributing meaningful information.
- 05
Redundancy in sentence decisions
Redundancy occurs when a sentence repeats information already stated, making it a common reason to delete for better conciseness in the passage.
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Adding for development
Adding a sentence can develop an idea by providing examples, explanations, or evidence that elaborates on the main point without overwhelming the text.
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Deleting for conciseness
Deleting a sentence promotes conciseness by eliminating unnecessary words or phrases that do not add new value, helping the passage read more efficiently.
- 08
Logical flow in adding
When adding a sentence, consider logical flow to ensure it connects smoothly to surrounding ideas, using transitions to maintain the passage's coherence.
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Disruption of flow as delete reason
A sentence may be deleted if it disrupts the flow by introducing abrupt changes or inconsistencies that make the passage harder to follow.
- 10
Clarifying ambiguous ideas by adding
Adding a sentence can clarify ambiguous ideas by providing definitions or context that resolve confusion and enhance reader understanding.
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Ambiguity as a delete reason
If a sentence introduces ambiguity that confuses the reader or contradicts the main point, it should be deleted to maintain clear communication.
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Supporting evidence through addition
Adding a sentence with supporting evidence, like facts or examples, strengthens the author's argument and makes the passage more persuasive.
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Unsupported claims as delete reason
A sentence that makes unsupported claims without evidence should be deleted, as it weakens the passage's credibility and logic.
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Transitions in adding sentences
Adding a sentence with effective transitions helps link ideas across paragraphs, improving the overall structure and readability of the passage.
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Awkward transitions as delete reason
If a sentence creates awkward transitions that hinder the passage's progression, it should be deleted to preserve smooth connections between ideas.
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Tone consistency in additions
When adding a sentence, ensure it maintains the passage's tone, such as formal or objective, to avoid jarring shifts that could confuse readers.
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Tone mismatch as delete reason
A sentence should be deleted if its tone does not match the rest of the passage, as it can undermine the overall consistency and impact.
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Detail level in adding
Adding a sentence with appropriate detail level provides necessary specifics without excess, balancing depth and brevity in the passage.
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Overly detailed sentences to delete
Sentences that are overly detailed and include extraneous information should be deleted to keep the passage focused and prevent reader fatigue.
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Contextual background by adding
Adding a sentence can supply contextual background that helps readers understand the topic better, especially in informational passages.
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Unnecessary background as delete reason
If a sentence provides unnecessary background that does not advance the main argument, it should be deleted to streamline the text.
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Counterarguments in additions
Adding a sentence to address counterarguments can strengthen the passage by showing awareness of opposing views and refuting them effectively.
- 23
Irrelevant counterarguments to delete
A sentence introducing irrelevant counterarguments that do not relate to the core topic should be deleted to avoid diluting the main message.
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Emphasis through sentence addition
Adding a sentence can emphasize key points by restating them in a new way, reinforcing the author's intent without repetition.
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Overemphasis as delete reason
If a sentence overemphasizes a point already covered, it should be deleted to prevent redundancy and maintain a natural pace.
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Variety in sentence structure by adding
Adding a sentence with varied structure can improve the passage's rhythm and engagement, avoiding monotony in writing style.
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Repetitive structure as delete reason
A sentence with a repetitive structure that mirrors existing ones should be deleted to enhance the passage's stylistic diversity.
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Adding for completeness
Adding a sentence ensures completeness by filling gaps in logic or information, making the passage feel thorough and well-rounded.
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Incomplete thoughts as delete reason
Sentences that leave thoughts incomplete or dangling should be deleted, as they can frustrate readers and weaken the narrative.
- 30
Precision in sentence decisions
When deciding to add or delete, precision means choosing words that accurately convey the intended meaning without ambiguity or excess.
- 31
Vague language as delete reason
A sentence with vague language that lacks specific details should be deleted if it fails to contribute clearly to the passage's purpose.
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Adding transitional phrases
Adding a sentence with transitional phrases, like 'however' or 'for example,' helps guide the reader through complex ideas and improves cohesion.
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Weak transitions as delete reason
If a sentence uses weak or absent transitions, causing disjointed reading, it should be deleted to uphold the passage's unity.
- 34
Building arguments with additions
Adding a sentence can build arguments by layering evidence and reasoning, creating a more compelling case for the author's position.
- 35
Weak arguments as delete reason
A sentence that presents weak or unsubstantiated arguments should be deleted to protect the passage from criticism and maintain strength.
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Conciseness versus completeness
In sentence decisions, balance conciseness with completeness by adding only what's essential and deleting what detracts from the core message.
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Adding for reader engagement
Adding a sentence can engage readers by posing questions or introducing relatable elements, though it must align with the passage's goals.
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Disengaging content as delete reason
If a sentence includes disengaging content, such as overly technical jargon without explanation, it should be deleted for better accessibility.
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Main idea alignment in additions
When adding a sentence, ensure it aligns with the main idea to reinforce the passage's thesis rather than introducing side topics.
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Off-topic sentences to delete
Sentences that veer off-topic, even if interesting, should be deleted to keep the passage centered on its primary objective.
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Pacing through sentence addition
Adding a sentence can control pacing by slowing down for emphasis on important points or speeding up by skipping minor details.
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Slowing pacing as delete reason
If a sentence unnecessarily slows pacing by belaboring obvious points, it should be deleted to maintain an engaging rhythm.
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Fact-checking in additions
When adding a sentence, verify that facts are accurate and relevant, as incorrect information could mislead readers and harm credibility.
- 44
Inaccurate facts as delete reason
A sentence containing inaccurate facts should be deleted to prevent the passage from spreading misinformation or confusing the audience.
- 45
Emotional appeal in additions
Adding a sentence with emotional appeal can enhance persuasive writing, but it must be subtle and support the logical argument.
- 46
Excessive emotion as delete reason
If a sentence relies on excessive emotion without evidence, it should be deleted to avoid biasing the passage and maintain objectivity.
- 47
Conclusion reinforcement by adding
Adding a sentence can reinforce the conclusion by summarizing key points, providing a strong finish to the passage.
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Redundant conclusions as delete reason
A sentence that redundantly restates the conclusion should be deleted to end the passage on a fresh and impactful note.
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Adding for diversity of evidence
Adding a sentence introduces diverse evidence, such as statistics or anecdotes, to make the argument more robust and multifaceted.
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Homogeneous evidence as delete reason
If a sentence adds evidence that is too similar to existing content, it should be deleted to avoid repetition and promote variety.
- 51
Sentence length considerations
When adding a sentence, consider its length to ensure it fits the passage's style, opting for variety to prevent uniformity.
- 52
Overlong sentences to delete
A sentence that is overlong and convoluted should be deleted or shortened to improve readability and comprehension.
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Adding rhetorical questions
Adding a rhetorical question can engage readers and prompt reflection, as long as it advances the passage's argumentative flow.
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Unanswered questions as delete reason
If a sentence poses a question that remains unanswered, it should be deleted to avoid leaving readers with unresolved confusion.
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Integration of quotes by adding
Adding a sentence to integrate quotes smoothly provides authoritative support, enhancing the passage's credibility and depth.
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Poorly integrated quotes as delete reason
A sentence that poorly integrates quotes, making them feel forced or out of place, should be deleted for better overall coherence.