SAT Boundaries Questions

Understanding Boundaries Questions

These questions test your ability to identify and correct issues with:

Sentence boundaries: Complete sentences vs. fragments or run-ons
Clause boundaries: Proper separation and connection of clauses
Punctuation: Correct use of commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes
Conjunctions: Appropriate use of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions

You'll typically see questions like: "Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?"

Incomplete sentences missing essential components

Although he tried hard.
Although he tried hard, he didn't succeed.

Multiple independent clauses improperly joined

She loves reading she goes to the library often.
She loves reading, so she goes to the library often.

Independent clauses joined only by a comma

It's raining, we should stay inside.
It's raining; we should stay inside.

Descriptive phrases too far from what they modify

Running quickly, the finish line came into view.
Running quickly, the athlete saw the finish line come into view.

Identify clause types: Determine if clauses are independent or dependent.
Check sentence completeness: Ensure each sentence has a subject and verb.
Verify proper connections: Use appropriate punctuation/conjunctions between clauses.
Eliminate fragments and run-ons: Cross out incomplete or improperly joined sentences.
Consider punctuation rules: Know when to use commas, semicolons, periods, etc.
Choose the most concise option: When multiple grammatically correct options exist, pick the most direct one.

Clause Combination	Correct Punctuation	Example
Independent + Independent	Period, semicolon, or comma + coordinating conjunction	"She ran; he walked." or "She ran, and he walked."
Independent + Dependent	Comma if dependent clause comes first	"When it rains, we stay inside." but "We stay inside when it rains."
Items in a series	Commas between items, optional Oxford comma	"She bought apples, oranges, and bananas."
Introductory elements	Comma after introductory phrases/clauses	"After dinner, we went for a walk."

The research team analyzed the data carefully they discovered several surprising patterns that challenged previous assumptions.

Medium

Boundaries

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

❌ Not quite. Identify the two independent clauses and how they should be properly connected.

✅ Correct! A semicolon properly joins two related independent clauses.

Correct answer: C (carefully; they)

Analysis: The original sentence contains two independent clauses:

"The research team analyzed the data carefully"
"They discovered several surprising patterns that challenged previous assumptions"

Why other options are incorrect:

A (carefully they): Creates a run-on sentence with no punctuation between independent clauses
B (carefully, they): Creates a comma splice (comma alone cannot join two independent clauses)
D (carefully and they): Missing a comma before the coordinating conjunction "and"

Key takeaway: Semicolons can join two related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Test clauses independently: Check if each clause could stand alone as a complete sentence.
Listen for natural pauses: Read sentences aloud to identify where boundaries should be.
Memorize FANBOYS: The coordinating conjunctions (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) that can join independent clauses with a comma.
Watch for transitional words: Words like "however" or "therefore" often need semicolons or periods before them.
Diagram complex sentences: Break down sentences to visualize clause relationships.

Overusing commas: Not every pause in speech requires a comma in writing.
Ignoring context: The rest of the passage may influence the best boundary choice.
Confusing restrictive/non-restrictive: Essential clauses don't take commas, while non-essential ones do.
Forgetting parallel structure: Items in a series should be grammatically parallel.