Best DSAT Lessons - "Boundaries"

Relevance in the Digital SAT

• Falls under the "Standard English Conventions" content domain in the Digital SAT Writing section.
• Appears in the Writing section, typically as the first set of questions, intermixed with "Form, Structure, and Sense" questions, after completing the Reading section.
• In a single module, you'll encounter 2–4 "Boundaries" questions.
• Across the full test, 5–8 questions are expected, ~13% of the whole Reading and Writing section.

What This Skill Tests

• Proper punctuation usage (commas, semicolons, colons, periods, dashes, etc.).
• Correct sentence structure (independent vs. dependent clauses).
• Logical separation of ideas (essential vs. non-essential information).

➥ Key Insight

"Boundaries" questions focus on how phrases, clauses, and sentences are logically connected in written English. They assess your grasp of punctuation rules and sentence structure, ensuring your writing follows Standard English Conventions.

➥ Structure of a "Boundaries" Question

Each "Boundaries" question consists of:

1. A short passage (1-3 sentences) containing a blank.

• The blank can appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence.

2. A fixed prompt:

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

➥ What "Boundaries" Questions Test

"Boundaries" questions evaluate three key areas of Standard English:

1. Linking Clauses

• Should you use a period, semicolon, comma + conjunction, or no punctuation between clauses?
• Example: Deciding between "She ran quickly, but she missed the bus." vs. "She ran quickly, she missed the bus."

2. Supplements (Non-Essential vs. Essential Information)

• Should extra details be set off with commas, dashes, or parentheses-or left unpunctuated?
• Example:
• My brother, who lives in Boston, is visiting. (Non-essential)
• The book that you lent me is fascinating. (Essential)

3. Punctuation Precision

• Correctly using:
• Commas in lists or introductory clauses.
• Colons to introduce explanations or lists.
• Semicolons in complex lists or between independent clauses.
• Dash for non-essential information.
• No Punctuation situations.

➥ A "Boundaries" Question Example

Passage:
Generations of literary enthusiasts ______ have cherished the works of William Shakespeare for their dramatic depth and poetic brilliance.

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

Choices:
A) audiences
B) audiences,
C) audiences–
D) audiences;

Grammar Guide Ⅰ: Linking Clauses

🔶 First, understand "What are clauses?"

The SAT emphasizes how clauses are either joined together or kept separate.

A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a conjugated verb. (A conjugated verb is one that is modified to agree with its subject in person, number, or tense—for example, “runs” or “slept”.) There are two primary types of clauses:

➥ 1. Independent Clause
This type of clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Example:
'Maria studied at the library.'
Here, "Maria studied at the library" forms a complete thought with a clear subject ("Maria") and a conjugated verb ("studied").

➥ 2. Dependent Clause
This clause requires an independent clause to complete its meaning.

Example:
'when the lecture finished'
This clause has a subject ("lecture") and a verb ("finished"), but it does not express a complete thought. To form a full sentence, you could combine it with an independent clause:
'Maria studied at the library when the lecture finished.'

🔶 End-of-Sentence Punctuation

Using end punctuation marks—such as periods or question marks—is one straightforward method to separate clauses.

There are two essential rules regarding end-of-sentence punctuation:

➥ 1. Matching the Sentence's Function
The punctuation must reflect the sentence's role.

Example:

• Incorrect: "I wonder what time is it?"
• Correct: "I wonder what time it is."

The sentence is making a statement. The first version mistakenly forces a question format with a question mark, while the revised version correctly uses a period.

➥ 2. Separating Only Independent Clauses
End punctuation should only split clauses that can stand alone.

Example:

• Incorrect: "Because the engine failed. The journey was delayed."
• Correct: "Because the engine failed, the journey was delayed."

The fragment "Because the engine failed" is a dependent clause and cannot stand by itself. Combining it with the main clause using a comma creates a proper complete sentence.

🔶 Coordination

Coordination involves connecting two independent clauses within a single sentence. To correctly coordinate clauses, you must use both a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Example:

• Incorrect: "The sun rose, the birds started singing."
• Incorrect: "The sun rose but the birds started singing."

The first example is flawed because it only uses a comma, resulting in a comma splice. The second example neglects the needed comma before the coordinating conjunction, leading to a run-on sentence.

• Correct: "The sun rose, and the birds started singing."

➥ The standard coordinating conjunctions in English are remembered by the acronym FANBOYS, which stands for:

• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So

(So we have "FANBOYS" here.)

➥ Below is a table summarizing the FANBOYS with sample sentences:

🔶 Subordination

Subordination connects two clauses by turning one into a dependent clause. To subordinate an independent clause, you must add a subordinating conjunction and usually a comma (if the dependent clause comes first).

Example:

• Incorrect: "The rain poured down, the match continued."

Using only a comma creates a comma splice error since both parts are independent.

• Correct: "Although the rain poured down, the match continued."

By inserting the subordinating conjunction "although," the first clause becomes dependent and properly links to the second clause using a comma.

➥ Note:
Some subordinating conjunctions can be used without a comma if the dependent clause follows(is after) the main clause.

Examples:

• "The players cheered because they won the championship."
• "We will postpone the picnic if the weather turns gloomy."

➥ Common subordinating conjunctions in Digital SAT

🔶 Semicolons

Semicolons can directly join two independent clauses without a conjunction.

Example:

• Incorrect: "The puppy wagged its tail; which made everyone smile."
• Incorrect: "The puppy wagged its tail; and it made everyone smile."

The first example incorrectly links an independent clause with a clause that functions as an explanation using a semicolon. The second example combines a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction, which is both unnecessary and unorthodox.

• Correct: "The puppy wagged its tail; it made everyone smile."

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Grammar Guide Ⅱ: Supplements

🔷 First, understand "What are supplements?"

➥ On the SAT, you'll need to determine whether supplements should be set off by punctuation and which punctuation marks to use.

A supplement is a word, phrase, or clause that provides additional details to a sentence, often to describe or clarify. There are two main types:

➥ 1. Essential elements

These are necessary for the sentence's meaning and do NOT require punctuation.

Example:
"In a chess tournament, the player who wins the most matches receives the grand prize."

The clause "who wins the most matches" is essential—without it, the sentence loses its meaning: "In a chess tournament, the player receives the grand prize." 😵‍💫

✰ Summary of Essential Elements (inserted in the sentence) in Real SAT

➥ 2. Non-essential elements

These are not necessary for the sentence's core meaning. They must be set off by punctuation.

Example:
"The chess champion, who has won three international titles, gave a speech."

The clause "who has won three international titles" adds context but isn't essential. The sentence still works without it: "The chess champion gave a speech." 😉

✰ Summary of Commom Non-Essential Elements in Real SAT

🔷 How to punctuate supplements?

✰ Step 1: Determine if the supplement is "essential" or "nonessential"

➥ Method: Remove the supplemental information and check the sentence's clarity.

1. If the sentence becomes unclear, the supplement is essential. No punctuation is needed.

   • "The artist who painted this mural is famous."
   • "Students studying for the SAT often practice daily."

2. If the sentence remains clear, the supplement is nonessential and must be punctuated.

   • "The artist, who rarely gives interviews, declined to comment."
   • "My math teacher, a former engineer, explains concepts clearly."

✰ Step 2: Note the supplement's "position" in the sentence

➥ For nonessential supplements:

1. At the beginning or end: Use one punctuation mark.

   • "A pioneer in renewable energy, Dr. Lee invented a solar-powered car."
   • "The novel won several awards, despite its controversial theme."

2. In the middle: Use punctuation on both sides.

   • "Dr. Lee , a pioneer in renewable energy, invented a solar-powered car."

✰ Step 3: Choose the correct punctuation mark

Only Three punctuation marks can set off nonessential supplements:

📣 Match punctuation pairs!
In Real SAT, non-essential elements may show only one side of the punctuation. Always match the same mark on the other side (e.g., two commas, two dashes).

📣 No need to overthink punctuation types
The SAT won't ask you to choose between commas, parentheses, or dashes unless one creates a grammar error. Focus on correct separation.

📣 Avoid semicolons and colons!
Only commas, parentheses, and dashes can enclose non-essential elements. Never use semicolons ( ; ) or colons ( : ) for this purpose.**

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Grammar Guide Ⅲ: Punctuation

🔶 First, clarify "What punctuation marks are tested on the Digital SAT?"

➥ Punctuation plays a key role in many SAT questions. Whether you're connecting clauses or adding extra details, you'll need to use punctuation correctly—or recognize when no punctuation is needed.

The SAT tests your understanding of:

• Commas (,)
• Semicolons (;)
• Colons (:)
• Dashes (—)

✎ Each punctuation mark has unique rules. Let's explore them one by one.

🔶 Commas (,)

✅ Only be used to:

➥ 1. Separate items in a list that don't contain commas
Example: "Painting a mural requires brushes, acrylic paints, and a steady hand."

➥ 2. Set off nonessential information
Example: "The Great Barrier Reef , located off the coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world."

➥ 3. Join a dependent clause to an independent clause
Example: "After the storm passed, the community began rebuilding damaged homes."

➥ 4. Connect independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
Example: "Solar energy is renewable , but it requires significant initial investment."

🚫 Can Not be used to:

➥ 1. Separate a subject from its verb

• Incorrect: "Honeybees , play a vital role in pollination."
• Correct: "Honeybees play a vital role in pollination."
• Correct: "Honeybees , which are endangered in some regions, play a vital role in pollination."

Explanation: A comma should never split a subject and verb unless offsetting a nonessential phrase.

➥ 2. Appear before or after prepositions

• Incorrect: "She walked , into the bookstore."
• Incorrect: "She walked into the bookstore , with her friend."
• Correct: "She walked into the bookstore with her friend."

➥ 3. Separate a two-item list

• Incorrect: "The recipe calls for flour, and sugar."
• Correct: "The recipe calls for flour and sugar."

➥ 4. Separate the proper pronoun and the title.

• Incorrect: "Acclaimed novelist, Toni Morrison received the Nobel Prize in Literature for her transformative contributions to literary artistry."
• Correct: "Acclaimed novelist Toni Morrison received the Nobel Prize in Literature for her transformative contributions to literary artistry.."

📣 Test every comma!
Many test-takers overuse commas. Always ask:

• If linking clauses, does the comma have the required conjunction (FANBOYS or subordinator)?
• If not linking clauses, is the comma necessary, or does it disrupt the sentence?

🔶 Semicolons (;)

✅ Only be used to:

➥ 1. Join two independent clauses (without a conjunction)
Example: "Mars is called the Red Planet; its surface contains iron oxide."

➥ 2. Clarify complex lists with internal commas

• Incorrect: "The team recruited engineers from Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and Toronto, Canada."
• Correct: "The team recruited engineers from Tokyo, Japan; Paris, France; and Toronto, Canada."

Explanation: Semicolons prevent confusion when list items already contain commas.

📣 Key Rules for Semicolons

• Only use semicolons in lists if commas within items would cause ambiguity.
• For clauses, apply the before/after test: both sides must be independent clauses.

🔶 Colons (:)

💡 Colons must follow an independent clause.

• Incorrect: "When planning a trip: always pack light."
  Explanation: The clause before the colon is dependent, so a colon can't be used.

✅ Only be used to:

➥ 1. Introduce an explanation or elaboration
Example: "The study revealed a surprising trend: participants who exercised daily reported higher creativity."

➥ 2. Introduce a list
Example: "The workshop covers three topics: writing, editing, and publishing."

📣 Before-Test for Colons
Verify that the text before the colon is a complete independent clause. If not, the colon is wrong.

🔶 Dashes (—)

✅ Only be used to:

➥ Set off nonessential information (like commas but more emphatic)
Example:

• "The three primary colors —red, blue, and yellow— can mix to create any hue."
• "The jury reached a unanimous verdict —not guilty."

When tackling "Boundaries" questions on the Digital SAT, following a clear and consistent process will help you efficiently identify the correct answer. Here's a proven three-step method to solve these questions:

➥ Step 1: Investigate the Blank

Key Actions in This Step:

1. Read the text carefully and locate the blank.

• Is the blank within a sentence, between clauses, or in a list structure?
• What kind of relationship does the blank suggest? (Connection, separation, or introduction of information?)

2. Analyze the answer choices.

• Look for key differences in the choices.
• Are conjunctions like "and," "but," or "because" included in some options but not others?
• Does the punctuation (period, semicolon, comma, colon, or dash) change between options?

3. Spot patterns.

• Use these patterns to preemptively identify the tested grammar rule (e.g., linking clauses, adding or omitting punctuation, handling non-essential information).

➥ Step 2: Find the Focus

With your observations from Step 1, zero in on the specific grammar or punctuation rule being tested.

Tips to Identify the Focus:
➨ What does the blank link?

• Two independent clauses (both can stand alone as sentences)?
• An independent clause and a dependent clause (which relies on the main clause to make sense)?
• A supplement (non-essential information) with the rest of the sentence?
• ...

➨ Are certain structures being tested?

• Is the blank introducing a list or an explanation? A colon may be required.
• Is the blank meant to separate items in a list? You'll need to decide among commas and semicolons.
• ...

Example Scenarios:

1. Blank between two independent clauses:

• If the choices mix periods, semicolons, and commas + conjunctions, this is likely a clause-linking rule.

2. Blank after extra information:

• If the choices alternate how this information is punctuated (commas, dashes, or parentheses), this is testing supplement rules.

By identifying the grammar focus, you’ll know exactly which rulebook to apply, allowing you to move quickly to eliminate incorrect answers.

➥ Step 3: Eliminate the Obvious Errors

With the focus in mind, plug each answer choice into the blank, then read the sentence carefully. Focus on spotting errors based on the rules you've identified!

How to Eliminate:

1. For punctuation:
   Look for inappropriate punctuation for the context:

• A comma splice (using just a comma between two independent clauses)? Eliminate it.
• A period or semicolon in the wrong spot? Eliminate it.
• ...

2. For sentence structure:

• Does the answer use a coordinating conjunction without a comma? Eliminate it.
• Does the sentence lose coherence with the punctuation used? Eliminate it.
• ...

3. For supplements:

• Non-essential information requires proper separation (commas, dashes, or parentheses). Essential information requires no punctuation. If a solution misunderstands this, eliminate it.

Once you've narrowed the choices to one grammatically correct option, select it confidently and move on to the next question!

✰ All grammatical rules tested in "Boundaries" questions in the Digital SAT:

1. Use "a period" or "a question mark" to separate two independent clauses (i.e. to end the sentence).

2. Use "a comma plus a coordinating conjunction" to link two independent clauses.

3. Use "a semicolon" to link two independent clauses.

4. If a dependent clause (contains a subordinating conjunction) is before the independent clause, use "a comma" to link them.

5. If a dependent clause (contains a subordinating conjunction) comes after the independent clause, "No punctuation" is needed between them.

6. "No punctuation" to separate a subject from its conjugated verb.

7. "No punctuation" before or after prepositions when the sentence itself is coherent.

8. Use "commas" to separate simple list items (≥ 3).

9. "No comma" to separate a two-item list.

10. Use "semicolons" to separate complex list items with internal commas regardless of the item quantities.

11. Use "a colon" after an independent clause to introduce explanatory/expository information.

12. Use "a colon" after an independent clause to introduce a list.

13. If the non-essential information is at the beginning of the sentence, use "a comma" between it and the rest of the sentence.

14. If the non-essential information is in the middle of the sentence, use "a pair of commas", "a pair of parentheses", or "a pair of dashes" to enclose it.

15. If the non-essential information is at the end of the sentence, use "a comma" or "a dash" between it and the rest of the sentence.

16. "No punctuation" for the essential information regardless of its position in the sentence.

17. "No punctuation" is needed between the proper pronoun and the title.

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✰ Classification by Punctuation Types

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✰ Classification by Punctuation Need