Grade: Grade 5 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Revision Strategies SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: English

Question Types

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On standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, revision questions come in different types. Learning to recognize each type helps you know exactly what the question is asking and how to find the correct answer quickly!

The Four Main Question Types

Word Choice

Word Choice Questions

These ask you to pick the best word for meaning, tone, or style. Look for questions about replacing underlined words.

You might see: "Which word best maintains the tone?" or "Which choice is most precise?"
Sentences

Sentence Structure Questions

These focus on how sentences are built - combining choppy sentences, fixing run-ons, or improving flow.

You might see: "Which choice most effectively combines the sentences?" or "Which corrects the error?"
Order

Organization Questions

These ask about paragraph order, sentence placement, or transitions between ideas.

You might see: "Where should this sentence be placed?" or "Which transition word works best?"
Focus

Focus & Purpose Questions

These ask whether information should be added, deleted, or kept based on the main idea.

You might see: "Should the writer add this sentence?" or "Which best supports the main claim?"

The READ Strategy

Use this 4-step approach for every question:

  1. Read the question carefully - what TYPE is it asking?
  2. Examine the passage context - read before and after the underlined part
  3. Analyze each answer choice - eliminate wrong answers first
  4. Decide on the best answer - pick the clearest, most correct choice

Pro Tip: Identify the Question Type First!

Before looking at answer choices, figure out what TYPE of question you're answering. This tells you exactly what to look for and saves time!

Examples

Let's look at each question type with real examples. Click an answer to see the explanation!

Word Choice

Example 1

The ancient castle stood on the hilltop, its towers very old and weathered by centuries of storms.

Which choice best replaces the underlined phrase to create a more precise description?

Correct: C) time-worn
"Time-worn" is precise and vivid - it means worn down by time. The other choices are either too informal ("really, really old," "super ancient") or vague ("kind of old-looking").
Sentence Structure

Example 2

The library was quiet. Students were studying. Some were reading books.

Which choice most effectively combines these sentences?

Correct: B) In the quiet library, students were studying and reading books.
This choice combines all three ideas smoothly. Choice A is a run-on sentence. Choice C uses too many "ands." Choice D is confusing and doesn't make grammatical sense.
Organization

Example 3

[1] Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals. [2] They can solve puzzles and recognize themselves in mirrors. [3] Dolphins live in social groups called pods. [4] Scientists have studied their problem-solving abilities for decades.

For the best logical flow, sentence 3 should be placed:

Correct: A) Before sentence 1
Sentence 3 is about dolphin social behavior, while sentences 1, 2, and 4 all focus on dolphin intelligence. Moving sentence 3 to the beginning creates a better introduction before focusing on the main topic of intelligence.
Focus & Purpose

Example 4

Recycling helps reduce waste in landfills. When we recycle paper, plastic, and glass, these materials can be made into new products instead of being thrown away. [Proposed addition: My favorite color is blue.] This process saves natural resources and energy.

Should the writer add the proposed sentence?

Correct: C) No, because it is unrelated to the paragraph's focus on recycling.
The paragraph is about recycling. A sentence about the writer's favorite color doesn't support or relate to this topic at all. Even though it might be "interesting," it doesn't belong here.

Practice

Now it's your turn! Identify the question type and choose the best answer for each question.

Question Type Challenge

Answer all 8 questions to test your skills!

Score: 0/8 Question: 1/8

Check Your Understanding

Before moving on, make sure you can:

W

Word Choice

Identify questions about precise words and tone

S

Sentence Structure

Recognize questions about combining or fixing sentences

O

Organization

Spot questions about order and transitions

F

Focus & Purpose

Find questions about adding or removing content

Remember the READ Strategy!

  • Read the question - identify the type
  • Examine the context - read surrounding text
  • Analyze choices - eliminate wrong answers
  • Decide - pick the best answer

Next Steps

  • Practice identifying question types in your reading and writing
  • When you see a revision question, ask "What TYPE is this?"
  • Use the READ strategy on every practice question
  • Move on to Timed Drill to practice under time pressure