Mastering Sentence Structure for the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test

When gearing up to take the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), many students wonder what exactly they need to know to ace the writing portion. If you find yourself asking, “What kind of sentence errors do I need to focus on?” you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s set the stage first. The PERT examines your writing abilities and identifies areas where you might struggle. Specifically, this test hones in on pivotal errors such as subject-verb agreement and sentence fragments, which are more common than you might think. Beware though, these aren’t your only writing foes, but they certainly deserve your attention.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Your Writing's Built on This!
You know what? Subject-verb agreement is pretty much the backbone of clear writing. What does it mean, exactly? Well, it’s the rule that states subjects must match their verbs in number. So, if you’ve got a singular subject, you should use a singular verb. Sounds simple, right? But trust me, mix-ups in this area can leave your readers feeling a bit lost. Picture this: “The group of students are excited.” Oops! That should be “The group of students is excited.” Can you see how that little slip changes the clarity of the sentence? It can throw people off and disrupt understanding, which is the last thing you want in a test that’s meant to assess your writing skills.

Fragments: The Sneaky Culprits
Now, let’s talk about sentence fragments. These little devils are often sneaky and can pop up when you least expect them. A sentence fragment lacks a complete thought and usually misses a main clause. You might whip out something like, “Although the conference was informative.” What’s missing? A complete idea! Readers are left hanging, and that’s not the impression you want to leave, especially in an academic setting. Being aware of these fragments helps ensure your writing flows smoothly and makes sense.

While there’s no denying that punctuation errors, word choice, and redundancy can also muddy your writing, the PERT’s primary focus is on the two champions we discussed: subject-verb agreement and fragments. So, recognizing these critical elements in your writing can boost your skills enormously.

Tackling the Errors
So, how can you tackle these errors head-on before test day? One way is by practicing exercises that specifically target these issues. Consider writing a few paragraphs and then going back to check for grammar consistency and completeness. Create a checklist for yourself! It might look something like this:

• Do my subjects and verbs agree in number?
• Are there any incomplete thoughts in my writing?
• How does my writing flow?

You could even enlist a friend or family member to read your work aloud; sometimes hearing your words can bring to light the errors that your eyes just skim over.

As you engage with your writings and reviews, remember that learning is a journey. So don’t fear mistakes—they’re just stepping stones to success. Each time you tweak a sentence or correct an error, you’re strengthening your writing foundation!

In summary, the writing section of the PERT packs a punch with questions about subject-verb agreement and sentence fragments. By honing in on these key areas, you’ll find your writing improves not just for the test but for any future academic endeavors. That’s a win-win in anyone’s book! Good luck, and happy writing!