What the question looks like
Composition items come at the end of the Language section, after the error-hunting items. Each asks a short question about writing, and you pick the best of four choices.
The directions change from item to item. Typical wording: choose the best word or words to join the thoughts together; choose the sentence that expresses the idea most clearly; which sentence does not belong in the paragraph; which sentence would be the best topic sentence. Some items show a short paragraph with numbered sentences; some give one sentence with a blank.
The rules that get tested
- Connecting words match the relationship. However shows contrast, therefore shows a result, for example introduces an illustration, in addition adds a point. "It rained; however, the game went on."
- A describing phrase sits next to the thing it describes. "Covered in mud, the dog ran inside." Not "Covered in mud, I let the dog inside."
- Say it once. "We arrived early" beats "We arrived at an early time before it started."
- Parallel structure. "She likes swimming, biking, and running." Not "swimming, biking, and to run."
- A topic sentence states the paragraph's main idea and is broad enough to cover every detail that follows. "Preparing the night before makes a long ride easier."
- A sentence that does not belong is off the paragraph's topic, even if it is true and interesting.
- Combined sentences avoid comma splices. "The bell rang, so we packed up." Not "The bell rang, we packed up."
- Because, although, or which can combine sentences and cut repeated words. "Ana, who is my cousin, plays cello."
How to solve it
- Read the directions for this item, because they change. Know what you are choosing before you read the choices.
- For a connecting word, decide the relationship between the two ideas first: contrast, result, example, or addition. Then pick the word that matches.
- For the clearest sentence, ask who is doing what in each choice. If a phrase describes the wrong thing, cross it out.
- For a paragraph item, state the topic in five words. The best topic sentence names it. The sentence that does not belong ignores it.
- Pick the choice that survives and move on.
Worked examples
Example 1
Choose the word or words that best join the thoughts together. Marcus practiced free throws every day after school; ______, his shooting percentage climbed all season.
- A.however
- B.for example
- C.as a result
- D.in contrast
Show answer
Answer: C: as a result
The second idea is the result of the first, so the connector must signal cause and effect, and as a result does that. However and in contrast both say the second idea goes against the first, the opposite of what happened. For example would introduce an illustration, and the second idea is not one.
Example 2
Which of these sentences expresses the idea most clearly?
- A.Walking to school, the rain soaked my backpack.
- B.My backpack got soaked by the rain while walking to school.
- C.While I was walking to school, the rain soaked my backpack.
- D.The rain, walking to school, soaked my backpack.
Show answer
Answer: C: While I was walking to school, the rain soaked my backpack.
Choice C makes clear that I was walking and the rain did the soaking. In choice A, the opening phrase attaches to the rain, so the sentence says the rain was walking to school. Choice B has the same problem with the backpack walking, and choice D is the least clear of all.
Example 3
Which sentence does not belong in this paragraph? 1) The school garden club meets every Tuesday after the last bell. 2) Members plant vegetables in the spring and harvest them before the first frost. 3) The cafeteria serves pizza on Fridays. 4) Whatever the club grows is donated to a food pantry downtown.
- A.Sentence 1
- B.Sentence 2
- C.Sentence 3
- D.Sentence 4
Show answer
Answer: C: Sentence 3
The paragraph is about what the garden club does. Sentences 1, 2, and 4 describe the club's schedule, its work, and where the food goes. Sentence 3 is about the cafeteria menu, which is food-related but has nothing to do with the club. Sentence 4 can tempt students because it leaves the school, but it is still about the club's harvest.
Example 4
Which sentence would make the best topic sentence for a paragraph that explains how to prepare for a long bike ride?
- A.Bikes were invented in the 1800s and have changed a lot since then.
- B.A long bike ride goes much better when you prepare the night before.
- C.My favorite ride is the trail that follows the river past the old mill.
- D.You should always check your tire pressure.
Show answer
Answer: B: A long bike ride goes much better when you prepare the night before.
A topic sentence names the main idea, preparing for a long ride, and is broad enough to cover several steps. Choice B does both. Choice D is tempting because it is about preparation, but it is a single detail that belongs in the middle of the paragraph. Choices A and C are about bikes but not about preparing.
Traps to watch for
- A true sentence is not the same as a fitting sentence. The sentence that does not belong is usually factual. It just changes the subject.
- A detail dressed up as a topic sentence. If a choice names only one step or fact, it is too narrow.
- Connectors that sound smart. Nevertheless and consequently are fine only if they match the relationship.
- The longest choice is not the clearest. Extra words often hide a misplaced phrase.
Pacing
Composition items sit at the end of the Language section, and you still have only about 25 seconds each, so know the item type before you read the choices. Read every choice, since two are often close and only one is fully right. If you are stuck, pick the clearest choice and keep moving. The HSPT has no guessing penalty.
Practice
See how you handle every Language item type in our free diagnostic.
Shaky on the skill itself? Start with the lessons on composition, sentence structure, modifiers and comparisons, and pronouns, then come back to the question format.