The 5-Second SAT® Question
But only if you know how to identify the question type!
Have you ever watched a skilled craftsperson at work? There's a moment of recognition when they immediately know which tool to reach for, while an amateur might waste precious minutes trying each one in turn. This same efficiency separates top SAT® test-takers from those who struggle.
Some SAT® Reading & Writing questions can be solved in mere seconds—but only if you know exactly what you're looking at. Today's question demonstrates one such opportunity: the Run-On Question. When you can instantly identify this question type, what might take other students a full minute or more to solve can be answered correctly in just five seconds.
The secret lies in recognizing the characteristic pattern that makes this a Run-On Question, where the answer choices create three run-on sentences and only one grammatically correct option. Developing this pattern recognition skill is like having a secret shortcut on test day that others don't know about.
Today’s SAT® Practice Question
In meteorology, the term "virga" describes rain or snow that appears as long dark streaks hanging beneath storm clouds. Because it evaporates before reaching the ground, virga never actually touches the earth, ______ mirage-like spectacle often fools observers into expecting heavy precipitation.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) however this
B) however, this
C) however but this
D) however. This
(Answer Explanations and Strategy Guide Below.)
🔍 Quick Tip: When faced with a grammar/punctuation question, train yourself to quickly identify whether three answer choices would create run-ons. When you spot this pattern, you'll save valuable seconds that you can bank to use on the most challenging question types. To learn everything you need to know about Run-On Questions and more, upgrade your subscription.