SHSAT Stand-Alone Editing: Ultimate Strategy Guide

A breakdown of the most common error types tested on the SHSAT Stand-Alone ELA Editing section.

Quick Snapshot

Up to six standalone sentences—each requires one targeted edit on grammar, punctuation, usage, or style. Your mission: spot and fix the error quickly and accurately.

Sentence Structure

What it tests: Can the sentence stand on its own logically and syntactically?

  • Fragments – Missing subject or verb.
  • Run-ons & Comma Splices – Two independent clauses improperly joined.
  • Parallelism Errors – Lists or series without uniform form.
  • Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers – Descriptors not attached to the correct noun.
  • Faulty Subordination vs Coordination – Improper clause relationships.
  • Wordiness – Extra words when simpler phrasing suffices.

Sample Question:

What is the best way to combine these sentences to enhance clarity?

(1) The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination.
(2) It offers breathtaking views.
(3) The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
  1. A. The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination that was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years offering breathtaking views.
  2. B. The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination because it offers breathtaking views and was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
  3. C. The Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, offers breathtaking views and is a popular tourist destination.
  4. D. Offering breathtaking views, the Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination and was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

Punctuation

What it tests: Does punctuation clarify meaning?

  • Commas – Lists, clauses, non-restrictive phrases.
  • Apostrophes – Possession & contractions.
  • Semicolons & Colons – Connect related thoughts; introduce lists or explanations.
  • Dashes & Parentheses – Insert asides or emphasize breaks.
  • Quotation Marks – Dialogue & titles.
  • Hyphens – Compound modifiers.

Sample Question:

Which edit corrects the punctuation?

During the summer, the city hosted a number of exciting cultural events such as food festivals music concerts, and art exhibitions.
  1. A. Delete the comma after summer.
  2. B. Insert a comma after festivals.
  3. C. Delete the comma after concerts.
  4. D. Insert a comma after city.

Grammar & Usage

What it tests: Are forms and agreements correct?

  • Subject-Verb Agreement – Verbs match subjects in number.
  • Verb Tense Consistency – Maintain proper sequence of tenses.
  • Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement – Pronouns agree in number & gender.
  • Pronoun Case – Subject vs object form.
  • Modifier Placement – Adjectives/adverbs used correctly.
  • Comparatives & Superlatives – Proper use of -er/-est vs more/most.
  • Double Negatives – Avoid illogical negations.

Sample Question:

Which revision corrects the error?

Every year, the school choir performs... because it allows them to share their love of music, and... allows their families to see them perform.
  1. A. Change is to are after the event.
  2. B. Delete the comma after music.
  3. C. Change allows to allow after it.
  4. D. Switch Every year, to Every years,.

Word Choice & Precision

What it tests: Does wording hit the target for clarity and concision?

  • Redundancy – Remove repeated words.
  • Vague Diction – Replace general terms with specifics.
  • Commonly Confused Words – Effect vs affect; less vs fewer.
  • Idiomatic Expressions – Correct preposition usage.
  • Tone Consistency – Formal register only.
  • Logical Transitions – However vs therefore, etc.

Sample Question:

Which revision is most precise?

The committee got some stuff done before the deadline.
  1. A. The committee worked on many things before the deadline
  2. B. The committee completed the budget review and finalized the project timeline
  3. C. The committee addressed some issues ahead of schedule
  4. D. The committee progressed through various tasks quickly

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