Complete SAT/ACT Grammar & Strategy Cheat Sheet
Master the SAT with CurioLearn's comprehensive cheat sheet covering essential grammar rules, rhetoric strategies, and proven study techniques. Everything you need to excel on test day.
14 essential grammar rules covering punctuation, pronouns, subject-verb agreement, and more.
7 key rhetoric strategies for reading comprehension and writing section success.
Proven study methods, practice test strategies, and test day preparation tips.
Master these fundamental grammar rules that appear consistently on the SAT/ACT
Period = Semicolon = Comma + and/but
These punctuation marks can often be used interchangeably to separate independent clauses.
2 commas = 2 dashes = non-essential clause
When crossed out, the sentence still makes sense. These set off additional information.
It's = it is; Its = possessive; its' = does not exist
Never use “its'” - it's grammatically incorrect.
Colon = list or explanation
Need a complete sentence before but not after the colon.
BEING, usually = WRONG
Avoid “being” constructions - they're often grammatically incorrect.
Could/would/should/might HAVE, not OF
Always use “have” after modal verbs, never “of”.
No comma before or after prepositions
Don't use commas around prepositions (of, by, to, at, for, from, with, in, on) or “that”.
Comma before it, he, she, they usually = WRONG
Avoid unnecessary commas before pronouns.
Singular verbs end in –s, plural verbs do not
Example: she reads, they read
Keep pronouns consistent
one = one, you = you throughout the sentence.
Who/which/where usage
Who = people, which = things, where = places. “The time where” = WRONG.
Who vs. Whom
Use “who” before verbs (who went), “whom” after prepositions (by whom).
Parallel structure in lists
All items must match: noun, noun, noun or verb, verb, verb.
Always underline NOT, LEAST, and EXCEPT
These words change the meaning of questions significantly.
Master these strategic approaches for reading comprehension and writing sections
Shorter is better
When in doubt, choose the more concise answer option.
Context is key
If unsure, read a sentence before and after for context clues.
OMIT/DELETE: check first
This option is usually correct - check it first before other choices.
Transitions within/between sentences
Cross out original transition, determine relationship (continue, contradict, emphasize) before looking at answers.
Transitions between paragraphs
Read several sentences of the paragraph the transition begins. Previous paragraph's end may not be important.
Insert/Delete questions
Reread paragraph, state topic in your own words. If sentence is directly relevant, it belongs.
Purpose of passage
Determine if topic is specific or general, then “yes” or “no” to the question.
Expert study methods and test preparation strategies from CurioLearn
General Study Approach
Recommended Study Timeline: Minimum 1.5 months before test date
• First Step: Take a practice test from CurioLearn to assess readiness
• Target Score: If you score above 1400s, you're probably ready
• Study Plan: Devise a manageable plan based on your learning style and areas for improvement
Practice Test Strategy
Weekly Practice Tests
Take one every Saturday morning (aim for 7 total)
Review Same Day
Review wrong answers the same afternoon
Focus on Skillsets
Understand the skillset needed for each question type
Emulate Test Conditions
Quiet environment, away from home
Strict Timing
Don’t go beyond time limits, even by 30 seconds
Use Printed Material
Easier to read, annotate, and matches actual test format
Test Day Preparation
Week Leading Up:
- • Get enough sleep for the entire week
- • Be easy on yourself academically
- • Ask for homework extensions if needed
- • Avoid burnout activities
Night Before:
- • Pack all materials (pencils, snacks, calculator)
- • Prepare admission ticket
- • Plan breakfast for test day
- • Get adequate rest
Error Tracking System
Keep a spreadsheet of all mistakes with these columns:
• Practice test #
• Section type
• Question # you got wrong
• Why you got it wrong
• Strategy to get it right next time
• Type of skillset (grammar, inference, etc.)
• Type of mistake (calculation, carelessness)
Targeted strategies for Reading, Writing, and Math sections
Reading Section
General Approach:
- • Read entire passage and underline key figures/studies
- • Mark transition points and main ideas
- • For comparison passages: underline points of agreement/disagreement
- • For literature: underline character feelings and motivations
Answer Strategy:
- • All parts of answer choice must be EXACTLY RIGHT
- • X and Y means both X AND Y with concrete evidence
- • Avoid answers with strong language (“contradict,” “irrelevant,” “abhor”)
Writing Section
Essential Knowledge:
- • Punctuation rules (colon, comma, semicolons)
- • Pronoun rules (“everyone” = singular)
- • Subject-verb agreement
- • Preposition usage (“to,” “for,” “by”)
- • Don’t use “they” for singular people
Common Question Types:
- • Modifiers: Check what the separated clause modifies
- • Sequence: Ensure sentence matches before AND after placement
- • Transitions: Focus on content match, not flow
- • Add/Delete: Read reasoning first, avoid strong language
Math Section
Key Strategies:
- • Draw graphs for intersection point questions
- • Draw diagrams for geometry/trigonometry
- • Plug in numbers to check answers
- • Know linear vs. exponential functions
- • Read the ENTIRE question
- • Redo questions using alternative methods
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