Summary
Highlights
An independent clause requires a subject and one main verb. The subject is usually at the beginning. Certain verbs (like -ing verbs or infinitives with 'to') and verbs within extra information or nouns are not main verbs. An independent clause cannot start with a dependent clause starter (like words from the 'WASABI' acronym, but not 'that').
A colon must be preceded by an independent clause. The content after the colon must expand on the idea presented before it, acting as its own distinct thought or explanation.
A period is used between two independent clauses.
A semicolon can either separate items in a complex list (where individual items already contain commas) or, like a period, connect two independent clauses. Recognizing semicolon lists is crucial and often involves identifying multiple semicolons or varying answer choices. If there isn't a semicolon list, it serves the same function as a period or comma + FANBOYS.
A comma followed by a FANBOYS conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) serves the same purpose as a period or semicolon: to connect two independent clauses. On the SAT, 'and' and 'but' are the most common FANBOYS tested.
An isolated comma (without a FANBOYS conjunction immediately after) is primarily used for comma lists or to attach non-essential elements (additional information that can be removed without changing the sentence's core meaning). Important exceptions: the word 'that' introduces essential information and should never be preceded by a comma. Dependent clause starters and transition words are always non-essential elements.
Dashes (em dashes) are used to attach non-essential elements in the middle of a sentence, requiring both an opening and closing dash. They can also, rarely, function like a colon to introduce an expanding thought, though this is less common as a testable item.
Answers should be checked in a specific order: colon, then period/semicolon/comma+FANBOYS, then isolated comma, and finally no punctuation. This 'C-PEN' acronym reflects the likelihood of each punctuation mark being correct on the SAT, with colons being particularly high-probability answers.
Shortcuts are addressed before the priority list. These include identifying 'title name' questions (no punctuation between a title and a name, unless the phrase structure demands it), dash questions (looking for matching dashes around non-essential information), and question mark questions (assessing if the sentence structure forms a direct question).
Transition words describe relationships between sentences. The placement of a transition word (e.g., 'however') indicates which two sentences it connects. Transition words are treated as non-essential elements and require commas. For 'though' and 'although', be cautious as they can also act as dependent clause starters.
The overall process involves: 1) looking at answer choices first to plan, 2) actively looking for subjects and main verbs (or shortcuts), 3) using 'comma jumping' to skip non-essential elements during reading, and 4) understanding the structural role of all punctuation marks in the sentence.
The video concludes with several example questions, demonstrating the application of the outlined process and rules to efficiently and accurately solve various SAT punctuation problems, reinforcing the importance of memorizing the rules and consistently applying the strategy.