Tip #20 - SAT Writing Principle 7: Brevity is Better (Unless It Distorts Meaning)

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Strategies for Brevity

1. Eliminate Redundancy
   • Cut repetitive words (e.g., "watch and observe" → "watch").
   • Avoid tautologies (e.g., "3 weeks later" vs. "after 3 weeks later").
2. Prefer Participles Over Wordy Clauses
   • Use -ing phrases instead of conjunctions/relative clauses:
     • ✅ "Steam condenses, leaving bubbles…" (7 words)
     • ❌ "Steam condenses and then leaves bubbles…" (8 words)
3. Active Voice > Passive Voice
   • Passive often adds unnecessary words:
     • ✅ "More people use buses" (4 words)
     • ❌ "Buses are used by more people" (6 words)
4. Check for Dangling Modifiers
   • Shortest option may be wrong if it breaks logic:
     • ❌ "On the verge of giving up, the story…" (dangling)
     • ✅ "On the verge of giving up, Geisel…" (correct modifier).
5. Compare Meaning
   • If brevity distorts intent, reject it.

Practice Questions

1. Brevity Correct (No Meaning Loss)
Recent research from the Journal of Neuroscience examined caffeine’s dual effects on cognitive function. The study confirmed that caffeine ________ alertness but disrupts sleep, suggesting users time consumption carefully.

A. increases
B. acts to increase
C. is effective at increasing
D. has the effect of increasing
Answer: A (shortest + clear).

2. Brevity Correct (Redundancy)
The 1921 mural Lament, painted during the artist’s period of mourning, ________ the profound grief he experienced after his brother’s death, using stark contrasts of black and white.
A. expresses and shows
B. expresses
C. is an expression of
D. visually expresses
Answer: B ("expresses" alone suffices; "shows/visually" is redundant).

3. Brevity Correct (Active Voice)
During the software team’s code review, Emma spotted a critical bug in the user authentication module. Noticing the error, ________, preventing a potential security breach.
A. the code was fixed by the programmer
B. the programmer fixed the code
C. a fix was implemented by the programmer
D. the code became fixed
Answer: B (active + fewest words; "programmer" matches "Emma" as the subject).

4. Brevity Incorrect (Dangling Modifier)
When Maria arrived at school, she was shivering and miserable. Her hair clung to her face, and her shoes squelched with every step. Walking to school ________, leaving her drenched and frustrated.
A. the rain soaked her backpack
B. her backpack was soaked by the rain
C. she felt the rain soak her backpack
D. the backpack’s soaking happened
Answer: C (only option where "she" logically matches "Walking").
 
 5. Brevity Incorrect (Meaning Loss)
The 1919 Treaty of Versailles aimed to address the aftermath of World War I through punitive measures and structural reforms. Historians note that the treaty was designed to ________, though its long-term consequences sparked debate.
A. end war
B. bring about the end of war
C. create peace and end war
D. end war and establish peace
Answer: D (A is too vague; "establish peace" is historically precise).


Post-Task Assessment

1. Did I cut redundant words without losing meaning?
   • (e.g., Question 2: "expresses" vs. "expresses and shows").
2. Did I avoid passive voice when active was clearer/shorter?
   • (e.g., Question 3: "programmer fixed" vs. "was fixed by").
3. Did the shortest option introduce errors?
   • (e.g., Question 4: "the rain soaked" dangles).
4. Did extra words add necessary clarity?
   • (e.g., Question 5: "end war and establish peace" > "end war").

Reflection Example:

• "I chose A for Question 5 because it was shortest, but D’s added phrase was essential. Next time, I’ll prioritize meaning over word count."

Key Takeaways

• Brevity wins 80% of the time—but always verify meaning and grammar.
• Underline redundancies and test deletions (e.g., "and also" → "a
• Modifiers must match the subject; brevity can’t override logic.