SAT Argument Construction & Revision

Argument construction questions present a paragraph with a blank and ask you to complete or strengthen it by selecting the best supporting statement, concluding sentence, or introductory phrase. They appear 4–6 times per test.

Unlike grammar questions, these require evaluating the logical strength of ideas — whether a statement follows from the preceding text, provides relevant support, or effectively previews what comes next.

Read the full paragraph before the blank — the correct answer must flow logically from everything that precedes it, not just the immediately adjacent sentence.

For concluding sentences, the answer should synthesize the paragraph's points — it should not introduce new information or simply restate the opening claim.

For introductory sentences, the correct answer should set up and preview the paragraph that follows. Read the paragraph after the blank before choosing the introduction.

Eliminate choices that are true and on-topic but logically disconnected from the specific argument being made.

Choosing a statement that's generally true about the topic but doesn't logically connect to this specific argument. General truth is not sufficient — logical connection to the surrounding sentences is required.

Selecting a concluding sentence that repeats rather than synthesizes. Repetition doesn't conclude; synthesis draws a broader point from the specifics.

Inserting new evidence that the paragraph hasn't established. A concluding sentence can't rest on information the paragraph never discussed.

For concluding sentence questions, write a one-sentence summary of the paragraph before reading the choices. The correct answer should closely match your summary.

ScoreBooster's Expression of Ideas topic includes argument construction questions with detailed explanations of how logical flow determines correctness.