SAT Writing: Faulty Comparisons

Watch out for SAT Writing questions that compare two things that are not the same type.

Incorrect:

The novels of Patrick O’Brian, which take place during the Napoleonic era, are more realistic than CS Forester.

The sentence above is incorrect because it compares novels (of Patrick O’Brian) with a person (CS Forester).

Correct:

The novels of Patrick O’Brian, which take place during the Napoleonic era, are more realistic than the novels of CS Forester.

Correct:

The novels of Patrick O’Brian, which take place during the Napoleonic era, are more realistic than those of CS Forester.

Correct:

The novels of Patrick O’Brian, which take place during the Napoleonic era, are more realistic than CS Forester’s novels.

Tip:
The SAT often uses authors and writings as the subjects of these ‘faulty comparison’ questions.

From my SAT guide SAT Unlocked, which also includes a list of all of the Faulty Comparisons questions appearing in The Official SAT Study Guide.

SAT Writing: Redundant Comparisons

On SAT Writing multiple choice questions, watch out for sentences that use extra comparing words where they are not needed.

Incorrect: The windows are more cleaner than they were before.
Correct:The windows are cleaner than they were before.

Incorrect: Carrots are my most favorite vegetable.
Correct: Carrots are my favorite vegetable.