3. Sharper Language & the Extended Response

The language items now test the finer rules of standard written English:

• Parallel structure -- items in a list or pair should share the same grammatical form.
• Modifiers -- an opening phrase must clearly describe the right noun (watch for misplaced and dangling modifiers).
• Punctuation -- semicolons join two complete thoughts; colons introduce a list or explanation.
• Pronoun case and agreement -- 'between you and me,' and pronouns that match their antecedents.
• Transitions and concision -- the right connector for the logic, with no wasted words.

For the Extended Response, the same rule holds at every level: argue which side is better supported by evidence, not which you prefer. A clear claim, evidence drawn from both passages, and tidy paragraphs win the points.