Dashes come in matching pairs: the SAT reading & writing trap
Short answer: Extra info opened with a dash must close with a dash. Match the pair.
The trap, in one question
The bridge—finished in 1937___ is still in daily use.
Tempting answer: 1937, is
Correct answer: 1937—is
How to spot it in 3 seconds
Extra info opened with a dash must close with a dash. Match the pair.
FAQ
What is the dashes come in matching pairs trap on the SAT?
Example: The bridge—finished in 1937___ is still in daily use. The tempting answer is 1937, is; the correct answer is 1937—is.
How do you avoid the dashes come in matching pairs trap?
Extra info opened with a dash must close with a dash. Match the pair.
More Reading & Writing traps
RW1Semicolon = two full sentencesRW2Colon needs a full sentence before itRW3Comma spliceRW5Extra info needs commas on both sides
← Comma splice · Extra info needs commas on both sides →
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