PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) Writing Syllabus

What is a sentence fragment and how is it corrected?

A fragment is an incomplete sentence lacking a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. Correct it by adding the missing element or attaching it to an adjacent independent clause.

What is a run-on sentence, and what is a comma splice specifically?

A run-on improperly joins two independent clauses without correct punctuation/conjunction. A comma splice is a run-on where two independent clauses are joined by only a comma.

Name three correct ways to join two independent clauses.

(1) A period (two sentences); (2) a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS); (3) a semicolon.

What are the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)?

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

What is a dangling or misplaced modifier?

A modifier placed so it appears to describe the wrong word (misplaced) or describes a word not present in the sentence (dangling), creating confusion, e.g., 'Running late, the bus was missed.'

What is parallel structure (parallelism) in a sentence?

Using the same grammatical form for items in a series or comparison, e.g., 'reading, writing, and studying' rather than 'reading, writing, and to study.'

What is pronoun-antecedent agreement?

A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number and gender, and the antecedent must be clear (e.g., 'Each student brought his or her book').

What is the difference between an independent and a dependent (subordinate) clause?

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone; a dependent clause has a subject and verb but begins with a subordinator and cannot stand alone.

What is the general rule for using a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses; do not use one when it merely joins two words or phrases.

What is the function of a semicolon, and give its two main uses?

A semicolon links closely related ideas. Uses: (1) join two independent clauses without a conjunction; (2) separate items in a list that already contain commas.

What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

A colon introduces a list, explanation, or elaboration after a complete independent clause; a semicolon connects two independent clauses or separates complex list items.

How are commas used with introductory elements?

Place a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or dependent clause that precedes the main clause, e.g., 'After the exam, she relaxed.'

What is the rule for apostrophes in possessives versus contractions?

Apostrophes show possession (the student's book) or mark omitted letters in contractions (it's = it is). Note 'its' (possessive) has no apostrophe, unlike 'it's.'

How are quotation marks placed relative to periods and commas in American usage?

In American English, periods and commas go inside the closing quotation marks; colons and semicolons go outside.

What are the rules of thumb for capitalization in formal writing?

Capitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns (specific names, places), the pronoun 'I,' and the principal words in titles.

What is the difference between 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're'?

'Their' is possessive; 'there' indicates place or existence; 'they're' is the contraction of 'they are.'

What distinguishes a precise word choice from a vague one?

A precise word names the exact idea or thing (e.g., 'mitigate'), while a vague word is general or weak (e.g., 'help with'), reducing clarity and impact.

What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Denotation is a word's literal dictionary meaning; connotation is the emotional or cultural association it carries (e.g., 'thrifty' vs. 'stingy' share a denotation but differ in connotation).

What is diction, and why does it matter in formal academic writing?

Diction is word choice and level of formality. Formal academic writing favors precise, standard vocabulary and avoids slang, contractions, and colloquialisms.

What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?

'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is usually a noun meaning a result. Example: 'The drug affects the heart; the effect is lower blood pressure.'

What is the difference between 'fewer' and 'less'?

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns (fewer pills); 'less' is used with uncountable/mass nouns (less medication).

What is a redundancy (wordiness) in word usage, and give an example?

Redundancy is using extra words that repeat meaning, e.g., 'past history' or 'each and every.' Eliminate the repeated idea for concise writing.

What is coherence in writing?

Coherence is the logical, smooth connection of ideas so the reader can follow the argument; each sentence and paragraph relates clearly to the next and to the thesis.

What are transitional words, and give examples for contrast and for adding information?

Transitions signal relationships between ideas. Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand. Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition.

What is unity in a paragraph?

Unity means every sentence in a paragraph supports a single main idea expressed in the topic sentence; sentences that stray from that idea break unity.

What is a logical method for ordering body paragraphs in a persuasive essay?

Common orders include order of importance (strongest point first or last), chronological order, and cause-and-effect, chosen to build the most convincing progression.

How does an effective conclusion contribute to coherence?

It restates the thesis/solution, synthesizes the main points, and gives the reader a sense of closure or broader significance—without introducing new arguments.

What does it mean for writing to have clarity?

Clarity means the meaning is immediately understandable: sentences are concise, words are precise, and structure is logical, so the reader is never confused about the point.

What is tone in writing, and what tone suits a PCAT problem-solving essay?

Tone is the writer's attitude conveyed through word choice and style. A PCAT essay calls for a formal, objective, and reasoned tone rather than casual or emotional.

Why is the active voice generally preferred over the passive voice for clarity?

Active voice ('Researchers conducted the study') is more direct, concise, and clear about who performs the action than passive voice ('The study was conducted').

What is the difference between revising and editing/proofreading?

Revising addresses big-picture content—ideas, organization, development, and clarity; editing/proofreading fixes surface errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.

Name three things to check during the revision (not proofreading) stage of an essay.

Whether the thesis is clear, whether each paragraph supports it with adequate development, and whether ideas are logically organized and coherent.