Prepare for the PERT Writing test with the grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, word-choice, organization, and revision skills you actually need. Learn the most common PERT traps and practice choosing the strongest revision—not simply the sentence that “sounds right.”
Quick Answer
PERT Writing tests whether you can recognize and improve effective college-level writing.
The most important skills include:
- Grammar and usage
- Complete sentence structure
- Subject-verb agreement
- Pronoun agreement and reference
- Verb tense
- Modifiers
- Parallel structure
- Punctuation
- Capitalization
- Word choice
- Concision
- Transitions
- Logical organization
- Thesis and topic focus
- Supporting evidence
- Appropriate tone
- Revision and editing
Florida currently lists 103 as the PERT Writing college-readiness score.
The PERT is an untimed computer-adaptive placement test. Each placement subtest contains 30 questions: 25 operational questions used for your score and five field-test questions that are not scored. You will not know which five are field-test questions, so treat every item as scored.
The PERT is a placement assessment rather than a traditional pass/fail exam.
The most important rule for PERT Writing is:
Choose the clearest, grammatically correct, most precise version that preserves the writer’s intended meaning.
What Is Tested on PERT Writing?
Florida’s official Postsecondary Writing Readiness Competencies go beyond basic grammar.
They require students to demonstrate skills including:
- Maintaining focus on a topic or argument
- Standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics
- Supporting arguments with relevant evidence
- Organizing ideas logically
- Developing an appropriate thesis
- Maintaining suitable style and tone
- Choosing precise and concise language
- Revising weak writing
- Using varied sentence structures
- Synthesizing information appropriately
So PERT Writing is not just:
“Where does the comma go?”
You may also need to determine:
- Which sentence best introduces a paragraph
- Which detail best supports a claim
- Which transition creates the clearest relationship
- Which revision removes unnecessary words
- Which sentence maintains consistent tone
- Which sentence best completes an argument
Does the PERT Writing Test Require an Essay?
The PERT Writing placement section is a computer-adaptive question-based assessment, not a traditional essay assignment.
You are evaluated through questions that require you to recognize effective writing, grammar, sentence construction, organization, and revision.
That means your preparation should focus heavily on editing decisions.
You need to be able to look at several versions of a sentence or passage and identify which one works best.
Sentence Fragments
A complete sentence normally needs:
A subject + a complete predicate + a complete thought
Example:
The students completed the assignment.
Subject:
students
Predicate:
completed the assignment
Complete thought?
Yes.
What Is a Sentence Fragment?
A fragment looks like a sentence but does not express a complete thought.
Example:
Because the students completed the assignment.
This leaves the reader waiting.
Because they completed it… what happened?
A corrected version could be:
Because the students completed the assignment early, they had time to review their answers.
Now the dependent clause is connected to an independent clause.
Fragment Trap: Introductory Phrases
Consider:
After studying for three hours.
This is not a complete sentence.
Better:
After studying for three hours, Maya took a break.
Ask:
Can this stand alone and communicate a complete thought?
If not, it may be a fragment.
Run-On Sentences
A run-on occurs when independent clauses are joined incorrectly.
Example:
The library was crowded I decided to study at home.
Both parts could stand alone:
The library was crowded.
I decided to study at home.
They must be connected correctly.
Four Ways to Fix a Run-On
Period
The library was crowded. I decided to study at home.
Semicolon
The library was crowded; I decided to study at home.
Comma + Coordinating Conjunction
The library was crowded, so I decided to study at home.
Subordination
Because the library was crowded, I decided to study at home.
All can be correct.
The best answer depends on the relationship between the ideas.
What Is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are connected with only a comma.
Incorrect:
The exam was difficult, I finished every question.
Correct:
The exam was difficult, but I finished every question.
Or:
The exam was difficult; I finished every question.
Or:
The exam was difficult. I finished every question.
A comma alone is generally not strong enough to join two independent clauses.
Coordinating Conjunctions
A common memory device is:
FANBOYS
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, place a comma before it.
Example:
Jordan wanted to leave early, but the meeting continued for another hour.
Subject-Verb Agreement
A singular subject normally takes a singular verb.
A plural subject normally takes a plural verb.
Singular
The student is prepared.
Plural
The students are prepared.
Simple enough—until extra words appear between the subject and verb.
Subject-Verb Agreement Trap
The collection of old photographs is valuable.
The subject is:
collection
not:
photographs
Therefore:
is
is correct.
A phrase between the subject and verb does not change the true subject.
Another Agreement Example
The effects of the new policy are difficult to measure.
Subject:
effects
Plural.
Correct verb:
are
Do not automatically choose the noun closest to the verb.
Find the actual subject.
Compound Subjects
Two subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb.
The instructor and the student are discussing the assignment.
But do not apply a memorized rule blindly.
The important skill is identifying what the sentence treats as its subject.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
A pronoun should agree with the noun it replaces.
Example:
The students submitted their projects.
Students = plural.
Their = plural.
Pronoun Reference Must Be Clear
Weak:
When Maria spoke to Elena, she seemed frustrated.
Who seemed frustrated?
Maria?
Elena?
The pronoun is ambiguous.
Better:
Maria seemed frustrated when she spoke to Elena.
PERT questions often reward clarity even when the original sentence is technically understandable.
Avoid Unnecessary Pronoun Shifts
Weak:
If a student wants to improve, you should practice regularly.
The sentence shifts from:
a student
to:
you
A clearer version:
If students want to improve, they should practice regularly.
Maintain a consistent point of view unless there is a reason to change it.
Verb Tense
Verb tense should match:
- Time
- Context
- Other verbs in the sentence or passage
Example:
Yesterday, Sam walked to class and met his instructor.
Not:
Yesterday, Sam walked to class and meets his instructor.
The second version shifts tense without a reason.
When Verb-Tense Changes Are Correct
Not every tense shift is an error.
Example:
Researchers conducted the study in 2024, and the findings remain relevant today.
“Conducted” describes a past event.
“Remain” describes a current condition.
The shift makes logical sense.
The rule is not:
Never change tense.
The rule is:
Do not change tense without a reason.
Modifier Placement
A modifier should clearly describe the intended word.
Weak:
Walking through the parking lot, the rain soaked Maya’s jacket.
Grammatically, this suggests:
the rain was walking through the parking lot.
That is a dangling modifier.
Better:
Walking through the parking lot, Maya was soaked by the rain.
Now Maya is clearly the person walking.
Misplaced Modifier Example
She almost studied for three hours.
This technically suggests she came close to studying but did not.
If the intended meaning is that the duration was nearly three hours:
She studied for almost three hours.
Modifier placement can change meaning.
Adjectives vs. Adverbs
An adjective modifies a:
noun or pronoun
An adverb commonly modifies a:
verb, adjective, or another adverb
Example:
She gave a careful explanation.
“Careful” describes the noun “explanation.”
But:
She explained the procedure carefully.
“Carefully” modifies the verb “explained.”
Common Trap: Good vs. Well
Usually:
Good = adjective
Well = adverb
Example:
She writes well.
But “well” can also describe health:
She feels well.
Do not rely entirely on shortcuts. Look at how the word functions in the sentence.
Parallel Structure
Items serving the same grammatical function should generally use the same structure.
Weak:
The course requires reading carefully, detailed notes, and to complete weekly quizzes.
The forms do not match.
Better:
The course requires reading carefully, taking detailed notes, and completing weekly quizzes.
Now all three use:
-ing forms
Parallel Structure in Comparisons
Weak:
Studying at home is more convenient than to study at the library.
Better:
Studying at home is more convenient than studying at the library.
Keep comparable ideas grammatically parallel.
Commas After Introductory Elements
Use a comma after many introductory clauses and phrases.
Example:
After the lecture ended, the students asked questions.
The introductory dependent clause ends before the comma.
Commas in a Series
Example:
The course emphasizes grammar, organization, revision, and argument.
Use consistent punctuation according to standard conventions.
The Oxford comma before the final conjunction is commonly accepted and can improve clarity.
Commas With Nonessential Information
Compare:
My sister, who lives in Miami, is visiting next week.
The information:
who lives in Miami
is nonessential.
The sentence still identifies “my sister” without it.
Therefore commas set it off.
Essential Information
Students who submit the assignment late will lose points.
“Who submit the assignment late” identifies which students are being discussed.
It is essential to the meaning.
No commas are needed around it.
Semicolons
A semicolon can join closely related independent clauses.
Example:
The deadline is tomorrow; the application must be submitted tonight.
Both sides could stand alone.
Semicolon Trap
Incorrect:
Because the deadline is tomorrow; the application must be submitted tonight.
“Because the deadline is tomorrow” is not an independent clause.
Do not use a semicolon merely because a sentence feels long.
Semicolons in Complex Lists
Semicolons can also separate list items that already contain commas.
Example:
The conference included students from Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia.
This prevents confusion.
Colons
A colon often introduces:
- A list
- An explanation
- An example
after a complete independent clause.
Correct:
The student needed three things: a calculator, identification, and a pencil.
The words before the colon form a complete sentence.
Colon Trap
Incorrect:
The student needed: a calculator, identification, and a pencil.
“Needed” directly introduces its object.
A colon is unnecessary.
Apostrophes: Possession
Singular noun:
the student’s notebook
Plural noun ending in s:
the students’ notebooks
Irregular plural:
the children’s books
Apostrophes: Contractions
Examples:
it’s = it is
they’re = they are
you’re = you are
who’s = who is
This creates several common test traps.
Its vs. It’s
It’s
Means:
it is or it has
Example:
It’s going to rain.
Its
Possessive:
The company changed its policy.
A useful test:
Replace the word with it is.
If the sentence still makes sense, use it’s.
Their vs. There vs. They’re
Their
Possession:
Their books are on the table.
There
Location or existence:
The books are over there.
They’re
They are:
They’re studying now.
These are basic, but editing questions often place them inside more complicated sentences.
Who’s vs. Whose
Who’s
Who is / who has
Whose
Possessive
Example:
Whose notebook is this?
Not:
Who’s notebook is this?
Capitalization
Capitalize:
- First word of a sentence
- Proper nouns
- Names
- Appropriate geographic names
- Titles when used as part of a proper name
- Other standard proper-name constructions
Do not capitalize ordinary common nouns without a reason.
Example:
She studies biology at a community college.
But:
She studies at Miami Dade College.
Word Choice
PERT Writing questions may present several grammatically possible words and ask which is most appropriate.
Choose words that are:
- Precise
- Concise
- Appropriate for context
- Consistent with tone
Avoid Wordiness
Weak:
Due to the fact that the weather was extremely severe in nature, the event was canceled.
Better:
Because the weather was severe, the event was canceled.
The meaning is unchanged.
The revision is clearer and more concise.
Common Wordy Phrases
Instead of:
at this point in time
use:
now
Instead of:
due to the fact that
use:
because
Instead of:
in order to
often simply use:
to
PERT frequently rewards economy when no meaning is lost.
Redundancy
Weak:
The final outcome was unexpected.
“Outcome” is already final.
Better:
The outcome was unexpected.
Another example:
The two twins wore similar shirts.
“Twins” already implies two.
Better:
The twins wore similar shirts.
Precision Matters More Than Complexity
Do not assume the longest or most sophisticated answer is best.
Weak:
The implementation of the instructional methodology facilitated the enhancement of student comprehension.
Better:
The teaching method improved student understanding.
Clear writing usually wins.
Transitions
Transitions show relationships between ideas.
You should choose the transition that matches the logic.
Addition
- Furthermore
- Also
- In addition
Contrast
- However
- Nevertheless
- In contrast
Cause/Result
- Therefore
- Consequently
- Thus
Example
- For example
- For instance
Sequence
- First
- Next
- Finally
Transition Example
The first experiment produced promising results. ______, researchers decided to conduct a larger trial.
Best transition:
Therefore
Why?
The second event is a consequence of the first.
“However” would imply contrast and would not fit.
Logical Paragraph Organization
A strong paragraph usually develops ideas in an order readers can follow.
Possible patterns include:
- Chronological
- Cause and effect
- Problem and solution
- General to specific
- Comparison and contrast
A PERT question may ask where a sentence belongs.
Do not decide based only on repeated keywords.
Ask:
Where does this idea logically connect to the sentences around it?
Topic Sentences
A topic sentence establishes the main focus of a paragraph.
Weak topic sentence:
There are many things to discuss.
Strong:
Flexible scheduling can reduce commuting problems for working college students.
The second tells the reader exactly what the paragraph will discuss.
Thesis Statements
Florida’s official writing competencies include establishing and refining a topic or thesis appropriate to the task and audience.
A useful thesis should:
- Address the topic
- Make a clear claim or controlling point
- Be specific enough to develop
- Match the purpose of the writing
Weak:
College is interesting.
Better:
Community colleges can improve student retention by expanding tutoring, flexible scheduling, and academic advising.
The second creates a clear argument that can be supported.
Relevant Supporting Evidence
A sentence can be true but still be irrelevant.
Claim:
Extended library hours improve access for working students.
Strong support:
After closing time moved from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., evening library visits increased substantially.
Weak support:
The library was built in 1997.
The second fact may be true, but it does not support the claim.
Evidence Must Match the Claim
Suppose the author claims:
Online tutoring improved student performance.
Evidence showing:
More students logged into the website
shows increased usage.
It does not necessarily prove improved performance.
Better evidence might compare:
- Grades
- Pass rates
- Assessment scores
before and after the program.
PERT Writing can require you to distinguish relevant evidence from merely related information.
Tone and Audience
Good writing matches its intended audience and purpose.
A college research paragraph should generally avoid language like:
This thing is super awesome and everyone totally loves it.
A message to a friend would not need the same formality as an academic explanation.
Florida’s competencies explicitly require maintaining a style and tone appropriate to:
- Task
- Purpose
- Audience
Tone Consistency
Weak:
The proposal provides several financial advantages. Plus, it’s totally awesome for employees.
The second sentence abruptly shifts into informal language.
Better:
The proposal provides several financial advantages and may also improve employee satisfaction.
Sentence Variety
Strong writing does not repeat the same sentence pattern endlessly.
Weak:
Students attended class. Students took notes. Students completed assignments. Students studied for exams.
Better:
Students attended class, took notes, and completed assignments throughout the term. Before major exams, they also reviewed the material independently.
The revised version varies structure while remaining clear.
Combining Sentences
PERT may ask which revision most effectively combines ideas.
Original:
The restaurant opened last year. The restaurant is already popular. It specializes in Caribbean food.
Better:
The restaurant, which specializes in Caribbean food, opened last year and is already popular.
But beware of creating:
- Confusing modifiers
- Run-ons
- Unnecessary complexity
The goal is clarity, not merely making the sentence longer.
Revision Questions
Florida’s competencies explicitly include assessing and strengthening one’s own writing through revision.
Revision can improve:
- Focus
- Clarity
- Organization
- Evidence
- Word choice
- Tone
- Sentence structure
Editing is more than fixing spelling.
The Best-Revision Rule
When several answer choices are grammatically correct, choose the one that is:
Clearest + Most Concise + Most Logical + Most Precise
Do not select an answer merely because it sounds more formal.
PERT-Style Practice Question 1: Subject-Verb Agreement
Choose the correct sentence.
A. The list of required textbooks are posted online.
B. The list of required textbooks is posted online.
C. The list of required textbooks were posted online.
D. The list of required textbooks have posted online.
Correct Answer: B
The subject is:
list
which is singular.
The phrase “of required textbooks” does not change the subject.
PERT-Style Practice Question 2: Fragment
Which sentence is complete?
A. Because the class ended earlier than expected.
B. While waiting for the professor to arrive.
C. The students reviewed their notes before the quiz.
D. After finishing the assignment on time.
Correct Answer: C
It contains a complete subject, predicate, and thought.
PERT-Style Practice Question 3: Comma Splice
Which revision is correct?
Original:
The course was demanding, Maria earned an A.
A. The course was demanding, Maria earned an A.
B. The course was demanding; Maria earned an A.
C. The course was demanding Maria, earned an A.
D. The course was demanding; because Maria earned an A.
Correct Answer: B
Two independent clauses can be joined with a semicolon.
PERT-Style Practice Question 4: Modifier
Which sentence is clearest?
A. Walking into class, the exam worried Daniel.
B. Walking into class, Daniel worried about the exam.
C. The exam walking into class worried Daniel.
D. Daniel, the exam worried him walking into class.
Correct Answer: B
Daniel is the person walking.
PERT-Style Practice Question 5: Parallel Structure
Which sentence has correct parallel structure?
A. The job requires answering phones, organizing files, and customer assistance.
B. The job requires answering phones, organizing files, and assisting customers.
C. The job requires to answer phones, organizing files, and customers.
D. The job requires answering phones, to organize files, and assisting customers.
Correct Answer: B
All three activities use parallel -ing forms.
PERT-Style Practice Question 6: Transition
Demand for the program increased significantly. ______, the college added two additional sections.
A. However
B. Therefore
C. Meanwhile
D. In contrast
Correct Answer: B
The added sections are a result of increased demand.
PERT-Style Practice Question 7: Concision
Which sentence is most concise without changing meaning?
A. At this point in time, students are currently able to register online.
B. Students are currently able, at this point in time, to register online.
C. Students can now register online.
D. Currently at this point, students have the ability to register online.
Correct Answer: C
It expresses the same meaning without redundancy.
PERT-Style Practice Question 8: Pronoun Clarity
Which sentence is clearest?
A. When Jenna called Sofia, she was studying.
B. Jenna called Sofia while Sofia was studying.
C. When Jenna called her, she was studying.
D. She was studying when she called her.
Correct Answer: B
The revised sentence removes ambiguous pronouns.
PERT-Style Practice Question 9: Evidence
Claim:
Extending tutoring hours made academic support more accessible to working students.
Which sentence best supports the claim?
A. The tutoring center has blue chairs.
B. The college opened in 1968.
C. Evening tutoring attendance doubled after the center began staying open until 9 p.m.
D. Several tutors major in mathematics.
Correct Answer: C
It directly connects extended hours to increased evening use.
PERT-Style Practice Question 10: Tone
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal academic paragraph?
A. The policy was totally ridiculous and made everybody mad.
B. The policy generated substantial opposition among students and faculty.
C. People were super annoyed by the policy.
D. The policy was, like, obviously a bad idea.
Correct Answer: B
It is precise, formal, and avoids exaggerated informal language.
The Most Common PERT Writing Traps
Choosing the Longest Answer
Longer does not mean better.
PERT often rewards concise writing.
Choosing What “Sounds Right”
Read structurally.
Identify:
- Subject
- Verb
- Clause
- Modifier
- Punctuation relationship
Fixing Grammar but Changing Meaning
A revision must preserve the intended meaning unless the question specifically asks you to change content.
Ignoring Context
A transition can be grammatically correct but logically wrong.
Overusing Commas
A pause in speech does not automatically require a comma.
Choosing a True but Irrelevant Detail
Supporting evidence must actually support the argument.
Assuming Formal Means Complicated
Strong academic writing is often simpler and clearer than weak academic writing.
A Reliable PERT Writing Decision Process
When asked to choose the best sentence, check it in this order:
1. Is it a complete sentence?
Eliminate fragments and run-ons.
2. Does the subject agree with the verb?
Find the real subject.
3. Are pronouns clear and consistent?
Remove ambiguous references.
4. Is the verb tense logical?
Check the time relationship.
5. Are modifiers next to what they describe?
Watch for dangling and misplaced modifiers.
6. Is punctuation structurally correct?
Do not punctuate based only on pauses.
7. Is the wording concise?
Remove unnecessary repetition.
8. Does it fit the paragraph logically?
Check transition, tone, purpose, and organization.
This process is much more reliable than selecting the sentence that simply “looks best.”
What Should You Study First?
If grammar is weak, prioritize:
Sentence boundaries → Subject-verb agreement → Pronouns → Verb tense → Modifiers → Punctuation
Then work on:
Word choice → Concision → Transitions → Organization → Evidence → Revision
Why?
If you cannot identify whether a sentence is structurally complete, advanced revision questions become much harder.
Current PERT Writing Facts to Know
Florida currently identifies:
103 as the PERT Writing college-readiness score.
Each PERT placement subtest contains:
30 total questions
including:
- 25 operational/scored items
- 5 field-test items
The test is:
Untimed
and:
Computer adaptive
PERT is used for placement and is not officially a pass/fail test.
These are the current Florida Department of Education standards and testing characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the PERT Writing test?
PERT Writing assesses grammar, usage, mechanics, sentence structure, organization, thesis development, supporting evidence, word choice, tone, and revision skills.
What PERT Writing score do you need for college readiness?
Florida currently lists 103 as the statewide PERT Writing college-readiness standard.
How many questions are on PERT Writing?
There are 30 total questions: 25 operational questions used in scoring and five field-test questions.
Is PERT Writing timed?
No. The PERT is currently an untimed computer-adaptive placement assessment.
Is there an essay on the PERT Writing test?
PERT Writing is administered as a computer-adaptive question-based placement test assessing writing and editing competencies rather than as a traditional essay exam.
Is grammar important on PERT Writing?
Yes. Florida’s official competencies specifically require command of standard written English grammar, usage, and mechanics.
What grammar should I study for PERT?
Prioritize sentence fragments, run-ons, subject-verb agreement, pronouns, verb tense, modifiers, parallel structure, adjectives/adverbs, punctuation, capitalization, and word choice.
What is the difference between PERT Reading and PERT Writing?
PERT Reading focuses on understanding and analyzing texts. PERT Writing focuses on constructing, editing, organizing, and improving effective written English.
Is 103 a passing score on PERT Writing?
Florida lists 103 as the college-readiness standard, but PERT itself is a placement test rather than an official pass/fail examination.
Key Takeaways
PERT Writing is much easier when you stop treating grammar as hundreds of unrelated rules.
Use a hierarchy:
Sentence Complete? → Agreement Correct? → Pronouns Clear? → Tense Logical? → Modifier Correct? → Punctuation Correct? → Wording Clear? → Paragraph Logical?
Remember:
- A complete sentence needs a complete thought.
- Do not join independent clauses with only a comma.
- Find the real subject before choosing a verb.
- Pronouns need clear antecedents.
- Avoid unnecessary verb-tense shifts.
- Keep modifiers next to what they describe.
- Parallel ideas should use parallel grammar.
- Use punctuation according to sentence structure.
- Prefer precise, concise wording.
- Transitions must match the logical relationship.
- Evidence must actually support the claim.
- Strong revisions improve clarity without distorting meaning.
Test Your PERT Writing Skills
PERT Writing is ultimately an editing and decision-making test.
The goal is not to memorize a grammar textbook.
You need to recognize:
What is wrong → Why it is wrong → Which revision fixes it best
Practice realistic questions until you can make those decisions quickly and confidently.
Take our full PERT Writing Practice Test to practice grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice, organization, transitions, evidence, and revision with detailed answer explanations.
