TOEFLwriting

TOEFL Build a Sentence

Complete the reply in a short campus conversation by putting words and phrases in the right order.

About 7 minutes
TOEFL iBT (bands 1-6)

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What is this question type?

Build a Sentence is the first task in the TOEFL iBT Writing section (2026 format). Each of the 10 items shows one line from a short campus or academic conversation. You build the other person's reply by moving words and multi-word phrases into blanks. Some words of the reply may already be in place, and some items include one extra word or phrase that does not belong. The task tests practical grammar: question word order, embedded questions, adverb placement, relative clauses, the passive, comparatives, and verb patterns such as gerunds and infinitives.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read the first speaker's line so you know what the reply needs to do: answer, suggest, or ask

  2. 2

    Check the end punctuation first: a question mark means you need question word order

  3. 3

    Use the words already in place to find the subject and the main verb

  4. 4

    Look for one chunk that does not fit, such as "does it" in an embedded question, and leave it out

  5. 5

    Read the whole reply in your head before moving on, because each item is scored right or wrong

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using question word order inside an embedded question ("I wonder why did they leave")

  • Putting frequency adverbs after the main verb instead of before it

  • Using the extra chunk just because it is there

  • Making the verb agree with the nearest noun instead of the real subject

  • Mixing up "be used to + -ing" and "used to + verb"

Tips for Success

  • Practice turning direct questions into indirect ones: "Where is it?" becomes "Do you know where it is?"

  • Learn which verbs take a gerund and which take an infinitive

  • Review relative pronouns (who, which, that, whose, where) and passive forms

  • Work quickly: you have about 41 seconds per item on the real test

  • After checking your answers, read every explanation, including for the items you got right

Frequently Asked Questions

How many items are there and how long do I have?
There are 10 items, and you have about 6 minutes and 50 seconds for all of them.
How is Build a Sentence scored?
Each item is scored right or wrong. Every chunk must be in the correct blank to get the point, so there is no partial credit.
Do I have to use every word?
Not always. Some items include one extra word or phrase that does not fit the sentence. Leave it in the word bank.
What grammar is tested?
Mostly question formation, embedded and indirect questions, adverb placement, relative clauses, the passive, comparatives, and verb patterns.

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TOEFL Build a Sentence - Complete Study Guide for Test of English as a Foreign Language

Build a Sentence is the first task in the TOEFL iBT Writing section (2026 format). Each of the 10 items shows one line from a short campus or academic conversation. You build the other person's reply by moving words and multi-word phrases into blanks. Some words of the reply may already be in place, and some items include one extra word or phrase that does not belong. The task tests practical grammar: question word order, embedded questions, adverb placement, relative clauses, the passive, comparatives, and verb patterns such as gerunds and infinitives.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read the first speaker's line so you know what the reply needs to do: answer, suggest, or ask
  2. Check the end punctuation first: a question mark means you need question word order
  3. Use the words already in place to find the subject and the main verb
  4. Look for one chunk that does not fit, such as "does it" in an embedded question, and leave it out
  5. Read the whole reply in your head before moving on, because each item is scored right or wrong

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Using question word order inside an embedded question ("I wonder why did they leave")
  • Putting frequency adverbs after the main verb instead of before it
  • Using the extra chunk just because it is there
  • Making the verb agree with the nearest noun instead of the real subject
  • Mixing up "be used to + -ing" and "used to + verb"

Expert Tips

  • Practice turning direct questions into indirect ones: "Where is it?" becomes "Do you know where it is?"
  • Learn which verbs take a gerund and which take an infinitive
  • Review relative pronouns (who, which, that, whose, where) and passive forms
  • Work quickly: you have about 41 seconds per item on the real test
  • After checking your answers, read every explanation, including for the items you got right

Frequently Asked Questions

How many items are there and how long do I have?

There are 10 items, and you have about 6 minutes and 50 seconds for all of them.

How is Build a Sentence scored?

Each item is scored right or wrong. Every chunk must be in the correct blank to get the point, so there is no partial credit.

Do I have to use every word?

Not always. Some items include one extra word or phrase that does not fit the sentence. Leave it in the word bank.

What grammar is tested?

Mostly question formation, embedded and indirect questions, adverb placement, relative clauses, the passive, comparatives, and verb patterns.

Available in: TOEFL iBT (bands 1-6)

Time allowed: About 7 minutes