Build a Sentence Mastery
Master the drag-and-drop grammar task with pattern recognition and strategic ordering
How Build a Sentence Works
This is a drag-and-drop grammar task where you rearrange scrambled words into grammatically correct sentences. You'll see a conversation prompt, and your job is to form the correct response by putting words in the right order.
What You See:
- A conversation prompt (context)
- 5-7 scrambled words below
- Blank slots to drag words into
What You Do:
- Click and drag words into order
- Form a grammatically correct sentence
- Work quickly (~40 seconds each)
See It in Action
"What did she ask about your future plans?"
Arrange these words to form your response:
Note: "I'm" is pre-filled in the answer
Answer: "She wanted to know which colleges I'm considering."
Why this order? This is an embedded question structure. The main clause "She wanted to know" is followed by the embedded question "which colleges I'm considering" (note: embedded questions use statement word order, not question order).
"How was your holiday in Japan?"
Answer: "The places we visited were absolutely amazing."
Pattern: Subject + relative clause + verb + adverb + adjective. "The places" is modified by "we visited" before the main verb "were."
"I just got out of a job interview."
Note: "you a" is pre-filled
Answer: "Do you think they will offer you a position?"
Pattern: Yes/No question with embedded clause. "Do you think" + subject-verb order in the embedded part ("they will offer").
5 Grammar Patterns to Master
Build a Sentence tests your knowledge of English word order. Master these five patterns and you'll handle most questions with confidence.
Embedded Questions
When a question is inside another sentence, it uses statement word order (subject before verb), not question order.
Wrong: "Do you know what time is it?"
Correct: "Do you know what time it is?"
Signal words: know, wonder, ask, tell me, understand + what/where/when/why/how/which
Relative Clauses
Clauses that describe nouns come immediately after the noun they modify.
"The students who study regularly perform better on exams."
"who study regularly" describes "students" → must come right after it
Signal words: who, which, that, where, when (as relative pronouns)
Adverb Placement
Adverbs of manner (how) typically go after the verb or at the end. Adverbs of frequency often go before the main verb.
Manner: "She completed the assignment quickly."
Frequency: "Students usually perform better..."
Question Formation
Yes/No questions start with auxiliary + subject. Wh-questions start with the question word + auxiliary + subject.
Yes/No: "Do you think they will offer...?"
Wh-: "What time is the meeting starting?"
Article + Noun Phrases
Articles (the, a, an) come before adjectives and nouns. Order: Article → Adjective(s) → Noun
"The new campus building will open next semester."
the (article) → new (adjective) → campus building (noun phrase)
Your 5-Step Strategy
Use this systematic approach to tackle any Build a Sentence question quickly and accurately.
Read the Context First
The conversation prompt tells you if you're making a statement, asking a question, or responding to something specific. This determines your sentence structure.
Find the Subject
Look for pronouns (I, you, she, they, we) or nouns with articles (the places, the students). The subject usually comes first in statements.
Identify the Main Verb
Find the action word (visited, were, think, know). In questions, also look for auxiliaries (do, did, will, would).
Spot Clause Markers
Words like "which," "who," "that," "what," "where" signal embedded clauses. These connect parts of the sentence and determine word order.
Check Your Order
Read the complete sentence aloud in your head. Does it sound natural? Check: subject-verb agreement, article placement, adverb position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Question Order in Embedded Questions
Many students use question word order inside embedded questions.
Misplacing Relative Clauses
Relative clauses must come immediately after the noun they describe.
Separating Article from Noun
Articles (the, a, an) must stay connected to their noun phrase.
Forgetting Auxiliary Verbs in Questions
Questions need auxiliary verbs (do/does/did/will) at the start.
Your Build a Sentence Practice Plan
Build pattern recognition with focused daily practice. This task rewards familiarity with English word order.
Days 1-3: Pattern Recognition
- • Practice 10-15 easy sentences daily (simple SVO)
- • Focus on identifying subjects and verbs quickly
- • Review the 5 grammar patterns above
Days 4-6: Build Speed
- • Practice 15-20 mixed sentences daily (easy + medium)
- • Time yourself: aim for 30-40 seconds per sentence
- • Focus on embedded questions and relative clauses
Day 7: Full Simulation
- • Complete a full 9-sentence set under timed conditions
- • Target: 6 minutes total (same as real test)
- • Review any mistakes and identify weak patterns