Free TOEFL Mock Tests › TOEFL Build a Sentence practice: 200 free questions
TOEFL Build a Sentence practice: 200 free questions
Build a Sentence is the first task in the 2026 TOEFL Writing section. You put word chunks in order to make a correct reply. It is 10 of the 12 Writing questions, and with practice you can get almost all of them right.
How the task works
You see a short line from one person. Below it are empty slots and a set of word chunks. Some slots may already be filled. Click or drag the chunks into the slots to make a grammatical, natural reply. One chunk is an extra that does not belong.
Worked example
Speaker: Why weren’t you at the study group yesterday?
Chunks: an extra shift because my coworker was sick work working
Already placed: I had to
Show the answer
I had to work an extra shift because my coworker was sick. (extra chunk: working)
Grammar patterns that come up again and again
- Embedded questions use statement order: Do you know where the library is? not where is the library.
- Question word order: auxiliary before the subject, as in Have you finished…? and Did she say…?
- Passive voice: The report was submitted by…
- Verb patterns: want to go, enjoy going, make someone do.
- Relative clauses and comparatives: the book that I borrowed, more expensive than.
Fast method
- Find the subject and main verb first.
- Check whether the reply is a statement or a question. The final punctuation tells you.
- Attach phrases such as time, place and objects to the end.
- Find the extra chunk: it is usually a wrong verb form or a second word that does the same job.
Frequently asked questions
How many Build a Sentence questions are on the TOEFL?
Ten. They are the first ten of the twelve Writing questions.
Is there always an extra chunk?
Usually one chunk does not belong. It is often a wrong form of a verb or an extra word.
How do I practise here?
Choose Build a Sentence on the home page for untimed sets of ten with instant checking, or take a full Writing test for timed practice.
iBT Practice Lab is independent, unofficial practice with original questions. TOEFL and TOEFL iBT are registered trademarks of ETS. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. Format details are based on the ETS TOEFL iBT 2026 test specifications; check ETS for the latest official information.