Build a Sentence

• 5–7 jumbled words to arrange
• Exactly one correct order
• Writing section · binary deterministic grading

By the numbers (official ETS blueprint)

Figures below are transcribed directly from ETS’s own test blueprint document, not estimated from practice tests.

• 10 items on this task, per ETS's official blueprint.
• Targets CEFR A1–C2.
• Machine-scored: checked deterministically against a stored answer key.
• Writing section overall: 20 raw points, timed linear — a fixed 23 min.

What this task is

Build a Sentence is a Writing-section task that tests grammar and word order directly. You're given five to seven words out of order and you arrange them into a single correct sentence. There's exactly one right order, so it's graded all-or-nothing.

Instant, deterministic grading

Grading is binary and deterministic: your arrangement either matches the correct order exactly or it doesn't. You get the result instantly at no LLM cost — there's no partial credit, since a sentence is right only when every word is in place.

Strategy tips

• 01Find the subject and main verb first — they anchor the sentence's backbone.
• 02Place function words (articles, prepositions) next to the words they attach to.
• 03Read your finished sentence aloud in your head; word order that sounds wrong usually is.
• 04Because it's all-or-nothing, double-check the ending punctuation logic before submitting.

Other Writing tasks

• Write an Email
• Academic Discussion