Test Prep Tips: Sentence Variation

Practice composing different styles of sentence structure to boost your score in the IELTS and CELPIP Writing Test!


A common writing challenge that many of us face is when we notice that almost every sentence we wrote in a paragraph starts the same way! From writing cover letters and essays to text messages and personal journals, a lot of sentences we write tend to start with the subject “I.”


Let’s take a look at a variety of sentence structure types including different ways to start sentences. for these examples, we’ll consider a sample topic for IELTS Writing - Task 2:

Many people leave their home country to study abroad nowadays.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?


  1. Compound sentence: “I believe that the biggest advantage to studying abroad is that it exposes you to a different culture, but students have to be prepared to deal with challenges as well.”

  2. Complex sentence: “When students decide to study in a different country, it is usually because they are interested in learning another language or because they want to live independently from their families.”

  3. Prepositional phrase: “Before applying to international colleges and universities, students should create a budget because international student fees are much higher than attending post secondary school in your own country.’

  4. Infinitive phrase: “To be an international student, you have to be willing and excited to get out of your comfort zone.”

  5. Participle phrase: “Considering disadvantages like culture shock, students who intend to study abroad would benefit from travelling to different countries before pursuing their formal studies.”

  6. Subordinating conjunction: “Although studying abroad has disadvantages, it can also be a life-changing experience for students because they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture.”

  7. Adverbial phrase: “In my opinion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to studying abroad.”

  8. Gerund phrase: “Studying abroad is a dream for many youth, but it is important for them to make a realistic plan in order to fulfill their goals.”

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