Sentence Transformation Exercises for ESL Students

Sentence transformation exercises are a great way to expand your English language skills. The ability to rewrite sentences so that they have the same meaning as the original is often required for ESL and EFL exams such as Cambridges First Certificate, CAE,  and Proficiency. Knowing how to rewrite sentences effectively also will help you prepare for the TOEFL examination (Test of English as a Foreign Language).   Transforming Sentences The beauty of the English language lies in sentence construction. By choosing your words carefully, you can write two different sentences that mean the same thing. Consider these two sentences: Ive lived here since 2002. I moved here in 2002. The subject (I) is the same in each sentence, while the verbs (lived, moved) are different. But they both express the same idea. Test Yourself Ready to put your skills to the test? Rewrite the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first. Use no more than five words. See answer key at the bottom of the page. This will be my students first performance in Canada.This will be the first time ____________ This course will take us six months to complete.In six months time ____________ There will be someone to meet you on arrival.When ____________ The number of people who understand his ideas exceed his expectations.More people ____________ The money didnt arrive for a month.It was ____________ The last time I saw him was in 2001.I havent ____________ Shell have to make her presentation at the end of his speech.The moment he ____________ Sharon will finish her exams. Then she will have more free time.Once ____________ Quite a few DVDs are missing from the shelves.Several people ____________ Peter wasnt always so moody.Peter didnt ____________ Quiz Answers This will be my students first performance in Canada.This will be the first time my student has performed in Canada. This course will take us six months to complete.In six months time, we will have completed this course. There will be someone to meet you on arrival.​When you arrive someone will be there. The number of people who understand his ideas exceeds his expectations.More people understand him than he expects. The money didnt arrive for a month.It was a month before the money arrived. The last time I saw him was in 2001.I havent seen him since 2001. Shell have to make her presentation at the end of his speech.The moment he finishes shell have to make her presentation. Sharon will finish her exams. Then she will have more free time.Once Sharon has finished her exams she will have more free time. Quite a few DVDs are missing from the shelves.Several people have not returned (their) DVDs. Peter wasnt always so moody.Peter didnt use to be so moody.