Writing: Sentences and Paragraphs

This lesson covers content statement L1.25: constructing complex sentences and using paragraphs to organise your writing. At Level 1, you are expected to write in clear sentences (including some complex ones) and group your ideas into paragraphs. This lesson will show you exactly what that means and how to do it.

Good sentence and paragraph skills make a big difference to your marks. Even simple ideas sound better when they are expressed in well-built sentences and organised into clear paragraphs. And the good news is that these are skills you can improve quickly with practice.

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What Makes a Sentence?

A sentence is a group of words that makes complete sense on its own. Every sentence needs:

1. A subject (who or what the sentence is about)
2. A verb (what the subject is doing or being)
3. A complete thought (the sentence must make sense on its own)

Example	Subject	Verb	Complete Thought?
The office closes at 5pm.	The office	closes	Yes — this is a sentence
Running down the corridor.	?	Running	No — who is running? What happened? This is a fragment
Sarah.	Sarah	?	No — what about Sarah? This is a fragment
The new schedule starts on Monday.	The new schedule	starts	Yes — this is a sentence

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Three Types of Sentence

At Level 1, you need to use three types of sentence. You do not need to label them in the exam, but you do need to write them.

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has one main idea (one subject and one verb).

• The shop opens at 9am.
• I emailed the report yesterday.
• Staff must wear safety boots.

Simple sentences are clear and easy to understand. They are good for making important points stand out.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence joins two simple sentences together using a joining word (conjunction). The most common joining words are:

Joining Word	What It Does	Example
and	Adds information	I printed the report and I sent it to my manager.
but	Shows a contrast	The meeting was long but it was useful.
or	Shows a choice	You can email the form or you can hand it in at reception.
so	Shows a result	The car park was full so I parked on the street.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence has a main part (that makes sense on its own) and a dependent part (that adds extra information but does not make sense on its own).

The dependent part often starts with words like:

Starter Words	Example
because	I was late because the bus broke down.
although	Although it was raining, we walked to the meeting.
when	When the alarm sounds, leave the building immediately.
if	If you need help, speak to your supervisor.
while	While the office is being cleaned, please use Room 3.
after	After the training session, there will be a short quiz.
before	Please wash your hands before returning to work.
since	Since the new system was introduced, complaints have dropped.
until	Wait here until your name is called.

At Level 1, you are developing this skill. You do not need to write complex sentences in every line, but you should include some in your writing. Mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences makes your writing more interesting to read.

Exam Tip: Try to include at least 2–3 complex sentences in each writing task. A good way to start is to begin a sentence with "Although...", "Because...", "When...", or "If..." and then finish it with the main point.

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Common Sentence Errors

Sentence Fragments

A fragment is an incomplete sentence — it is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.

Fragment	Problem	Corrected
Running late again.	No subject — who is running late?	I was running late again.
Because the bus was cancelled.	No main clause — what happened because of this?	I was late because the bus was cancelled.
The new coffee machine in the break room.	No verb — what about it?	The new coffee machine in the break room is now working.

Run-On Sentences

A run-on is two sentences joined together without proper punctuation or a joining word.

Run-On	Problem	Corrected
The meeting finished late I missed my bus.	Two sentences with no punctuation between them	The meeting finished late, so I missed my bus.
I sent the email he did not reply I sent it again.	Three sentences all pushed together	I sent the email, but he did not reply. I sent it again.

Comma Splices

A comma splice is when two complete sentences are joined with only a comma (without a joining word).