Write in connected sentences.

Short, choppy sentences read like a list. Strong CELPIP writing joins ideas with logical connectors, so each sentence carries a reason, a contrast or a result.

The method

Prefer complex sentences to short ones. Every time you write two short sentences about the same idea, ask whether a connector could join them. The official rubric rewards a range of sentence structures and clear, controlled writing, so long sentences earn marks only while they stay easy to follow.

01Join two short, related ideas into one sentence with a connector.
02Keep one main idea per sentence. If a sentence needs two “and”s and a “but”, split it.
03Aim for most sentences between 15 and 30 words. Past about 35 words, readers lose the thread.
04Use one or two advanced connectors per paragraph. Stacking three in a row sounds memorised, not fluent.
05Use one short sentence now and then for emphasis. Variety is what the rubric rewards.
06Never start a sentence you cannot finish clearly. A correct simple sentence beats a broken complex one.

Six ways to join two ideas

Give the reason in the same sentence

given that · seeing as · in light of

I want to move my appointment. I start a new job on Monday.

I would like to reschedule my appointment, given that I start a new position on Monday.

Concede, then argue

while it is true that · granted · admittedly

The bus is cheap. It takes almost an hour.

While it is true that the bus is affordable, it takes almost an hour to reach the city centre.

Add detail with a relative clause

which · whose · by which time · in which case

I bought a coffee maker last week. It has stopped working.

The coffee maker I purchased last week has already stopped working, which is hardly what one expects from a new product.

Show the chain of results

consequently · thereby · which, in turn,

The pool closed early. My children missed their lesson. They lost a week of practice.

The pool closed early without notice; consequently, my children missed their lesson, which, in turn, set their progress back a full week.

Set a condition

provided that · in the event that · otherwise

You could fix the heater. I would not need to stay elsewhere.

Provided that the heater is repaired this week, I will not need to stay with relatives; otherwise, I will have to make other arrangements.

Stack two points

not only … but also · coupled with

The new library is close to my home. It is open late.

The new library is not only within walking distance of my home but also open until nine, which suits my work schedule perfectly.

Before and after

Task 1 · Email

Short sentences

I live in apartment 4B. My heater is broken. It broke on Monday. It is very cold. I called the office. Nobody answered. I need it fixed soon.

Connected

I am writing with regard to the heater in apartment 4B, which stopped working on Monday. Given that temperatures have dropped below zero this week, the apartment has become uncomfortably cold. I have called the office twice; however, nobody has answered. With this in mind, I would be grateful if someone could repair it before the weekend.

Task 2 · Survey

Short sentences

I prefer Option A. Parks are busy. Many students use them. They need internet. It is not expensive.

Connected

I firmly support Option A, not only because our downtown parks are busy throughout the day but also because many of the students who study there cannot afford a home connection. Admittedly, some residents are concerned about the cost; nevertheless, a basic network is inexpensive compared to the benefit it would bring.

Templates

Fill the [gaps] with your own ideas. The connectors are what turn your points into complex sentences. Learn the shape, then make it your own: raters notice memorised paragraphs that ignore the question.

Task 1 · Formal email

To a manager, company, landlord, school or council.

About 170 words when filled in

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last name], I am writing with regard to [the topic], which [one detail about the situation]. To begin with, [bullet point 1]. Granted, [something fair to the reader]; nevertheless, [the problem it caused me], given that [reason]. What is more, [bullet point 2]. As a consequence, [what happened], which, in turn, means that [why it matters to me]. With this in mind, I would be grateful if you could [bullet point 3: the action you want] at your earliest convenience. In the event that this is not possible, I would be happy to [a reasonable alternative]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, [Full name]

Task 1 · Informal email

To a friend, neighbour, relative or co-worker you know well.

About 170 words when filled in

Hi [First name], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing because [the reason], and seeing as [why it matters now], I thought I would let you know right away. First off, [bullet point 1], which [a detail that makes it personal]. On top of that, [bullet point 2]. Admittedly, [a small difficulty]; even so, I think [your positive view], since [reason]. Last but not least, [bullet point 3]. Provided that you are free on [day], how about [suggestion]? That way, [the benefit]. Let me know what you think, and give my best to [someone]. Take care, [Your name]

Task 2 · Survey response

Choose Option A or B and defend it.

About 180 words when filled in

Having considered both options, I firmly believe that [Option A/B] is the better choice for [the community / our city / the company], not only because [reason 1] but also because [reason 2]. First and foremost, [reason 1]. To illustrate, [a specific example from daily life], which clearly shows that [link back to your opinion]. Beyond that, [reason 2]. While it is true that [the strongest point for the other option], [your answer to it], given that [support]. Above all, [a short third reason]; consequently, [its effect]. All things considered, [Option A/B] would [the main benefit], and I sincerely hope that [the organisation running the survey] will choose it.

Upgrade your connectors

Most candidates write because, so and also on repeat. Swap in the alternatives on the right, one or two per paragraph, and your writing reads at a higher level straight away.

JobInstead ofWriteExample

Add a point

and, also

What is moreBeyond thatNot to mentionEqually importantCoupled with

The route is faster; not to mention, it avoids the construction on Main Street.

Give a reason

because

Given thatSeeing asIn light ofOn the grounds thatOwing to the fact that

Given that most residents work downtown, an earlier bus would be widely used.

Show a result

ConsequentlyAs a consequenceHencetherebywhich, in turn,

The schedule changed without notice; consequently, several parents missed the pickup.

Contrast

but, however

By contrastConverselyNeverthelessNonethelessEven so

Option A is cheaper to build. By contrast, Option B would cost less to maintain.

Concede, then argue

although

Granted,Admittedly,That being said,While it is true thatNotwithstanding

Granted, the gym is small; that being said, it has everything I need.

Give an example

for example

To illustrate,A case in point isTake … for instanceNamely,

Online services save time. A case in point is renewing a licence, which now takes minutes.

Set a condition

Provided thatIn the event thatAssuming thatOn condition thatOtherwise,

In the event that the room is unavailable, we could meet in the library instead.

Emphasise

very important

Above all,Most importantly,Indeed,In particular,Not only … but also

Above all, a community garden would bring neighbours together.

Clarify

I mean

In other words,That is to say,To put it simply,More specifically,

The plan is unaffordable; in other words, taxes would have to rise.

Request politely

please

I would be grateful ifWould it be possible toI was wondering whetherat your earliest convenience

I would be grateful if you could send the revised invoice at your earliest convenience.

Conclude

in conclusion

All things considered,Taking everything into account,On balance,Ultimately,With this in mind,

On balance, keeping the library open is the wiser use of public money.

Download the PDFs

Print them, keep them beside you while you practise, and fill the gaps by hand.

Before you submit

Every bullet point (Task 1) or your chosen option (Task 2) is clearly covered.
At least five sentences use a connector to join two ideas.
Each paragraph has one or two advanced connectors, not a pile of them.
No sentence runs past about 35 words.
150 to 200 words. The spell-checker underlines mistakes but offers several choices, so pick the right word carefully.

Try it on a real task: Writing Test 1 is free, timed like the real exam, with the same kind of spell-checker.

Start Writing Test 1