## **Learning Outcomes**

After studying this article, you will be able to identify and use a wide variety of English grammar structures with accuracy in TOEFL Speaking and Writing sections. You will understand what grammar range and accuracy means, how to demonstrate complex sentences, minimize errors, and show consistent control over language. You will also be able to evaluate your own output to meet the criteria TOEFL raters expect for high scores.

## **TOEFL iBT Syllabus**

For TOEFL, you are required to demonstrate effective control and range of grammar across Speaking and Writing. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:

- Produce sentences that show a range of English structures, including simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Make accurate choices of verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and word forms.
- Limit grammatical errors so that meaning is always clear.
- Use advanced grammatical structures, such as passive voice, conditional sentences, and reduced clauses, where appropriate.
- Maintain grammatical consistency and control throughout longer spoken and written responses.

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. Why does TOEFL reward the use of both simple and complex sentence structures in your answers?
2. What is the difference between "grammar range" and "grammar accuracy"?
3. What are two examples of avoidable grammar mistakes that can reduce your score in TOEFL Speaking or Writing?
4. Why is it important that grammatical errors “do not obscure meaning” on TOEFL?

## **Introduction**

Grammar range and accuracy refer to how well you use different types of sentence structures—and how correctly you use them—in your spoken and written English. TOEFL examiners expect you to show not only correct grammar but also a mixture of structures that fit the task. This includes both simple and more complex sentences, with few mistakes.

> **Key Term: Grammar Range**
> The variety of sentence types and structures a speaker or writer uses to express ideas, including simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.
>
> **Key Term: Grammar Accuracy**
> The correctness of grammar usage—how few errors a speaker or writer makes, so meaning is always clear and speech or writing feels “natural.”

## Why Grammar Range and Accuracy Matter

High-scoring TOEFL responses combine a wide range of grammar with precise control. This means you can use different structures comfortably and make few, if any, mistakes that affect understanding. Raters look for clear evidence that you can form sentences in diverse ways, use tenses and word forms correctly, and control agreement and word order even when expressing more complicated ideas.

## Understanding Sentence Types

English sentences can be simple (one idea), compound (two or more ideas joined together), or complex (ideas joined by subordinate clauses).

> **Key Term: Complex Sentence**
> A sentence that contains an independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause, showing advanced grammar use.

Mixing all these structures makes your English sound natural and advanced. Longer responses, in particular, need this mixture to show range.

## Common Elements of Grammar Range

- Simple sentences for clarity:  
  “The process was difficult.”
- Compound sentences for connecting ideas:  
  “The experiment was difficult, but the results were impressive.”
- Complex sentences for showing relationships:  
  “Although the experiment was challenging, it produced impressive results.”
- Passive and active voice  
  “The data were collected by the researcher.” / “The researcher collected the data.”
- If-clauses and conditionals  
  “If the participants had known the risks, they might not have volunteered.”

## Common Grammar Accuracy Errors

Grammar accuracy means making correct choices with:

- Subject-verb agreement (e.g., “She speaks” not “She speak”)
- Verb tense consistency (“They have seen” not “They have saw”)
- Proper word forms (“decision” vs. “decide”)
- Correct use of prepositions (“interested in” not “interested on”)
- Correct article usage (“a result” not “result” or “the result” when needed)

Mistakes in these areas can make responses difficult to understand or “unnatural.”

## How TOEFL Raters Score Grammar

Raters consider both range and accuracy together. High marks are given if you:

- Use several types of sentences (not just simple ones)
- Attempt advanced structures (even with rare, minor slips)
- Make few errors, and those errors never interfere with meaning.

A response with only simple grammar, or one with frequent errors, will score lower.

> **Key Term: Error Obscuring Meaning**
> An error in grammar, vocabulary, or word order that makes it difficult or impossible for a listener or reader to understand your message.

## Strategies for Expanding Grammar Range and Accuracy

- Learn and practice different sentence patterns (conditionals, passives, relative clauses).
- Review and self-edit for common accuracy mistakes.
- When speaking, pause slightly before complex structures for clarity.
- When writing, revise drafts to combine simpler sentences where possible.
- Use reference materials and checklists to spot mistakes before submission.

### **Worked Example 1.1**

In the following TOEFL Writing sample, evaluate the grammar range and accuracy.

**Student Response:**  
Cities should ban all cars because it cause a lot of pollution and is very danger for people live around highways.

**Question:**  
Identify the grammatical errors and suggest improvements for both accuracy and range.

> **Answer:**  
> Errors: “it cause” (should be ‘causes’); “is very danger” (should be ‘is very dangerous’); “people live” (should be ‘people who live’).  
> Improvements: Add complex sentence structures, e.g.,  
> “Cities should ban all cars because they cause a lot of pollution and are very dangerous for people who live around highways.”  
> Or add range:  
> “If cities banned cars, there would be less pollution, and residents would be safer.”

### **Worked Example 1.2**

_Sample TOEFL Speaking response:_  
“I like reading books. I read one yesterday. It was interesting. I recommend it.”

**Question:**  
Does this answer show sufficient grammar range? Rewrite it to add range and maintain accuracy.

> **Answer:**  
> No, this answer uses only simple sentences. Improved version:  
> “I enjoy reading books because they provide new information and entertainment. For example, I read one yesterday that was very interesting, so I recommend it to anyone looking for a good story.”

### **Worked Example 1.3**

_Read the following sentence:_  
“Although technology advanced quickly, but many people couldn’t afford computers.”

**Question:**  
What is the grammatical mistake? How can it be corrected?

> **Answer:**  
> The use of both “Although” and “but” is incorrect. Only one is needed.  
> Corrected: “Although technology advanced quickly, many people couldn’t afford computers.”

### **Exam Warning**

> Many candidates try to use advanced grammar without control, causing errors that make their ideas unclear. Only use complex structures if you are sure you can use them accurately.

### **Revision Tip**

> When practicing TOEFL Speaking or Writing, record your answers and check for grammar errors. Look for variety and correctness: both are essential for a high score.

## **Summary**

Grammar range and accuracy mean using different types of sentences and advanced structures correctly and consistently. High marks require both variety and precision. Mistakes that make meaning unclear will lower your score.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Show a mixture of simple, compound, and complex sentences in Speaking and Writing responses.
- Use a range of structures including passives, conditionals, and relative clauses.
- Maintain accuracy with verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, and prepositions.
- Limit errors, especially those that make meaning unclear.
- Aim for complexity only if you can use it without causing confusion.
- Regularly review your output for grammar mistakes and variety.

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- Grammar Range
- Grammar Accuracy
- Complex Sentence
- Error Obscuring Meaning

Delivery and language control - Grammar range and accuracy