Cleft sentences: Adding emphasis

This exercise focuses on cleft sentences—structures used to emphasize a specific part of a sentence, such as It was her voice that caught my attention or What I need is more time. You’ll work with complete, natural examples to identify or complete cleft constructions accurately. Cleft sentences are common in spoken and written English and mastering them helps you highlight key information more effectively. Ideal for B2 learners working on clarity and impact in their English expression.

1. _____ that impressed the committee the most.

It is her dedication

Her dedication it was

It was her dedication

2. _____ is a bit of peace and quiet.

That I need

What I need

It is what I need

3. _____ that we first met.

On Friday it was

It was on Friday

That was on Friday

4. _____ was the constant interruptions.

What annoyed him

That he was annoyed

He was annoyed by

5. _____ who broke the vase, not me.

It is my brother

My brother it was

It was my brother

6. _____ was the new budget plan.

What we discussed

It was what we discussed

That we discussed

7. _____ that she made her decision.

After the meeting it was

It was after the meeting

She made her decision after the meeting

8. _____ was a chance to explain.

What she really wanted

She wanted really

That she really wanted

9. _____ that they got engaged.

It was in Paris

They got engaged in Paris

Paris it was

10. _____ is the main argument.

You should focus on

What you should focus on

It is what you should focus

11. _____ that I realized the truth.

Only then it was

It was only then

Then I realized

12. _____ is her way of thinking.

What makes her unique

That makes her unique

Her way of thinking makes