Preface

This guide is ideal for either individual or classroom use. To use this material
most effectively, it is sometimes best not to simply begin at the beginning and go
 through to the end. Pace yourself. Make full use of the cross-referenced answers, table
of contents, index, appendix, and clearly organized review for efficient study
throughout your TOEFL prediction.

Allow yourself as much study time as possible. Study over several months, if you
can, slowly and methodically, in conjunction with your regular study of English.

M.E.J
Jakarta 2015

Contents

Topic Page
Preface .................................................................................................................. 0
Contents ................................................................................................................ 1
SECTION 1: LISTENING COMPREHENSION .................................................. 120
SECTION 2: STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION .............................. 125

SECTION 3: READING COMPREHENSION ……….......……………...… 95

DIAGNOSTIC PRE-TEST…………………………………………................ 112
REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………...125

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 SECTION1 LISTENINGCOMPREHENSION
Paper-Based TOEFL

GENERAL STRATEGIES
1. Be familiar with the directions. The directions on every TOEFL test are the same, so it is not
necessary to listen carefully to them each time. You should be completely familiar with the
directions before the day of the test.
2. Listen carefully to the conversations and talks. You should concentrate fully on what the speakers
are saying in the recording program, because you will hear it one time only.
3. Know where the easier and more difficult questions are generally found. Within each part of
the Listening Comprehension section, the questions generally progress from easy to difficult.
4. Never leave any answers blank on your answer sheet. Even if you are unsure of the correct
response, you should answer each question. There is no penalty for guessing.
5. Use any remaining time to look ahead at the answers to the questions that follow. When you
finish with one question, you may have time to look ahead at the answers to the next question.
Example
On the recording, you hear:
(man) I‘ve always wanted to visit Hawaii with you.
(woman) Why not next month?
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

In your test book, you read:

A. Next month isn’t a good time for the trip.

B. She doesn’t want to go to Hawaii. C. She suggests taking the
trip next month.
D. She’s curious about why he doesn’t want to go.
Answer: C

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Explanation: Why not next month? is a suggestion that they take the trip next month. ------- THE
LISTENING PART A QUESTIONS -------
STRATEGIES FOR THE LISTENING PART A QUESTIONS
1. As you listen to each short conversation, focus on the second line of the conversation. The
answer to the question is generally found in the second line.
2. Keep in mind that the correct answer is probably a restatement of a key word or idea in
the second line of the conversation. Think of possible restatements.
3. Keep in mind that certain structures and expressions are tested regularly in Listening
Part A. Listen for these structures and expressions:
• structures (passives, negatives, wishes, conditions)
• functional expressions (agreement, uncertainty, suggestion, surprise)
• idiomatic expressions (two-part verbs, three-part verbs, idioms)
4. Keep in mind that these questions generally progress from easy to difficult. This means
that questions 1 through 5 will be the easiest, and questions 26 through 30 will be the hardest.

5. Read the answers and choose the best answer to each question. Remember to answer each
question even if you are not sure of the correct response. Never leave any answers blank.

6. Even if you do not understand the complete conversation, you can find the correct
answer.
• If you only understood a few words or ideas in the second line, choose the answer
that contains a restatement of those words or ideas.
• If you did not understand anything at all in the second line of the conversation, choose
the answer that sounds the most different from what you heard.
• Never choose an answer because it sounds like what you heard in the conversation.
SKILL 1: FOCUS ON THE SECOND LINE
STRATEGY

1. The second line of the conversation probably contains the answer to the question.
2. Listen to the first line of the conversation. If you understand it, that’s good. If you don’t understand
it, don’t worry because it probably does not contain the answer.
3. Be ready to focus on the second line of the conversation because it probably contains the answer.
Repeat the second line in your mind as you read through the answers in the text.

Example
On the recording, you hear:
(man) Billy really made a big mistake this time.
(woman) Yes, he forgot to turn in his research paper.
(narrator) What does the woman say about Billy?

In your test book, you read:

A. It was the first time he made a mistake.
B. He forgot to write his paper.
C. He turned in the paper in the wrong place D. He didn’t remember to submit his assignment.
Answer: D

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Explanation: The second line of this conversation indicates that Billy forgot to turn in his paper, and this
means that he did not remember to submit it.

EXERCISE 1

1. (man) Can you tell me if today’s matinee is a comedy, romance, or western?

(woman) I have no idea.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

A. She has strong ideas about movies. B. She prefers comedies over westerns and romances.
C. She doesn’t like today’s matinee.
D. She does not know.

2. (woman) Was anyone at home at Barb’s house when you went there to deliver the package?
(man) I rang the bell, but no one answered? (narrator)
What does the man imply?

A. Barb answered the bell. B. The house was probably empty.

C. The bell wasn’t in the house.
D. The house doesn’t have a bell.

3. (woman) You just got back from the interview for the internship.
How do you think it went?
(man) I think it’s highly unlikely that I got the job.
(narrator) What does the man suggest?

A. It’s unlikely that he’ll go to the interview.

B. He thinks he’ll be recommended for a high-level job.
C. The interview was apparently quite unsuccessful.
D. He had an excellent interview.

TOEFL EXERCISE 1: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should focus carefully in the second
line.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 1

1. A. He is leaving now. B. She thinks the dinner sounds special.C.
B. He has to go out of his way. She especially likes the roast turkey.
C. He will not be leaving soon. D. She’d prefer a different dinner.
D. He will do it his own way.
4. A. He’ll be busy with her homework tonight B.
2. A. He locked the door. He can’t help her tonight.
B. He tried unsuccessfully to get into the C. He’s sorry he can’t ever help her.
house. D. He’ll help her with her physics.
C. He was able to open the door.
D. He left the house without locking the 5. A. Her eyes hurt.
door. B. She thought the lecture was great.C. The
class was boring.
3. A. She doesn’t like to listen to turkeys. D. She didn’t want to watch Professor Martin.

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6. A. Not all the bills have been paid. B. Tim was there only for a moment.
B. They don’t have enough credit to pay the C. Tim was around a short time ago.
bills. D. Tim will return in a minute.9. A. She
C. What she said on the phone was not
credible. doesn’t like the place he chose.
D. He used a credit card to pay some of the
bills. B. She doesn’t want to get into the car.
C. She’ glad the spot is received.
7. A. She’ll call back quickly. D. They can’t park the car there.
B. She’ll definitely be back by 4:00.
C. She’ll give it back by 4:00. 10. A. There’s plenty to eat.
D. She’ll try to return fast.8. A. She hasn’t B. The refrigerator’s broken.
C. The food isn’t in the refrigerator.
seen Tim. D. He’s not sure if there’s enough.

SKILL 2: CHOOSE ANSWERS WITH SYNONYMS

STRATEGY

1. As you listen to the second line of the conversation, focus on key words in that line.
2. If you see any synonyms for key words in a particular answer, then you have probably found the
correct answer.
Example

On the recording, you hear:

(woman) Why is Barbara feeling so happy?
(man) She just started working in a real estate agency. (narrator)
What does the man say about Barbara?

In your test book, you read:

A. She always liked her work in real estate.
B. She began a new job.
C. She just bought some real estate.
D. She bought a real estate agency. Answer: B

Explanation: In this conversation, the key word started means began, and the key word working refers to
job.

EXERCISE 2

1. (woman) Did you see manager about the job in the bookstore?
(man) Yes, and I also had to fill out an application. (narrator)
What does the man mean?

A. He got a job as bookstore manager.

B. The bookstore was not accepting applications.
C. He saw a book about how to apply for jobs.
D. It was necessary to complete a form.

2. (man) We’re planning to leave for the trip at about 2:00. (woman) Couldn’t we leave before noon?
(narrator) What does the woman ask?

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 A. If they could leave at noon. B. If it is possible to go by 12:00.
C. Why they can’t leave at noon.
D. If they could leave the room.
3. (man) Was the concert well received?
(woman) The audience applauded for a long time after the performance.
(narrator) What does the woman say about concert?

A. The performance went on for a long time.

B. There was applause throughout the performance.
C. The people clapped on and on after the concert.
D. The audience waited for a long time for the concert to begin.

TOEFL EXERCISE 2: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should look for synonyms for key
words in second line.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 2

1. A. The final exam was harder than theothers. B. A firefighter saved the hillside last night. C.
B. There were two exams rather than one. The homes on the hillside were burned.
C. he thought the exam would be easier. D. The houses weren’t destroyed.
D. The exam was not very difficult.
7. A. There’s enough soup.B. The spices are
2. A. He’s not feeling very well. adequate.
B. He’s rather sick of working. C. She thinks the soup’s too salty.
C. He’s feeling better today than yesterday. D. The man should add more salt and paper.
D. He’d really rather not answer the question.
8. A. He was lucky to receive a grant for
3. A. The company was founded about a year hisstudies.
ago. B. He used his fortune to pay his fees.
B. It was just established that he could go into C. He is a scholar at a college with low fees.
business. D. He paid to get a scholarship.
C. The family is well established.
D. The business only lasted a year. 9. A. It profited from previous mistakes.B. It
earned a lot of money.
4. A. He did not look at the right schedule.B. The C. This was the last year that it would makea
plane landed in the right place. profit.
C. The plane arrived on time. D. It was not so successful.
D. He had to wait for the plane to land.
10. A. Chuck’s bank account has too much money
5. A. She’d rather go running. in it.
B. She doesn’t want to go into the pool. B. He thinks Chuck has the wrong kind ofbank
C. She’ll change clothes quickly and go account.
swimming. C. He thinks that Chuck is on his way home
D. She needs a sweatsuit to go running from the bank.
D. There isn’t enough money in
6. A. The firefighters saved the homes for last. Chuck’saccount.
SKILL 3: AVOID SIMILAR SOUNDS
STRATEGY

1. Identify key words in the second line of the conversation.

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 Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man) Why couldn’t Mark come with us?
(woman) He was searching for a new apartment.
(narrator) What does the woman say about Mark?

In your test book, you read:

A. He was in the department office.
B. He was looking for a place to live.
C. He was working on his research project.
D. He had an appointment at church.
Answer: B
2. Identify words in the answers that contain similar sounds, and do not choose these answers.
Explanation: The key words in the second conversation are searching and apartment. In answers (C) and
(D) the words research and church sound like search, so these answers are incorrect. In answers (A) and
(D), the words department and appointment sound like apartment, so these answers are incorrect.

EXERCISE 3

1. (woman) I heard that Sally just moved into a new, big house near the beach.
(man) But Sally doesn’t have a cent!
(narrator) What does the man mean?

A. Sally has no sense of responsibility.

B. Sally sent her friend to the house.
C. Sally has no money.
D. Sally is on the set with her.

2. (woman) Did they get the new car they wanted? (man) No, they lacked the money.
(narrator) What does the man mean?

A. They locked the map in a car.

B. They looked many times in the car. C. It cost a lot of money when the car leaked oil.
D. They didn’t have enough money to buy another car.

3. (man) Have you finished packing yet?

(woman) You should call the porter to get the suitcases.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

A. It’s important to pack the suitcases.

B. They needed help carrying their bags.
C. The man should pack his suit in case he needs it.
D. The suitcases are quite portable.

TOEFL EXERCISE 3: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be careful to avoid answers
with similar sounds.

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NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 3
1. A. She has to wait for some cash. B. The shoe salesclerk spent twenty
B. The waiter is bringing a glass of water. dollarson pears.
C. The lawn is too dry. C. The shoes cost twenty dollars.
D. She needs to watch out for a crash. D. The shoes could be repaired for
twentydollars. 7. A. Tom tended to dislike
2. A. The sweater’s the wrong size.
B. The man’s feet aren’t sweating. biology lab.
C. The sweater makes the man seem fat. B. Attendance wasn’t necessary at biology lab.
D. The sweet girl doesn’t feel right. C. Tom went to biology lab.
D. There was a tendency to require biology
3. A. He has been regularly using a computer. lab.
B. He communicates with a Boston company.
C. He regularly goes to communities 8. A. The meal will be served at soon.B. The
aroundBoston. males should be driven there by noon
D. He has been traveling back and forth C. He’s expecting the ice to melt before noon
toBoston. 4. A. He though the lesson didn’t D. The letters ought to be delivered at 12:00.
matter. B. He couldn’t learn the lesson.
9. A. The weather will probably get worse later.
C. He learned a massive number of details. B. The newspaper headlines described a bad
D. He didn’t like most of the lesson. storm.
C. There was news about a headstrong man.
5. A. Some animals started the first fire. B.
D. He had a new bed.
Animals are killed by forest fires.
C. In the first frost, animals die. 10. A. If she could do the grocery shopping.
D. Frost can kill animals. B. If she prefers cooked vegetables or salad.

TOEFL EXERCISE (Skill 1-3): In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in
the recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE (SKILL 1-3).

6. A. Twenty pairs of shoes are on sale. C. If she could help prepare the salad.
D. If she minds shopping for vegetables.
1. A. He would like some iced coffee. 4. A. The department is not changing
B. He wants to stop drinking coffee. therequirements.
C. A drink seems like a good idea. B. He hasn’t heard anything about the change.
D. He needs to drink something to stop C. The changes are believable.
hiscoughing. D. What has happened is incredible to him.
5. A. The wait has taken close to an hour.B. They
2. A. She would prefer a sunny day.B. The park is were stranded in their car.
too crowded. C. She would like a place that is C. Most of the people have been in line
not so loud. forhours.
D. She cannot walk because she’s too old. D. They made a line in the sand.

3. A. He should open an account. 6. A. The instructor is selecting several passages.

B. He should take a ride on a ship. B. The conductor is fair to the passengers.
C. He should try to keep the cost cheap. C. The stamp collector is conducting his
D. He should try something monotonous to get business.
to sleep. D. The riders are paying for the train trip.

9
7. A. The managers will take the train to D. The firefighter started to attack the
theprogram.
fire.9. A. He assured the woman that he knew
B. A program to develop new managerswill
commence soon. the truth. B. He is sure that it isn’t new.
C. The new management program is very C. He thought that the woman was aware
weak. ofwhat happened.
D. The program will be maintained to the letter. D. He soon will know the truth.
8. A. The fire started to attack the building.B. The
10. A. The art professor is not one of his fans.
firefighter stared at the attacker.
B. His drawings were amazing.
C. The fire probably began at the top of
C. The catches that he mad were fantastic.
thebuilding.
D. His sketches showed a fantasy world.
SKILL 4: DRAW CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WHO, WHAT, WHERE

STRATEGY

It is common for you to be asked to draw one of the following conclusions in Listening Part
A:

1. WHO is probably talking?

2. WHAT will s/he probably do next?
3. WHERE does the conversation probably take place?

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 Example
On the recording, you hear:

(woman) Can you tell me what assignments I missed when I was absent from your class?
(man) You missed one homework assignment and a quiz. (narrator) Who
is the man?

A. A newspaper editor
B. A police officer.
C. A teacher
D. A student Answer: C

Explanation: The clues your class, homework, and quiz in the conversation tell you that the man is
probably a teacher.

Example
On the recording, you hear:

(woman) Are you going to read those books here in the library?
(man) I think I’d rather check them out now and take them home.
(narrator) What will the man probably do next?

A. Sit down in the library.

B. Look for some more books.
C. Return the books to shelves.
D. Go to the circulation desk. Answer: D

Explanation: The man says that he would like to check the books out now. Since the circulation desk is
where you go to check books out from a library, the man will probably go to the circulation desk next.

Example
On the recording, you hear:

(woman) Are you going into the water, or are you just going to lie there on the sand?
(man) I think I need to put on some suntan lotion.
(narrator) Where does this conversation probably take place?

A. At a beauty salon.
B. At the beach
C. In a sandbox.
D. At an outdoor restaurant. Answer: B

Explanation: The clues water, sand, and suntan lotion in the conversation tell you that this conversation
probably takes place at the beach.
EXERCISE 4

1. (man) I’d like to deposit this check in my account, please.

(woman) Would you like any cash back?
(narrator) Who is the woman?

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 A. A store clerk B. A bank teller.
C. An accountant
D. A waitress

2. (woman) Have you deposited your paycheck yet?

(man) No, but that’s next on my list of errands.
(narrator) What will the man probably do next?

A. Earn his payback

B. Write a check for a deposit on an apartment.
C. Go to a Bank.
D. Make a list of errands to run.

3. (man) Did you get the board, eggs, and milk?

(woman) Now we need to stand in line at the checkout counter.
(narrator) Where does this conversation probably take place?

A. In a restaurant.
B. At a bakery.
C. On a farm.
D. In a market.

TOEFL EXERCISE 4: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You will have to draw conclusions about
who, what, and where.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 4

1. (A) In a photography studio.(B) In a 5. (A) A salesclerk in a shoe store.(B) A shoe
biology laboratory. repairperson.
(C) In an office. (C) A party caterer.
(D) In the library. (D) A salesclerk in a fixtures department.
6. (A) On a playground(B) In a parking lot.
2. (A) He’s pilot. (C) At a zoo.
(B) He’s a flight attendant (D) In a photo studio.
(C) He’s a member of the grounds crew.
(D) He works clearing land. 7. (A) Respond to the mail.
(B) Put the letters in a file.
3. (A) Wash the dishes immediately. (C) It depends on where the file is.
(B) Use as many dishes as possible. (D) File the answers she received to the letters
(C) Wash the dishes for as long as
possible.(D) Wait until later to clean up. 8. (A) In a airplane
(B) In a police car(C) In a theater.
4. (A) In a bank. (D)At a fierworks exhibit.
(B) In a restaurant.
(C) At a service station.(D) In a beauty
salon. 9. (A) Take care of Bob.
(B) Invite Bob to dinner.
(C) Let Bob know that they accept his
invitation (D) Respond to the woman’s question.

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10. (A) A pharmacist. (B) A dentist. (D) A bussiness manager.
(C) A teacher.
SKILL 5: LISTEN FOR WHO AND WHAT IN PASSIVES

PASSIVE STATEMENTS

1. If the conversation contains a passive statement, the answer to the question is often an active
statement.
2. If the conversation contains an active statement, the answer to the question is often a passive
statement.
___________________________________________________________________________ NOTE:
Check carefully who or what is doing the action in these questions.

Example
On the recording, you hear:

(man) Did Sally go to the bank this morning?

(woman) Yes, she did. She got a new checking account.
(narrator) What does the woman imply?

A. Sally wrote several checks.

B. Sally wanted to check up on the bank.
C. A new checking account was opened.
D. Sally checked on the balance in her account.
Answer: C
Explanation: In this conversation, the woman uses an active statement that means that Sally opened a
checking account. The correct answer uses the passive structure that a checking account was opened to
express the same idea.

EXERCISE 5

1. (woman) Alice needs to pay her tuition today.

(man) But her tuition has already been paid.
(narrator) What does the man imply?

A. Alice’s education has paid off.

B. Alice’s tuition needs to be paid.
C. Alice’s has already paid her fees.
D. Alice’s has already received the money.

2. (man) Have you been taking good care of the lawn? (woman) I watered it only this morning.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

A. She drank some water on the lawn this morning.

B. She waited for him on the lawn this morning.
C. The lawn has already been watered today.
D. She wanted a new lawn this morning

3. (man) Did you hear the news about the child who was lost in the park?
(woman) Yes, and I heard that she was just found!.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

13
 A. Someone located the girl.
B. She heard about the new park from the child.
C. The child found her lost pet.
D. The child was the last one in the park.

TOEFL EXERCISE 5: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
passives.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 5

1. (A) If the restaurant is on the corner. (D) It was hard for people to ride the horses
(B) If the man would like to go to therestaurant. forlong
(C) If the vegetables are fresh.
(D) If vegetarian food can be obtained. 7. (A) He didn’t want the coffee that the
womanordered.
2. (A) He admitted that he wanted to go to (B) He wasn’t sure if the woman wanted coffee.
lawschool in the fall. (C) He assumed the woman had ordered coffee.
(B) The law schoold accepted him as a student. (D) He was unaware that coffee had alreadybeen
(C) The law professor admitted that he wouldbe ordered.
a student in the fall semester.
(D) He would be admitted to law school afterthe 8. (A) The car was in the left parking lot at the
fall semester airport. (B) The friends parked their car at the
airport. (C) The airport couldn’t hold a lot of
3. (A) Mark’s plants were cared for in his cars.
absence.(B) Mark’s plan was to be out of town. (D) There were a lot of cars to the left of the
(C) Mark was careful about his plans for theout- parking lot.
of-town trip.
(D) She was careful while Mark was gone. 9. (A) The students pointed at Mac.
(B) Mac was present when the other
4. (A) The lights in the trees were destroyed in the studentsmade the appointment.
storm. (C) The class representative suggested Mac
(B) The storm damaged the trees. tothe other students.
(C) The falling trees destroyed a store. (D) Mac was chosen by his classmates
(D) In the light the destruction of the storm torepresent them.
could be seen.
10. (A) After the earthquake, the insurance
5. (A) She was broke from skiing. company came out to inspect the damage.
(B) She went skiing in spite of her accidnt.(C) (B) The insurance company insisted that
Her leg was hurt on a skiing trip. thebuilding be prepared to meet earthquake
(D) Her skis were broken in the mountains safety standards.
(C) The inhabitants paid their premiums afterthe
6. (A) The road the horses took was long and earthquake.
hard.(B) It was hard to find the hidden houses. (D) The insurance company paid for the
(C) The riders worked the horses too much. earthquake damage.
SKILL 6: LISTEN FOR WHOAND WHATWITH MULTIPLE NOUNS

WHO AND WHAT WITH MULTIPLE NOUNS

When there are multiple nouns in a sentence, it is common for the answers to confuse which noun does
what.

14
 Example
On the recording, you hear:

(man) Do you know who is in the band now?

(woman) I heard that Mara replaced Robert in the band.
(narrator) What does the woman say about the band?

A. Robert became a new member of the band.

B. Robert took Mara’s place in the band.
C. Mara didn’t have a place in the band.
D. Mara took Robert’s place in the band.
Answer: D
Explanation: In the woman’s response to the man’s question, she talks about two people (Mara and
Robert), and these two people are confused in the answers. Because Mara replaced Robert, this means that
Mara is in the band and Robert is not.

EXERCISE 6

1. (man) Why is Bill not at work this week?

(woman) His doctor made him take a week off.
(narrator) What does the woman mean? A. The
doctor decided to take some time off from work.
B. The doctor told Bill he wasn’t too weak to work. C.
Bill was mad when the doctor took some time off.
D. Bill took a vacation on his doctor’s orders.
2. (man) Why is Paul going back home this summer?
(woman)
He’s returning to Vermont for his sister’s wedding .
(narrator) What does the woman mean?
A. Paul is getting married this summer.
B. Paul’s sister is returning from Vermont to get married.
C. Paul will be there when his sister gets married this summer.
D. Paul’s sister is coming to his wedding in Vermont.
3. (man) Did you hear that John’s uncle died?
(woman)
Yes, and John was named beneficiary in his uncle’s will.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?
A. John received an inheritance when his uncle died.
B. It’s benefit that John’s name is the same as his uncle’s. C. John knows
that his uncle will come to the benefit.
D. John’s uncle gave him a beneficial name.

TOEFL EXERCISE 6: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
who is doing what.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 6

1. (A) The passenger waited at the corner.

(B) The passenger looked for a taxi at the corner.

15
 (C) The cab driver waited for the passenger.
(D) The passenger cornered the waiting taxi driver.

2. (A) It was hard for her to hear Jane last night. (B) Jane gave a harp recital last night.
(C) Jane was playing hard while she was hurt. (D)
She played ther harp last night for Jane.

3. (A) The baby sister went to bed quite early.

(B) The children were forced to go to bed early.
(C) The baby-sitter made the bed after the children got up. (D) The baby-
sitter did not stay up late.

4. (A) The man taught his son about football.

(B) The boy is receiving the ball from his dad.
(C) The ball is being tossed into the air by the boy.(D) The man is
playing with the ball in the sun.

5. (A) The students were told to go listen to the speaker. (B) The professor attended that evening’s
lecture.
(C) The students were given directions to the lecture. (D)
The professor was directed to the lecture hall.

6. (A) The manager went to the supply room. (B) The clerck set supplies on the floor.
(C) The clerk went to the supply room at the manager’s request.
(D) The clerk backed into the manager in the supply room.

7. (A) The librarian was quite reserved with the students for two days.
(B) Within two days the librarian had the books for the students.
(C) The librarian asked the students for the books.
(D) The students put the books on hold for two days.

8. (A) The chairman decided that Tony would serve on the board for another year.
(B) The chairman elected the board.
(C) The board decided Tony could be chairman after one year.(D) Tony
became chairman for one more year.

9. (A) The judge defended the murderer.

(B) The judge tried to protect the defendant from the murderer. (C)
The judge said that the defendant was a criminal.
(D) The defense couldn’t make a judgement about the criminal.

10. (A) The woman should announce the names of the committee members. (B) He is thankful to be
appointed to the committee.
(C) He is sure about the time of the appointment with the committee. (D)
The woman will serve on the committee.

TOEFL EXERCISE (Skill 4-6): In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in
the recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE (SKILL 4-6)

16
 1. (A) In a department store. (D) Additional copies are needed
(B) In a stationery store. immediately.
(C) At the post office.
(D) At the airport. 6. (A) The professor bought two books.

2. (A) The teacher gave the (B) The students had to purchase
students a hand. (B) The twobooks.
term papers were turned (C) The students sold two books to
in. theprofessor.
(C) The students got the (D) The students were required to
papers from the office. readtwo books by the professor.
(D) The teacher handed
the papers to the 7. (A) The doctor returned to the office.
students. (B) Jim asked the doctor to come to the
office.
3. (A) The attendant (C) The doctor will not return until next
checked the oil in Mark’s week.
car. (D) Jim was told to come back.
(B) Mark checked to see
if he had enough oil in 8. (A) Go to work in the lab.
his car. (B) Sample the work from the lab.
(C) Mark checked with (C) Have the samples delivered.(D) Send
the service station a note to the lab.
attendant.
(D) Mark wrote a check 9. (A) Mary became the new class president.
to pay for the oil. (B) Sue took her place as class president.
(C) In place of Mary, Sue became senior
4. (A) A delivery man. (B) A class president.
famous chef. (D) The senior class president replaced
(C) A clerk in a fast- Sue and Mary.
food restaurant. (D) An
airline steward. 10. (A) The panel was analyzed on the
television program.
5. (A) They need new print (B) A committee evaluated
for the additional copies.
TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skill 1-6): In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and
question in the recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (SKILL 1-6)
(B) They can make extra recentpolitical events.
copies ifnecessary. (C) The program featured
(C) Priters are needed for apsychoanalyst.
the additional copies. (D) The panel discussed the
televisionprogram.
1. (A) He seemed to be rather hungry. (B) The parents have given Hannah
(B) She was quite angry at him. her allowance.
(C) He was trying to hang the posters. (C) Lately, the parents have not been
(D) She believes ha was mad. so loud.
(D) Hannah does not have to go tobed
2. (A) The parents are going to stay up early.
late.

17
 3. (A) At a department store. (B) At a (D) Getting the milk tomorrow
servoce station. instead.
(C) At a collection agency.(D) In a
delivery room. 8. (A) The receptionist welcomed the
4. (A) She just broke some eggs. (B) businesspeople.
They need to eat fast. (B) The man created a shipping and
(C) She is serious about the boat.(D) receiving business.
He has a choice to make. (C) The businesspeople were rather
greedy.
5. (A) It was urgent that Ellen do her (D) The businesspeople greeted the
best. receptionist.
(B) He really urged Ellen to do more. 9. (A) The police officer was stationed
(C) He was encouraged by Ellen to try near the tourist.
harder. (B) The tourist was forced
(D) Ellen told him that she was trying toaccompany the police officer.
to do better. (C) The tourist became mad at
thepolice station.
6. (A) The car stalled on the road. (B) (D) The tourist stated that the police
Someone took the car. afficer never came.
(C) Rob sold his car.
(D) Rob heard someone steal his car. 10. (A) He hasn’t seen her ideas.
7. (A) Buying the bigger container. (B) (B) It was a terrible deal.
Putting the milk in the car. (C) He doesn’t like the idea.
(C) Taking a carton that is smaller (D) It sounds magnificent to him.
SKILL 7: LISTEN FOR NEGATIVE EXPRESSIONS
TYPES OF NEGATIVE EXPRESSIONS
Expression Example Correct Answer
Regular negative: not or n’t Tom is not sad about the Not sad = happy
results.
Other negative: nobody, Nobody arrived on time. Nobody … on time = late
none, nothing, never Sal never works hard. Never works hard = lazy
Negative prefixes: un-, in-, The patient was insane. Insane = not sane = crazy
dis-
Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man) How did they get to their grandmother’s house in Maine in only five hours? (woman)
They didn’t drive slowly on the trip to Maine.
(narrator) What does the woman say about the trip?

A. They drove rather quickly.

B. They couldn’t have driven more slowly.

C. They wanted to travel slowly to Maine.
D. They didn’t drive to Maine.
Answer: A
Explanation: If they did not drive slowly to Maine, this means that they drove rather quickly. Notice that the
correct answer uses quickly, the opposite of slowly. The answers that use slowly are not correct.

18
EXERCISE 7
1. (man) I can’t seem to get the door unlocked.
(woman) That isn’t the right key for the door.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?
A. The key in the drawer is on the right.
B. The man should write the message on the door. C. The man has the
wrong key.
D. The right key isn’t in the drawer.
2. (man) Were you pleased with last week’s convention?
(woman) Nothing went as planned.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

A. The convention was disorganized.

B. She didn’t plan to attend the convention. C.
She planned the convention last week.
D. She wasn’t pleased with the last week of the convention.

3. (woman) Are you planning to go to college next year? (man) I am really

unsure about the idea.. (narrator) What does the man mean?

A. He definitely wants to go to college. B.

He is certain about his plans
C. He’s hesitant about attending college.
D. His idea is to go to college.

TOEFL EXERCISE 7: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
negative expressions.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 7.

1. (A) She is very busy. (C) The library closes at 6:00.
(B) She has lots of free time.(C) It is not (D) You can’t check out more than
necessary to take out the trash (D) She sixbooks in the summer.
will do it if she has time.
5. (A) Water the plants once a day.
2. (A) The interview is very important (B) He (B) Give the p[lants no more water.
is worried about the interview. (C) Water the plants often while the man
(C) What he’s wearing to the interview is is gone.
important. (D) Give the plants a limited amount of
(D) He is not concerned about water.
theinterview. 6. (A) The service satisfied her.
(B) The food was worse than the
3. (A) He has almost all the notes. (B) His service.(C) She though the service
attendance was perfect. was bad.
(C) He went to all the lectures but one. (D) Neither the food nor the service was
(D) He missed more than one psychology satisfying.
class.
7. (A) He told his kids to leave.
4. (A) They passed the library at 6:00. (B) He seriously wanted the woman to go.
(B) The library opens at 6:00 in (C) He was joking when he told
thesummer. thewoman to leave.

19
 (D) He left with the woman. (D) She prefers to leave.

8. (A) The project will take all their effort. 10. (A) The service at the hotel wasn’t too
(B) They have no other work to do. (C) It’s good.
impossible to finish. (D) They aren’t event (B) This hotel gave excellent service.
close to finishing the project. (C) The service at the hotel could have
been improved.
9. (A) She doesn’t mind an hour more. (B)
She’d rather stay more than an hour. (D) This hotel’s service was the same as
(C) It’s better to stay than ago. the service at other hotels.
SKILL 8: LISTEN FOR DOUBLE NEGATIVE EXPRESSIONS
DOUBLE NEGATIVES
Situation Example Meaning
Negative word (e.g., not, no, He didn’t like the unclean Did not like unclean office = liked clean
none) and a negative prefix office. office
(e.g., in-, un-, dis-)
Two negative verbs It isn’t snowing, so they Implies that they would go if it were
aren’t going to the mountains. snowing

Neither or not … either Sue didn’t like the movie, and Both did not like the movie
neither did Mark.

Example
On the recording, you hear:

(man) I can’t believe the news that I heard about the concert. (woman)
Well, it isn’t impossible for the concert to take place.
(narrator) What does the woman say about the concert?

A. There’s no possibility that the concert will take place.

B. The concert will definitely not take place. C. The concert might take
place.
D. The concert can’t take place
Answer: C
Explanation: If it isn’t impossible for the concert to take place, then it is possible and the modal might
indicates possibility.

EXERCISE 8

1. (man) Paula, you worked so hard setting up the field trip. (woman) I hope no one’s unhappy with
the arrangements.
(narrator) What does Paula mean?

A. She hopes everyone will be pleased. B. She knows no one is happy with what she has done.
C. She’s arranged to take a trip because she’s unhappy.
D. Everyone’s happy with the condition of the field.

2. (woman) How was your history exam?

(man) I didn’t study enough, so I didn’t do well.

20
 (narrator) What does the man mean?

A. He studied a lot and passed. B. He failed in spite of his effort.

C. He got a good grade even though he didn’t study.
D. His grade was poor because of inadequate preparation.

3. (man) Were your friends able to get tickets for the concert?.
(woman) Mark couldn’t get tickets for the concert, and neither could Paul.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?
A. Although Mark couldn’t get both tickets, Paul did.
B. Both were unable to obtain tickets
C. Neither Mark nor Paul wanted to go to the concert.
D. Mark tried to get tickets, but Paul didn’t.

TOEFL EXERCISE 8: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
double negatives.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 8.

1. (A) He’ll defnitely be elected. (B) Both Steve’s and Paul’s papers were
(B) The election is now complete. incomplete.
(C) She has high hopes for his chances. (C) Steve and Paul were busy doing their
(D) It may happen. term papers.
(D) When Steve wasn’t able to finish his
2. (A) Both parts of his game were bad. paper, Paul couldn’t help. 7.
(B) He served better than he volleyed. (A) It wasn’t George’s responsibility
(C) Some parts of his game were better to pay the bill. (B) Bill was
than others.
irresponsibleabout paying George’s
(D) He played rather well.
rent.
3. (A) It is a surprise that he was prepared. (C) George acted carelessly by not taking
(B) He was not ready, as usual. care of the bill.
(C) He prepared a really big surprise. (D) George took responsibility for the
(D) His strong preparation came as no unpaid bill.
surprise.
8. (A) It’s fortunate that he was accepted. (B)
4. (A) She left good enough to go out. It’s good that he wasn’t admitted.
(B) She went out to get some medicine. (C) Fortunately, the university didn’t
(C) She felt like dancing, so she went out admit him.
with everyone. (D) It’s too bad he was rejected.
(D) She stayed home because she was sick
9. (A) The first essay was better than the
5. (A) She has problems that others aren’t second.
aware of. (B) The first and second drafts couldn’t be
(B) Others aren’t aware of her problems. better.
(C) She knows she’s been a problem. (C) The second draft of the essay was
(D) She doesn’t have a care in the world. much better than the first.
(D) Both version were poorly written.
6. (A) Steve wanted to finish his paper, and
so did Paul. 10. (A) Roger has been bothered.
(B) Roger wasn’t the least bit disturbed.

21
 COMMON “ALMOST NEGATIVE" EXPRESSIONS

Meaning Expression Example

almost none hardly, barely, scarcely, only There is hardly any food in the refrigerator.

almost never rarely, seldom He rarely drives to work.

(C) The problems have had little effect on (D) Roger hasn’t been disturbed.
Roger.
SKILL 9: LISTEN FOR “ALMOST NEGATIVE” EXPRESSIONS
Certain expressions in English have “almost negative” meanings. These expressions are common on the
TOEFL test and need to be reviewed.

Explanation: In the man’s statement, the word enough indicates that there was enough, so he did pay the
bill. However, it was barely enough, so he almost did not have enough and certainly has no money left.

EXERCISE 9
In this exercise, underline the “almost negative” expressions in the second line of each short conversation.
Then read the question and choose the best answer. Remember that the best answer is one that means that it
is true but it is almost not true.
1. (man) I hear that Mona's been offered (A) Mona hasn't worked hard.
the manager's job. (B) Mona's experience has manager

(woman) But she has hardly any work has been hard.

experience! (C) Mona's job as manager is hard.

(narrator) What does the woman say about (D) Mona hasn't worked for very long.
Mona?

2. (woman) How much time did Sam spend (A) Sam usually spends this much time
on his paper for economics class? on his schoolwork.

22
 (B) Sam has rarely worked so hard.

(man) Sam has seldom taken so much (C) Sam took too much time on this

time on a research paper. paper.

(narrator) What does the man mean? (D) Sam should've worked harder on

this paper.
3. (women) Does Steve usually park his car (A) He parks his car there once in a
there? while.

(man) Only once has he parked his car (B) He's parked his car there a lot.

in that lot. (C) He only leaves his car there for

(narrator) What does the man mean? short periods of time.

(D) He left his car there on just on

TOEFL EXERCISE 9 : In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
“almost negative” expressions.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 9.

1. (A) There’s little rain in July. (C) Occasionally Betty works one week during
(B) In July it never rains. vacation.
(C) It rains hard in July (D) A winter vacation is unusual for Betty.
(D) When it rains in July, it rains hard 6. (A) He rarely spends time on his courses.
(B) He’s an excellent student.
2. (A) The university accepted three students. (C) He never studies.
(B) None of the studentsis going to the (D) His books are always open.7. (A) He
University.
finished the exam in plenty of time. (B) He
(C) John was not accepted.
(D) Two were not admitted. was scared he wouldn’t finish.
(C) He used every possible minute to finish.
3. (A) Although he did pass, Mark’s exam grade (D) He was unable to complete the exam.
wasn’t too good.
(B) Mark failed his history exam. 8. (A) This was a very long staff meeting
(C) The highest grade on the history exam (B) This was the only staff meeting in a long
went to Mark. time
(D) Professor Franks didn’t pass Mark on the (C) The meeting lasted only until one
history exam. o’clock(D) The one staff meeting
should’ve lasted longer.
4. (A) He often has long waits in Dr. Robert’s
office. 9. (A) Meat tastes delicious to him when it’s
(B) He must wait patiently for Robert. cooked rare.
(C) Dr. Roberts is generally punctual. (B) He isn’t sure if the meal is delicious
(D) He doesn’t mind waiting for Dr. Roberts. (C) This meat is the best he’s tasted in a long
time.
5. (A) Betty often takes vacations in winter(B) (D) He’d like to eat some meat from this
Betty prefers to take vacations in winter. delicatessen.

23
 COMPARATIVES WITH NEGATIVES
Comparative Example Example
More No one is more beautiful than she is. She is the most beautiful.
-er He couldn’t be happier. He is extremely happy.
10. (A) He broke his arms trying to move it. (B) (D) There’s no pain if he rests quietly.
He only hurt the broken arm. (C) He only
tries to move the broken arm.
SKILL 10: LISTEN FOR NEGATIVE WITH COMPARATIVES
Negatives can be used with comparatives in Listening Part A of the TOEFL test. A sentence with a negative
and a comparative has a superlative, or very strong, meaning.

The following chart outlines comparisons that you should be careful of when they are used with
negatives:

Explanation: The man responds to the woman’s question with the negative no and the comparative more
intelligent, and this combination has a superlative meaning.

EXERCISE 10
In this exercise, underline the negative and the comparative in the second line of each short conversation.
Then read the question and choose the best answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one
that expresses a superlative, or very strong, idea.
1. (woman) Have you gotten over your cold (A) He's feeling terrific.
yet? (B) He felt a lot worse today.

(man) I couldn't be feeling any better (C) He's not feeling too well today.

today. (D) He's a bit better today.

(narrator) What does the man mean?

2. (woman) What did you think of Mike (A) Mike was extremely friendly when

24
 when you fist met him? he met him.

(man) He couldn't have been more (B) Mike could have met him sooner.

unfriendly. (C) Mike didn't seem to like him at all.

(narrator) What does the man mean? (D) When he met Mike, he didn't have
a friend.

3. (men) Did you see Theresa's grade on (A) Theresa could've gotten a higher
the math exam? It was grade.

unbelievable! (B) Anyone could get a good grade.

(women) No one else could have done (C) Theresa got the highest grade.
better. (D) A high grade is impossible for

(narrator) What does the woman mean? anyone.

TOEFL EXERCISE 10 : In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
comparatives with negative.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 10.

1. (A) She’s not very happy. 6. (A) They were not very lucky. (B) No one
(B) She didn’t do very well on the exam. was hurt.
(C) She could be somewhat happier. (C) The accident was unfortunate.
(D) She’s delighted with the results. (D) She wanted to have better luck.

2. (A) Paula is always lazy. 7. (A) Nothing was very difficult.

(B) Paula didn’t work very hard this semester. (B) The exam wasn’t at all easy.
(C) Paula made a strong effort. (C) The exam couldn’t have been easier.
(D) Paula could have worked harder. (D) The exam had nothing difficult on it.

3. (A) The prices were great! 8. (A) She wants that job very much.(B) No one
(B) The prices were too high. is going to get the job.
(C) She didn’t buy much because of the prices. (C) Everybody else wants that job as much as
(D) The prices could have been lower. she does.
(D) She is not sure about taking the job.
4. (A) She is not very smart.(B) She always tells
him everything. (C) He doesn’t know her very 9. (A) She was second in the race.
well. (D) She’s extremely intelligent. (B) She was almost the slowest person in the
race.
5. (A) The patient absolutely didn’t need the (C) She won the race.
surgery (D) She was not faster than anyone else.
(B) The necessity for the surgery
wasunquestionable. 10. (A) This math project was extremely complex.
(C) The surgeon felt that the operation (B) This math project was less complicated
wasnecessary. than the last.
(D) It was essential that the surgery (C) They seldom complete their math projects.
beperformed immidately. (D) Complicated math projects are
oftenassigned.

25
FUNCTIONS____________________________________________

SKILL 11: LISTEN FOR EXPRESSIONS OF AGREEMENT

The following chart lists common expressions that show agreement. You should become familiar
with these expressions:
EXPRESSION OF AGREEMENT

Agreement with Positive Statements Agreement with Negative Statements

So do I. neither do I.
Me, too. I don't either.
I'll say!

Isn't!

You can say that again!

The following example shows agreement with a positive statement.

Explanation: The expression so do I is an expression that shows agreement with a positive statement, so the
woman means that she agrees with the man.

Other expressions are used to show agreement with negative statements.

26
 (D) He doesn’t think the woman’s idea is good.

Answer: C
Explanation: The expression neither do I is an expression that shows agreement with a negative statement,
so the man agrees the woman.

EXERCISE 11
In this exercise, underline the expression of agreement in each short conversation. Then read the question
and choose the best answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that shows agreement.
1. (woman) These paintings are really (A) These paintings aren't very
fascinating! interesting.

(man) Aren't they (B) He isn't fascinated by these

(narrator) What does the man mean? paintings.

(C) He isn't sure how he feels.

(D) He finds these paintings quite

interesting.

2. (woman) I don't really care for the way the (A) He thinks the building was not
building was renovated. renovated.

(man) I don't either. (B) He has the same opinion of the

(narrator) What does the man mean? building as the woman.

He doesn't care about the renovation

(C) of the renovation of the building.
(D) He suggests being careful in the
renovated building.

3. (man) I think that both candidates for (A) She agrees with the man.
country supervisor are (B) She thinks she could become

27
 unqualified. country supervisor.
(woman) Me, too. (C) She thinks the candidates are

(narrator) What does the woman mean? qualified.

(D) She has no opinion about the

candidates for country supervisor.

TOEFL EXERCISE 11 : In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should pay attention to expressions
of agreement.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 11.

1. (A) The trip would cost too much. (B) She doesn’t like what the man said.
(B) She desn’tthink that a trip would be a good (C) She agrees with the man about what
idea. happened.
(C) She would like to take two trips rather than (D) She says that she did not do it
one.
(D) She would also like to take a trip. 7. (A) He thinks the parties aren’t loud.
2. (A) He would lie to see the elections for town (B) He says that the neighbors don’t have many
council. parties.
(B) He agrees that Matt should be elected. (C) He agrees that the upstairs neighbors are
(C) He thinks the elections should take place noisy.
next month. (D) The loud parties don’t bother him.
(D) He disagrees with the woman.
3. (A) She is not sure which course she should 8. (A) She doesn’t like this meal too much. (B)
take (B) She’s not sure if she should take a trip This food tastes wonderful to her. (C) She’s
not sure if she likes it.
to (D) She can’t stand this meal.
France.
(C) She knows that she is not ready 9. (A) She agrees that getting the car was nota
forintermediate French. good idea.
(D) She wants to take neither beginning (B) She imagines that she would like to have a
forintermediate French. similar car.
(C) She thinks that the man is mistaken about
4. (A) The man should repeat what he said. (B) the car.
The man said something foolish. (D) She thinks the man has no imagination.
(C) She thinks that the food is the bestshe has
ever tasted. 10. (A) He would like the woman to repeat what
(D) She agrees that the food is pretty bad. she said.
(B) He thinks that one semester is enough time
5. (A) This party hasn’t been an fun at all. for course.
(B) He wonders if the women enjoyedherself. (C) He also thinks that the course should
(C) He wants to know what she said. beextended.
(D) He’s enjoyed himself tremendously. (D) He would like to take the course two
semesters from now.
6. (A) She condones what happened.
SKILL 12: LISTEN FOR EXPRESSIONS OF UNCERTAINTY AND SUGGESTION
The following chart lists common expressions that show uncertainty and suggestion:
EXPRESSION OF UNCERTAINTY AND SUGGESTION

28
 Uncertainty Suggestion

…isn't it (tag) Why not…?

As far as I know Let's…

As far as I can tell

The following example shows expression of uncertainty.

(A) The exam is not going to be too difficult.

(B) She’s positive that it’s going to be hard.
(C) She thinks that it might be hard.

(D) She has no idea about the exam.

Answer: C
Explanation: The tag question isn’t it changes a definite statement into a statement that shows uncertainty,
so the best answer is one that expresses uncertainty. The best answer to this question is answer (C) because
the words thinks and might express uncertainty.

Other expressions that are common in Listening Part A are expressions of suggestion.

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man) I’ll never have to type my paper tomorrow.
(woman) Why not do it now?
(narrator) What does the woman suggest?

In your test book, you read:

(A) Finishing the paper today.

(B) Not working on the paper now.
(C) Never typing the paper.

(D) Taking time out from the paper now.

Answer: A

29
Explanation: In this example, the expression why not is an expression of suggestion, so the woman suggests
doing it now. In this suggestion, the woman is referring to the paper that the man needs to type.

EXERCISE 12
1. (man) Do you know what time they're (A) She's not completely sure when
leaving for the city? they are leaving.

They are returning from the city at

(woman) They have to leave at four (B) about 4:00.
o'clock, don't they? (C) She knows when they are leaving.

(narrator) What does the woman mean? (D) She doesn't have any idea when
they are interesting.

2. (woman) I'm so thirsty from all this (A) They should stop drinking.
walking. (B) They should go for a walk.

(man) Let's stop and get a drink. (C) They should walk thirsty miles.

They should take a break and

(narrator) What does the man suggest? (D) have a drink.
3. (man) Is the exam still scheduled for (A) The exam is far away.
She knows that the exam
3:00 on Thursday? (B) schedule has been changed.
She is sure that the exam is set for
(narrator) What does the woman mean? (C) Thursday.
(D) She things she knows when the

test is.

TOEFL EXERCISE 12 : In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
expressions of uncertainty and suggestion.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 12.

1. (A) He’s sure about which chapters they are to 4. (A) Not doing the dishes now.
read. (B) Leaving the house with the dishes.
(B) He thinks he knows what the assignment is. (C) Leaving later so that they can do the dishes
(C) He has to tell her how far she should now.
go. (D) Washing the dishes before they leav
(D) The professor told them to read the after the
exam. 5. (A) She’s told Matt he’ll go far.
(B) Matt has far from enough talent.
2. (A) The man should take the pie out. (B) The (C) She told Matt to roll farther.
man should try something else. (C) The man (D) She believes Matt has the ability for the
shouldn’t try cherry pie. part.
(D) The man should feel sorry. 6. (A) They should go to the hospital.(B) Mary
should visit the man.
3. (A) He knows the movie starts at 8:00. (C) The woman should try not to break her leg.
(B) He is not quite sure when the movie begins. (D) They should go on a trip with Mary.
(C) He thinks the start of the movie has been
changed.
(D) He will start the movie himself at 8:00.

30
7. (A) She knows where the children are.(B) The 9. (A) He thinks the bill is due in the middle of the
children have finished playing ball. month.
(C) She’s going to the park to find the children. (B) The bill is approximately fifteen dollars.
(D) She believes that the children are in the park (C) He knows whwn they should pay the bill.
(D) The bill is going to be fifteen days late.
8. (A) The man should try to borrow some from a
fneighbor. 10. (A) They should postpone their decision until
(B) The man should take a check to Tom. morning.
(C) The man should work on his (B) They should go to sleep in the new house.
mathassignment with Tom. (C) They should not buy such a big house.
(D) The man should check behind the door. (D) They should decide where to go to sleep.

SKILL 13: LISTEN FOR EMPHATIC EXPRESSIONS OF SURPRISE

Emphatic expressions of surprise are common in Listening Part A, so you should become familiar with them.
When surprise is expressed, it implies that the speaker did not expect something to be true.

The following chart outlines various ways to express emphatic surprise:

EXPRESSION OF EMPHATIC SURPRISE

Verb Emphatic Form Example Meaning

be modal
be, with emphasis I though he was not here.
present modal, with emphasis Then, he is here!
I though you could not go.
tense do(es), with emphasis Then, you can go!
I though you did not play
past Then, you do play
tennis.
tense did, with emphasis tennis!
perfect have, with emphasis Then, she did read it.
I though she had not read it.
tense Then, he has gone
I though he had not gone
there.
there.

31
Explanation: In this conversation the emphatic form he did get is used to show the man’s surprise that Paul
got a new car. It means that the man expected that Paul would not get a new car.

EXERCISE 13
1. (man) I just got 600 on the TOEFL test! (A) The man had not passed.
(B) The man would pass easily.

(woman) Then you did pass. (C) The man had already passed.

(narrator) What does the woman assumed? (D) The man got the score he was
expected to get.

2. (woman) Would you like to go skiing this (A) The woman was a good skier.
weekend? (B) The woman was going skiing this

(man) So you can ski! weekend.

(narrator) What does the man assumed? (C) The woman did not know how to ski.

(D) The woman did not intend to go skiing.

3. (man) Is just got this letter from my (A) The man's sister never wrote to him.
sister. (B) The mail had not yet arrived.

(woman) So the mail has come already. (C) The mail always came early.

(narrator) What does the woman assumed? (D) The mail had already arrived.

TOEFL EXERCISE 13 : In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should be particularly careful of
expressions of emphatic surprise.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 13.

1. (A) Greg always comes to parties. (D) The man was an excellent cook.
(B) Greg would come to the party late (C)
Greg was unable to attend the party. 4. (A) The woman had run more than three miles.
(D) Greg would stay at the party for only a (B) The women always got lots of exercise.
moment. (C) The woman ran for three hours in
themorning.
2. (A) The woman always rode her motorcycle to (D) The woman had not gotten much exercise.
school.
(B) The woman was not coming to school 5. (A) He had been somewhere else.(B) He had
today (C) The woman was an expert motorcycle been in the library.
rider. (C) He had been working on his research
(D) The woman did not know how to ride project (D) He would start working on his
motorcycle. project in five hours.

3. (A) The man was not very good cook. 6. (A) He had changed apartements.
(B) The man never invited friends over for (B) He did not like his new apartement.(C) He
dinner. was still in his old apartement.
(C) The man would never invite him over for (D) He had moved from a house to an
dinner. apartement.

32
7. (A) The woman did not like desserts. (B) The 9. (A) She had registered in physics.
woman ate sweets regularly. (B) She would go to physics class later.
(C) The woman would not share herchocolate (C) She had already taken a physics class.(D)
cake She had not enrolled in physics.
(D) The woman had eaten his piece of cake.
10. (A) The pipes were not clear.
8. (A) The man was going to study hard. (B) The plumber would be late.
(B) The man already had a driver’s license. (C) The plumber had already cleared the
(C) The man would not take the test. pipes. (D) The pipes did not need to be cleared.
(D) The man had already taken the test.

CONTRARYMEANINGS

SKILL 14: LISTEN FOR WISHES

The following chart outlines the key points that you should know about wishes:
KEY INFORMATION ABOUT WHISES

Point Example Meaning

- An affirmative wish implies a I wish I had time to help. = no time to

negative reality. help

- A negative wish implies an I wish I did not have time = time to help
affirmative reality. to help.

- A past tense verb implies a

present reality. I wish he were at home.* = is not at home
- A past perfect tense verb implies a
I wish he had been at = was not at
past reality.
home. home

* Remember that were is used instead of was wishes: "I wish I were going."

33
Explanation: In this conversation the man wishes that he could go with the others on the trip, so the implied
meaning is that he is that he is unable to go.

EXERCISE 14
In this exercise, underline the wish in each short conversation. Then read the question and choose the best
answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that implies the opposite of what is said.
1. (man) Do you think we'll be able to (A) The sky is not very cloudy.
have the picnic today? The sky yesterday was
(B) cloudier than it is today.
(woman) I wish the sky weren't so cloudy. (C) The sky is too cloudy.

(narrator) What does the woman mean? (D) The sky is rather clear.

2. (woman) Did you enjoy Thanksgiving (A) He didn't eat very much.
dinner? (B) He plans on eating a lot.

(man) I wish I hadn't eaten so much. (C) He thinks he is eating a lot.

(narrator) What does the man assumed? (D) He ate too much.

3. (man) Are you coming to the part (A) She is coming to the party.
tonight? (B) She might come to the party.

(woman) I wish I could. (C) She will try to come to the party.

(narrator) What does the woman mean? (D) She is not coming to the party.

TOEFL EXERCISE 14: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should remember that a wish implies
an opposite meaning.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 14.

34
1. (A) The line is short. (C) He has not heard anything about Harry. (D)
(B) There are not very many people in front of He had a bet with Harry.
them.
(C) The line in front of them is too long. 7. (A) The algebra course that she is taking is not
(D) Not many people want to get tickets to the her favorite.
concert. (B) Shedoes’t need to take the algebra course.
(C) She has a god schedule of courses this
2. (A) The woman told him about the ticket. (B) semester.
He wanted the woman to get a ticket. (D) She’s good at math, but she’s taking the
(C) He was happy to find out about the ticket. Algebra course anyway.
(D) The woman did not tell him about the ticket.
8. (A) He was able to find a cheap apartement.(B)
3. (A) She is not working too many hours next His apartement is too expensive. (C) He
week. doesn’t like the apartement’s location
(B) She doesn’t have enough hours next week. (D) The apartement is cheap because of its
(C) She is working too many hours next week. location.
(D) She likes working so much.
9. (A) He arrived early at the auditorium.
4. (A) The department did not change (B) He got one of the best seats in
therequirements. theauditorium.
(B) She likes the new requirements. (C) He was not early enough to get a seat at the
(C) She changed her apartement just front.
beforegraduation. (D) He prefers sitting at the back.
(D) She does not like the change that the
department made. 5. (A) He is going to the 10. (A) He’d like to work on his social skills at the
game.
theater. (B) He wishes he could work on his term paper
(B) He doesn’t have enough money. for sociology.
(C) He isn’t afraid to go. (C) He can’t attend the game because of his
(D) He doesn’t want to spend the money. achoolwork.
(D) Sociology is less important to him
6. (A) Harry did not prepare enough for the exam. thanfootball this weekend.
(B) Harry studied hard for the exam.
SKILL 15: LISTEN FOR UNTRUE CONDITIONS
Conversations containing conditions can appear in Listening Part A. The important idea to remember about
conditions is that a condition implies that the opposite of the condition in true.

The following box outlines the key point that you should know untrue conditions:

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT UNTRUE CONDITIONS

Point Example Meaning

- An affirmative condition implies If she were at home, she = not at home

a negative reality. could do it.*

- A negative condition implies If she weren't at home, she = at home

an affirmative reality. could do it.*

35
 - A past tense verb implies If I had money, I would = do not have

a present reality. buy it. money

- A past perfect tense verb If I had money, I would = did not have

implies a past reality. have bought it. money

Had I had money, I would = did not have

- Had can be used without if.
have bought it.** money
* Remember that were is used instead of was in untrue conditions: ”If I were there, I would help.”
** This has the same meaning as "If I had money. . . . ." Note that the subject and "had" are inverted.

Explanation: In this question, the condition If I had time implies that the opposite is true: The woman does
not have time for the party, so she cannot go.

EXERCISE 15
In this exercise, underline the condition in each short conversation. Then, read the question and choose the
best answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that implies the opposite of what is said.
1. (man) Are you going to have (A) She is not going to eat.
something to eat? (B) The food looks fresh.

(woman) If the food looked fresh, (C) She doesn't like fresh food.

I would eat some. (D) She already ate something.

(narrator) What does the woman mean?

2. (woman) The flight must have taken (A) It arrived early.

longer than usual. (B) It was unusually short.

(man) Had the flight left on time, (C) It left on time.

36
 we would not have arrived (D) It departed late.
so late.
(narrator) What does the man say about?
the flight?

3. (man) Are you sure you want to go (A) She really is feeling fine.
out? You do not seem to be (B) There is plenty of aspirin in

feeling very well. the medicine cabinet.

(woman) If there were some aspirin in (C) It is necessary to get some aspirin.

the medicine cabinet, I would (D) She does not need to go out.
not need to go to the drugstore.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

TOEFL EXERCISE 15 : In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should remember be particularly
careful of untrue conditions.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 15.

1. (A) The woman did not need to call him. (D) She did not put any postage on the letter.
(B) The woman called to let him know about the
meeting. 5. (A) He has a dog.
(C) He’s not glad that woman called.
(D) He already knew about the meeting when the (B) He doesn’t pay attention to dogs.
woman called. (C) He wishes he had a dog.
(D) Dogs do not need much attention.
2. (A) The man often drives too quickly.
TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 14-15): In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question
in the recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE (SKILLS 14-15).

(B) The police do not stop the man too much. 6. (A) They knew they had to prepare for the exam
(C) The man drove rather slowly. (B) They didn’t prepare for the exam.
(D) The police should not stop the man so often. (C) As soon as they knew about the exam, they
began to prepare for it.
3. (A) She’s so happy they don’t have to work on (D) They knew that the preparation for the exam
would take a lot of time.
Friday.
1. (A) She enjoy violent movies.
(B) It would be nice if they could finish their
(B) She would have prefered a more violent
work on Friday.
movie.
(C) She wonders if the man would be
(C) She thinks the film was too violent.(D) She
niceenough to come in to work in her place
enjoyed the movie.
on Friday.
(D) It’s too bad they must work on Friday. 2. (A) He left the windows open.(B) The rain did not
get in.
4. (A) She did not put enough postage on the letter.
(C) He forgot to close the windows. (D)
(B) The letter arrived last week.
The rain got into the house.
(C) The letter did not need more postage.

37
3. (A) Her family is unable to come to 7. (A) His schedule is not really heavy.
graduation.(B) It is possible that her family will (B) He needs to add a few more course.
come. (C) He enrolled in more courses than he really
(C) Her parents are coming to the ceremonies. (D) wants.
She is not graduating this year. (D) He will register for a lot of courses
nextsemester.
4. (A) He is going to miss the conference.
(B) He will take his vacation next week.(C) He 8. (A) She never took the bus to work.(B) She
will attend the conference. regularly takes the bus.
(D) He won’t miss his vacation. (C) She doesn’t know how to get to work.
(D) She gets lost on the bus.9. (A) She
5. (A) He enjoys chemistry lab.
(B) He doesn’t have chemistry lab this afternoon bought some eggs at the store.
(C) He isn’t taking chemistry class.
(D) He has to go the lab. (B) She doesn’t have any eggs to lend him.(C) He
can borrow some eggs.
6. (A) They filled up the gas tank at the last service (D) She didn’t go to the store.
station.
(B) Although they filled up the tank, they still 10. (A) Teresa is feeling a lot better.
ran out of gas. (B) The doctor didn’t prescribe the medicine.
(C) Even though they didn’t stop at the service (C) Teresa didn’t follow the doctor’s orders.
station, they didn’t run out of gas. (D) Teresa did exactly what the doctor said.
(D) They ran out of gas because they didn’t stop
at the gas station.

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1-15): In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and
question in the recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE (SKILLS 1-15).

1. (A) Drinking the hot tea. (B) He usually doesn’t pay attention to
(B) Making more tea in a few minutes. (C) thefootball team.
Letting the tea cool off a bit. (C) It’s out of the ordinary for the team to lose.
(D) Having the tea immediately (D) He usually hears about the football games.

2. (A) In a bus station. (B) In a store. 6. (A) He went to the office every morning.(B) He
(C) In a restaurant. was not working. (C) He had to arrive at work
(D) In a theater. earlier than 8 o’clock.
(D) He had a job.
3. (A) He’s unhappy to end the
semester.(B) He’s glad to be finishing 7. (A) He did not enjoy his vacation as much as
school. possible.
(C) He couldn’t be happier to begin the semester. (B) He got lost on his vacation.
(D) The end of the semester is making him feel (C) The vacation was really enjoyable.(D) He did
sad. not really lose his passport.
4. (A) The storm destroyed the house.(B)
The house blocked the trees. 8. (A) It will take eight hours to get to Riverdale
(C) The stormy weather caused the trees to fall. on the bus. (B) He believes he knows the correct
(D) During the storm, someone knocked on the bus. (C) He doesn’t know where Riverdale is.
(D) He assures the woman that he knows the way
door of the house. 5. (A) The team hasn’t to Riverdale.
won often.

38
9. (A) The laboratory assistant completed 10. (A) She would like the man to repeat what he
oneexperiment. said.
(B) The laboratory assistant couldn’t finish one (B) The semester is really over!
experiment. (C) The semester will never end.
(C) The laboratory assistant didn’t want to do (D) She has the same wish as the man.
more experiemnts.
(D) None of the experiemnts could be completed

IDIOMATIC LANGUAGE___________________________________
SKILL 16: LISTEN FOR TWO- AND THREE- PART VERBS

Two- and three- part verbs appear in some questions in Listening Part A. These verbs are expressions that
include a verb and one or more particles (such as in, on, or at); the particle changes the meaning of the verb.
Questions involving two- and three- part verbs can be difficult for students because the addition of the particle
changes the meaning of the verb in an idiomatic way.

Explanation: In this question, the two-part verb called off has a different meaning than the verb call, which
means phone. Two-part verb call off means cancel.

NOTE: A list of common two- and three- part verbs and exercises using these verbs appear in
Appendix B. You may want to study these two- and three- part verbs before you try the following
exercises.

EXERCISE 16
In this exercise, underline the two- or three- part verb in each short conversation. Then read question and
choose the best answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that is related to the meaning
of the two- or three- part verb and might not seem to be related to the meaning of the verb without the particle.
1. (man) Did you have your history exam (A) She would like to put it out
today? of her mind.

39
 (woman) No, the professor put it off for (B) The professor canceled it.

Another week. (C) It was moved to another

(narrator) What does the woman say about location.

The exam? (D) It was delayed.

2. (woman) Do you have any more soap? (A) He will run to the store.
(man) We’ve run out of it. Someone (B) He needs soap to wash himself

Will have to go to the store. after running.

(narrator) What does the man mean? (C) There is no more soap.

(D) They have a store of soap at

home.

3. (man) I need to take the written test to (A) Reapply for his driver’s license.
Renew my driver’s license. (B) Sweep around the lawn.

(woman) Then, you’ll have to brush up (C) Learn the laws for the first time.

On the laws. (D) review the information that

(narrator) What does the man need to do? will be on the test.

TOEFL EXERCISE 16: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should remember be particularly
careful of two- and three- part verbs.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 16.

1. (A) Phone their neighbors. 5. (A) The client presented his case to the lawyer.
(B) Call to their neighbors over the fence. (B) The client was upset about the lawyer’s
(C) Help the neighbors move in. (D) Visit their rejection.
neighbors. (C) The client was annoyed because the lawyer
returned the suitcase.
2. (A) The course is becoming more interesting. (D) The client made the lawyer unhappy about
(B) The course used to be more interesting. the case.
(C) The course is about the same as it was.
(D) He’s not as bored in the class as the woman. 6. (A) She gets along with lots of people.(B) She
gets back at people who cross her.
3. (A) Her headache is getting worse. (C) She gets rid of people she doesn’t want to
(B) She felt better this morning than now. spend time with.
(C) She seems to be feeling better now. (D) She tries to get ahead of everyone else.
(D) She is just getting another headache now. 7. (A) He must try to find the children.
4. (A) The man should stop breaking his cigarettes (B) It is necessary for him to clean up after the
in half. children. (C) The children need to be
(B) The man should decrease the number of watched.
cigarettes he smokes. (D) He’s going to see what the children have
(C) The man should cut the ends off done.
hiscigarettes.
(D) The man should stop smoking completely. 8. (A) They are going on strike.
(B) They are lying down on the job.

40
 (C) They are being released from their jobs. 10. (A) She’s unsure why she tolerates the man.
(D) They are relaxing too much at the factory. (B) She doesn’t know where she put her keys.
9. (A) He is betting that the football team will win (C) She is actually the one who put the keys in
(B) He really wants to succeed. the car.
(C) It is not so difficult to play on the football (D) She can’t understand why the man did what
team. what he did.
(D) He pulled a muscle while playing football.

SKILL 17: LISTEN FOR IDIOMS

Idioms appear in some questions in Listening Part A. Idioms are special expressions in a language that all
speakers of the language know; these special expressions describe one situation in life but are applied to
many different areas of life. Idiom questions can be difficult for students because they seem to be describing
one situation when they are really describing a different situation.

Explanation: In this exercise, the idiom burning the candle at both ends has nothing to do with candles and
nothing to do with burning or fires, so answer (A), (B), and (D) are not correct. Instead, this idiom is an
expression that is used in a situation when someone is trying to do more than he or she really can do; after
all, a candle usually only burns at one end, so a candle that burns at two ends is doing more than it can.

NOTE: A list of common idioms and exercises using there idioms appear in Appendix C.
You may want to study these idioms before you try the following exercises.

EXERCISE 17
In this exercise, underline the idiom in each short conversation. Then read question and choose the best
answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that might not seem to be related to the idiom
in the second line.
1. (man) I have to take Advanced Biology (A) The man should try a piece
From Professor Stanton next of cake.

41
 Semester. (B) The man should worry about

(woman) Don’t worry about it. It’s a piece the course.

of cake. (C) The man shouldn’t take part

(narrator) What does the woman mean? In the course.

(D) The course is easy.

2. (woman) Thanks for changing the oil (A) It will take him a whole day to
AND putting air in the tires. do the job.

(man) It’s all in a day’s work. (B) This is a regular part of his job.

(C) He can do the work at the end

(narrator) What does the man mean? of the day.

(D) He’s too busy today to do the

work.

3. (man) What was it like while the (A) The president dropped his pen.
President was giving his speech? (B) The audience was very quiet.

(woman) You could hear a pin drop. (C) The speech contained several

(narrator) What does the woman mean? puns.

(D) The president discussed

Dropping a bomb.

TOEFL EXERCISE 17: In this exercise, listen carefully to the short conversation and question in the
recording program, and then choose the best answer to the question. You should remember be particularly
careful of idioms.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 17.

1. (A) The man’s never late. (C) It’s best to get it over with now.
(B) It’s good that the man was fifteen. (C) It’s (D) There’s no time to present the report now.
never good to be late for class. 4. (A) She’s very lucky to get the last book. (B)
(D) It’s good that the man went to class, on time She’s sorry she can’t get the book.
or not. (C) She always has good luck with books.
(D) She just wanted to look at the book.
2. (A) The woman’s work is all in her head.
(B) The woman has to do two experiments rather 5. (A) The man doesn’t like eating in restaurant
than one. (B) She doesn’t really like that restaurant.
(C) It’s a good idea to work together. (C) Each of them has his own restaurant.
(D) The biology experiment concerns twoheaded (D) Everyone has different tastes.
animals.
3. (A) She has no time to work now. 6. (A) She’ll do it immediately.
(B) She doesn’t want to work on the report (B) It is not possible to do it.
either. (C) The man should have told her sooner.

42
 (D) She would have done it if the man hadasked. (B) She put her science project on top of the
others.
7. (A) Abbie is used a feather in his art project. (B) (C) She has a really good head on her
He was knocked down. shoulders.(D) She’s the best of them all.
(C) He was really surprised.
(D) Abbie’s father knocked on the door. 10. (A) The man needs to improve his
penmanship (B) The man doesn’t really need
8. (A) They are taking a boat trip together. to apply for
(B) The six chapters are tell about the boat.(C) scholarship.
Everyone has to do the same thing. (C) The man needs to fill out the application
(D) The main will read while lie’s on the boat. with dots and crosses.
(D) The man needs to pay attention to every
9. (A) She is taller than the others. detail.
THE LISTENING PART B QUESTIONS

Part B of the Listening Comprehension of the TOEFL test consists of two long conversations, each followed
by a number of questions. You will hear the conversations ant the questions on the recording; they are not
written in your test book. You must choose the best answer to each question from the four choices that are
written in your test book.
The conversations are often about some aspect of school life (how difficult a class is, how to write
a research paper, how to register for a course). The conversations can also be about topics currently in the
news in the United States (desalination of the water supply, recycling of used products, damage from a storm
or some other type of natural phenomenon).

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(narrator) Questions 1 though 4. Listen to a conversation

Between a professor and a student.

(man) Hello, Professor Denton. Are you free for a moment?

Could I have a word with you?

(woman) Come on in, Michel. Of course I have some time.

These are my office hours, and this is the right time for
You to come and ask questions. Now, how can I help
you?
(man) Well, I have a quick question for you about the
Homework assignment for tomorrow. I thought, the
Assignment was to answer the first there questions at
The top of page 67in the text, but when I looked, there
Weren’t any questions there. I’m confused.
(woman) The assignment was to answer the first these questions

43
 At the top of page 76, not 67.

(man) Oh, now I understand. I’m glad I came in to check

Thanks for your help.

(woman) No problem. See you tomorrow.

Questions:
1. On the recording, you hear:

(narrator) Who is the man?

In your test book, you read:

(A) A professor.

(B) An office worker.

(C) Professor Denton’s assistant.

(D) A student.

2. On the recording, you hear:

(narrator) When does the man come to see
Professor Denton?

In your test book, you read:

(A) During regular class hours.
(B) Just before class time.
(C) As soon as class is finished.
(D) During office hours.

44
 Why does the man come to see Professor
Denton?

3. On the recording, you hear:

(A) To turn in an assignment.
(narrator)
(B) To ask a question.
(C) To pick up a completed test.
(D) To explain why he did not attend
In your test book, you Class.
read:
ar:
What in correct information did the man have?

(A) The date the assignment was due.

(B ) The page number of the assignment.
(C) The length of the assignment.
4. On the recording, you he ( D) The numbers of the assignment quetstions.
(narrator)
In your test book, you
read:

Explanation:
• The first question asks you to determine who the man is. Since the man opens the
conversation with Professor Denton and he asks about the page number of an assignment
for tomorrow, he is probably a student. The best answer to this question is therefore answer
(D).
• The second question asks about when the man comes to see the professor. The professor
says that these are my office hours, so the best answer to this question is answer (D).
• The third question asks why the man comes to see the professor. Since the man says I have
a quick question for you, the best answer to this question is answer (B).
• The last question asks what incorrect information the man had. The man though that the
assignment was on page 67 and not on page 76, so he was mistaken about the page number
of the assignment. The best answer to this question is answer (B)

45
 STRATEGIES FOR THE LISTENING PART B QUESTIONS

1. If you have time, preview the answers to the Listening Part B questions. While you are looking at
the answers, you should try to do the following:
- Anticipate the topics of the conversations you will hear.
- Anticipate the questions for each of the groups of answers.
2. Listen carefully to the first line of the conversation. The first line of the conversation often contains
the main idea, subject, or topic of the conversation, and you will often be asked to answer such question.
3. As you listen to the conversation, draw conclusions about the situation of the conversation: who is
talking, where the conversation takes place, or when it takes place.You will often be asked to make
such inferences about the conversation.
4. As you listen to the conversation, follow along with the answers in your test book and try to
determine the correct answers. Detail questions are generally answered in order in the conversation,
and the answers often sound the same as what is said in the recording program.
5. You should guess even if you are not sure. Never leave any answers blank.
6. Use any remaining time to look ahead at the answers to the questions that follow.

BEFORE LISTENING_______________________________________________________

SKILL 18: ANTICIPATE THE TOPICS

It is very helpful to your overall comprehension if you know what topics to expect in Listening Part B. you
should therefore try to anticipate the topcs you will be hearing. For example, are the conversations about
some aspect of school life, or some type of social issue, or a trip someone is planning? A helpful strategy is
therefore to look briefly at the answers in the test book, before you actually hear the conversations in the
recording program, and try to determine the topics of the conversations that you will hear.

EXERCISE 18 : Look at the answer to the five questions together, and try to anticipate the topic of the
conversation for those five questions. (Of course, yu cannot always determine exactly what the topic is, but
you often can get a general idea). Questions I through 5 have been answered for you.
1. (A) Find work on campus. 4. (A) Every morning.
(B) Work in the employment office. (B) Afternoons and weekends.
(C) Help students find jobs. (C) When he’s in class.
(D) Ask the woman questions. (D) Weekdays.

2. (A) In the library. 5. (A) Fill out a form.

(B) In a classroom. (B) Give her some additional information.
(C) In a campus office. (C) Tell her some news.
(D) In an apartement. (D) Phone her.
3. (A) No more than ten. (B)
At least twenty.
(C) Not more than twenty. (D)
Up to ten.

What is the topic of the conversation for question 1 through 5?

Looking for a job on campus

____________________________________________________________________

You can guess this because of the following clues:

• Work on campus

46
 • Employment office
• Students Jobs
6. (A) Just before a vacation. 9. (A) Sleeping outside on the ground.
(B) Just after the end of a school semester. (B) Spending time in a sauna or hot tub.
(C) At the end of the summer. (C) Relaxing at the lodge.
(D) Just after a break from school. (D) Enjoying excellent food.

7. (A) A trip to visit the Eskimos. 10. (A) She’d be scared, but she’d like to try.
(B) A trip the woman is planning to take. (B) She can’t wait.
(C) A trip the man has already taken. (C) It would be quite exciting for her.
(D) A camping trip the man and woman took. (D) She’d prefer not to try.
8. (A) Three hours.
(B) Three complete days.
(C) Three classes.(D) Three weeks.

What is the topic of the conversation for questions 6 through 10 ?

11. (A) All kinds of pollution. 14. (A) Only in North America.
(B) How acid rain has harmed the earth. (B) At the North and South Poles.
(C) Pollution from cars and factories. (C) In parts of several northern continents.
(D) The causes and possible effects of acid rain (D) In equatorial areas.

12. (A) Nuclear power. 15. (A) She should protect herself from the rain.
(B) Electricity. (B) She should clean up the water supply.
(C) Burning coal and oil. (C) She should read a novel.
(D) Solar Power. (D) She should get more information about
acid rain.
13. (A) From sulfur dioxide and water vapor.
(B) From sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
(C) From nitric acid and sulfur dioxide. (D) From water vapor and nitric
acid.

What is the topic of the conversation for questions 11 through 15 ?

______________________________________________________________________________

SKILL 19 : ANTICIPATE THE QUESTIONS

It is very helpful to your ability to answer individual questions in Listening Part B if you can anticipate what
the questions will be and listen specifically for the answers to those questions.
Example
In your text book, your read:
(A) In the airport.
(B) In the library.
(C) In the dormitory.
(D) In the travel agent’s office.

You try to anticipate the question:

When does the conversation probably take place?

47
In this example, you can be quite certain that one of the questions will be about where the conversation takes
place. Since you are sure that this is one of the questions, you can listen carefully for clues that will give you
the answer. This example shows that a helpful strategy is therefore to look briefly at the answers in the test
book, before you actually hear the conversations in the recording program, and try to determine the questions
that you will be asked to answer.

EXERCISE 1: Study the following answers and try to determine what the questions will be. (You should
note that perhaps you will only be able to predict part of a question, rather than the complete question). If
you cannot predict the question in a short period of time, then move on to the next group of answers.
Question 1 has been answered for you. (B) Three complete days.
(C) Three classes.(D) Three weeks.
1. Question : what does (someone) want to do? 9. Question:___________________________ ___
_______________________________________ (A)Sleeping outside on the ground.
_ (A) Find work on campus. (B) Spending time in a sauna or hot tub.
(B) Work in the employment office. (C) Relaxing at the lodge.
(C) Help students find jobs. (D) Enjoying excellent food.10. Question:
(D) Ask the woman questions. ______________________________
2. Question:______________________________ (A) She’d be scared, but she’d like to
(A) In the library. try. (B) She can’t wait. (C) It would be
(B) In a classroom. quite exciting for her. (D) She’d prefer
(C) In a campus office.(D) In an apartement. not to try.
3. Question:_______________________________ 11. Question:______________________________
(A) No more than ten. (A) All kinds of pollution.
(B) At least twenty. (B) How acid rain has harmed the earth.
(C) Not more than twenty.(D) Up to ten. (C) Pollution from cars and factories.
4. Question: _______________________________ (D) The causes and possible effects of acid rain
(A) Every morning. (B) Afternoons and 12. Question:______________________________
weekends. (A) Nuclear power.
(C) When he’s in class. (B) Electricity.
(D) Weekdays. (C) Burning coal and oil.(D) Solar Power.
5. Question: _______________________________ 13. Question:______________________________
(A) Fill out a form. (A) From sulfur dioxide and water vapor.
(B) Give her some additional information. (B) From sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
(C) Tell her some news.(D) Phone her. (C) From nitric acid and sulfur dioxide.(D)
6. Question:_______________________________ From water vapor and nitric acid.
(A) Just before a vacation. 14. Question: ______________________________
(B) Just after the end of a school semester. (A) Only in North America.
(C) At the end of the summer. (B) At the North and South Poles.
(D) Just after a break from school. (C) In parts of several northern continents. (D)
7. Question:_______________________________ In equatorial areas.
(A) A trip to visit the Eskimos. 15. Question: ______________________________
(B) A trip the woman is planning to take. (A) She should protect herself from the rain.
(C) A trip the man has already taken. (B) She should clean up the water supply.
(D) A camping trip the man and woman took (C) She should read a novel.
8. (D) She should get more information about acid
Question:______________________________ rain.
(A) Three hours.
WHILE LISTENING_____________________________________________________

48
 SKILL 20 : DETERMINE THE TOPIC
As you listen to each conversation in Listening Part B, you should be thinking about the topic (subject) or
main idea for each conversation. Since the first one or two sentences generally give the topic, you should be
asking yourself what the topic is while you are listening carefully to the first part of the conversation.
Example
On the recording, you hear:
(man) You can’t believe what I just got it!
(woman) I bet you got that new car you’ve always wanted.
(man) Now, how in the world did you figure that out?

You think :
The topic of the conversation is the new car that the man just got.
EXERCISE 20: Listen to the first part of each of the conversation, and decide on the topic of conversation.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT EXERCISE 20.

1. What is the topic of Conversation 1?__________________________________________ 2.

What is the topic of Conversation 2?__________________________________________
3. What is the topic of Conversation 3?__________________________________________

SKILL 21 : DRAW CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE

As you listen to each conversation in Listening Part B, you should be trying to set the situation in your
mind.you should be thinking the following thoughts:

• Who is talking?
• When does the conversation probably take place?
• Where does the conversation probably take place?
• What is the source of information for the conversation?
Example
On the recording, you hear:
(man) Why do you have so many books?
(woman) I need them for my paper on George Washington. Do you
know how I can check them out?
(man) Yes, you should go downstairs to the circulation desk
and fill out a card for each book..

You think :
Who is probably talking? (two students)
Where are they? (in the library)
What course are they discussing? (American History)
EXERCISE 21: Listen to the first part of each of the conversation and try to imagine the situation. Then
answer the question in the text.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT EXERCISE 21.

Conversation 1
1. Who is probably talking?__________________________________________________________
2. Where does the conversation take place? ______________________________________________

49
Conversation 2
1. Who is probably talking? __________________________________________________________
2. Where does the conversation take place? ______________________________________________
3. What is the source of the man’s information? __________________________________________

Conversation 3
1. Who is probably talking? __________________________________________________________
2. Where does the conversation take place? ______________________________________________
3. What is the source of the information? _______________________________________________

SKILL 22 : LISTEN FOR ANSWERS IN ORDER

There are two possible methods to use while you listen to a conversation in the Listening Part B of the TOEFL
test.
• You can just listen to the conversation (and ignore the answers).
• You can follow along with the answers while you listen.

Some students prefer to just listen to the conversation while it is being spoken, and if that method works well
for you, then that is what you should do. Other students find that they can answer more questions correctly
if they read along with the answers while the conversation is being spoken. Because the detail questions are
answered in order, it is possible to read along while you listen to the conversation in the recording program.
Example
On the recording, you hear: In your text book, your read (same time):

(man) Can I help you? 1. (A) A checking account.

(woman) I ‘m interested in opening an account. (B) A savings account.
(man) Well, we have several different types of (C) A money market account. accounts:
checking accounts, savings (D) A time deposit account. accounts, money market
accounts, time deposit accounts.
(woman) It’s a checking account that I am interested in.
(man) I can help you with that. First, you have to 2. (A) A form.
fill out a form, and then I need to see some (B) An account.
identification. That’s about all there is to it. (C) A piece of identification (woman)
That sounds easy enough. Thanks for your help. (D) A check.

On the recording, you hear :

(narrator) 1. What type of account does the woman want?

2. What does the man need for her to show him?
When you read the answers to the first question, you can anticipate that the first question is :What type of
account? As you listen, you determine that the woman wants a checking account. Therefore, you can
anticipate that the best answer to the first question is (A).
when you read the answers to the second question, you can anticipate that the second question is
going to ask What thing…? In the conversation, the man asks her to fill out a form and show some
identification, so as you are listening you can anticipate that the correct answer to the second question is
either (A) or (C). When you hear the question, you can determine that the best answer is answer (C).

TOEFL EXERCISE 22: Listen to each complete conversation and answer the question that follow.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 22.

50
1. (A) Find work on campus. (B) Three complete days. (C) Three classes.
(B) Work in the employment office. (D) Three weeks
(C) Help students find jobs. 9. (A) Sleeping outside on the ground.
(D) Ask the woman questions. (B) Spending time in a sauna or hot tub.
(C) Relaxing at the lodge.
2. (A) In the library. (D) Enjoying excellent food.
(B) In a classroom.
(C) In a campus office.(D) In an 10. (A) She’d be scared, but she’d like to try. (B)
apartement. She can’t wait. (C) It would be quite exciting
for her.
3. (A) No more than ten. (B) At least twenty. (D) She’d prefer not to try.
(C) Not more than twenty. (D)
Up to ten. 11. (A) All kinds of pollution.
(B) How acid rain has harmed the earth.
4. (A) Every morning. (B) Afternoons and (C) Pollution from cars and factories.
weekends. (D) The causes and possible effects of acid rain
(C) When he’s in class.
12. (A) Nuclear power. (B) Electricity.
(D) Weekdays. (C) Burning coal and oil. (D)
Solar Power.
5. (A) Fill out a form.
(B) Give her some additional information. 13. (A) From sulfur dioxide and water vapor.
(C) Tell her some news.(D) Phone her. (B) From sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
(C) From nitric acid and sulfur dioxide. (D)
6. (A) Just before a vacation. From water vapor and nitric acid.
(B) Just after the end of a school semester.
(C) At the end of the summer. 14. (A) Only in North America.
(D) Just after a break from school. (B) At the North and South Poles.
(C) In parts of several northern continents.(D)
7. (A) A trip to visit the Eskimos. In equatorial areas.
(B) A trip the woman is planning to take.
(C) A trip the man has already taken. 15. (A) She should protect herself from the rain. (B)
(D) A camping trip the man and woman She should clean up the water supply.
took. (C) She should read a novel.
(D) She should get more information about acid
8. (A) Three hours. rain.
---------------------THE LISTENING PART C QUESTIONS-----------------
Part C of the listening Comprehension section of the TOEFL test consists of three talks, each followed by a
number of questions. You will hear the talks and the questions on a recording; they are not written in your
test book. You must choose the best answer to each question from the four choices that are written in your
test book. Like the conversations in Listening Part B, the talks are often about some aspect of school life or
topics currently in the news. It is also very common for the talks to be shortened versions of lectures from
courses taught in America colleges and universities.

51
 Example
On the recording, you hear :
(narrator) Question 1 through 4. Listen to a talk about the settlement of America.
(woman) The setting of the vast farmlands in central North America was delayed at least partly
because of an error by one man. In the early nineteenth century, Lieutenant Zebulon
Pike of the U.S. Army was sent out to explore and chart the huge expanses of and in the
center of the continent. When he returned from his explorations, he wrote a report in
which he erroneously stated that the vast plains in the central part of the continent were
desertlike, comparable to the Sahara in Africa. In reality, however, these vast plains
contained some of the most fertile farmland in the world. Because of Pike’s
mistake, the maps of the day depicated the central part of what is today the United States
as a vast deser rather than the excellent and available farmland that it was. This
mistaken belief about the nature of those lands caused settlers to avoid the central plains
for years.

Questions :

1. On the recording, you hear :

(narrator) What is the topic of this talk? In your
test book, you read : (A) Zebulon Pike’s center.
(B) A mistake that influenced the settlement of America. (C) A report for the
Army (D) The farmlands.
2. On the recording, you hear:
(narrator) How did Pike describe the area that he explored?
In your test book, you read: (A) As a desert.
(B) As usable for army purposes.
(C) As located in the Sahara.
(D) As available for farmlands.

3. On the recording, you hear:

(narrator) What was this area really like? In your
test book, you read: (A) It was a vast desert.
(B) It was covered with farms.
(C) It was excellent farmland.
(D) It was similar to the Sahara.

4. On the recording, you hear:

(narrator) This talk would probably be given in which of the
following courses?
In your test book, you read: (A) Agricultural Science.
(B) American History.
(C) Geology of the United States.
(D) Military Science.
The first question asks about the topic of the talk. The topic of the talk is found in the first sentence of the
talk. The setting of the farmlands in central North America was delayed at least partly because of an error by
one man. Therefore, the best answer to the question is (B). The second question is a detail question that asks
how Pike described this area. It is stated in the talk that Pike wrote a report in which he erroneously stated
that the vast plains in the central part of the continent were desertlike… Therefore, the best answer to this
question is (A). The third question is an additional detail question that asks what the area was really like.
Because the talks indicate that in reality… these vast plains contained some of the most fertile

52
farmland in the world, the best answer to this question is (C). The fourth question is an inference question. It
asks in which course this lecture would probably be given. The word probably indicates to you that the
question is not answer directly in the talk. You must draw a conclusion from the information in the talk to
answer this question. Because this talk refers to the early nineteenth century and discusses the settling of the
vast farmlands in central North America, it would probably be given in an American History course. The
best answer to this question is (B).
STRATEGIES FOR THE LISTENING PART C QUESTIONS
1. If you have time, preview the answers to the Listening Part C questions. While you are
looking at the answers, you should try to do the following :
• Anticipate the topics of the conversations you will hear.
• Anticipate the questions for each of the groups of answers.
2. Listen carefully to the first line of the conversation. The first line of the conversation often
contains the main idea, subject, or topic of the conversation, and you will often be asked to
answer such question.
3. As you listen to the talk, draw conclusions about the situation of the talk : who is talking,
whereor when the talk takes place, which course this lecture might be given in.You will
often be asked to make such inferences about the talk.
4. As you listen to the talk, follow along with the answers in your test book and try to
determine the correct answers. Detail questions are generally answered in order in the talk,
and the answers often sound the same as what is said in the recording program.
5. You should guess even if you are not sure. Never leave any answers blank.
6. Use any remaining time to look ahead at the answers to the questions that follow.

BEFORE LISTENING___________________________________________

SKILL 23 : ANTICIPATE THE TOPIC

It is very helpful to your overall comprehension if you know what topics to expect in Listening Part C. You
should therefore try to anticipate the topics you will be hearing (as you did in Listening Part B). For example,
are the talks about American History, or literature, or some aspect of school life? A helpful strategy is
therefore to look briefly at the answers in the test book, before you actually hear the talks on the recording,
and try to determine the topics of the talks that you will hear.

EXERCISE 23: Look at the answer to the five questions together, and try to anticipate the topic of the talk
for those five questions. (Of course, you cannot always determine exactly what the topic is, but you often can
get a general idea). Questions I through 5 have been answered for you.
1. (A) During a biology laboratory session.
(B) In a biology study group.
(C) On the first day of class . (D)
Just before the final exam.

2. (A) Once a week.

(B) Two times a week.
(C) Three times a week.(D) For fifteen
hours.

3. (A) To do the first laboratory

assignment. (B) To take the first exam.
(C) To study the laboratory manual.
(D) To read one chapter of the text.

53
4. (A) Room assignments.(B) Exam topics. 9. (A) They are not so violent.
(C) Reading (B) They are located along the Ring of
assignments. (D) The Fire. (C) They contain a lot of gas.
first lecture. (D) They contain thick lava.

5. (A) Exams and lab work. 10. (A) A Volcano on the Ring of Fire. (B)
(B) Reading and writing assignments. An island in Hawaii.
(C) Class participation and grades on (C) A long, low volcanic mountain.
examinations. (D) An explosive volcano.
(D) Lecture and laboratory attendance.
What is the topic of the conversation for
What is the topic of the conversation for question 6 through 10?_______________
question 1 through 5?
11. (A) An artist.
(B) A tour guide.
the requirements of a
(C) An Indian.
biology
(D) Orville Wright.
class_________________________
____ 12. (A) Several.
(B) Sixty thousand.
You can guess this because of the following (C) Sixteen million.
clues:
(D) Millions and millions.

• Biology 13. (A) The National Air and Space

• first day of class Museum. (B) The Museum of Natural
Reading assignments History. (C) The American History
• Exams Museum.
• lab work (D) The Smithsonian Arts and Industries
Building.
6. (A) What caused the Ring of Fire.
(B) The Volcanoes of the Ring of Fire. 14. (A) The American History Museum.
(C) Hawaiian volcanoes. (B) The Smithsonian Arts and
(D) Different types of volacanoes. IndustriesBuilding.
(C) The Washington Museum.
7. (A) The Ring of Fire. (D) The National Air and Space Museum.
(B) The characteristics of volcanoes in the
15. (A) To the White House. (B) To the
Ring of Fire.
Smithsonian.
(C) The Volcanoes of Hawaii.(D) Mauna
(C) To the mall.
Loa.
(D) To various other museums.
8. (A) In Hawaii.
What is the topic of the conversation for
(B) In the United States.
question 11 through
(C) Along the Ring of Fire. 15?_________________
(D) Within the Ring of Fire.

SKILL 24 : ANTICIPATE THE QUESTIONS

It is very helpful to your ability to answer individual questions in Listening Part C if you can anticipate what
the questions will be and listen specifically for the answers to those questions (as you did in Listening Part
B).

54
 Example

In your text book, your read :

(A) For three weeks.
(B) For three days.
(C) For three months. (D) For three
hours.

You try to anticipate the question :

How long does (something)
last?
In this example, you can be quite certain that one of the questions will be about how long something lasts.
Since you are sure that this is one of the questions, you can listen carefully for clues that will give you the
answer. This example shows that a helpful strategy is therefore to look briefly at the answers in the test book,
before you actually hear the talks on the recording, and try to determine the questions that you will be asked
to answer.

EXERCISE 24: Study the following answers and try to determine what the questions will be. (You should
note that perhaps you will only be able to predict part of a question, rather than the complete question). If
you cannot predict the question in a short period of time, then move on to the next group of answers.
Question 1 has been answered for you. (C) Class participation and grades
onexaminations.
(D) Lecture and laboratory attendance.
1. Question: When does the talk probably
6. Question:______________________________
take _ (A) What caused the Ring of Fire.
place?________________________ (B) The Volcanoes of the Ring of Fire.
(A) During a biology laboratory session. (C) Hawaiian volcanoes.
(B) In a biology study group. (D) Different types of volacanoes.
(C) On the first day of class . (D) Just 7. Question:
before the final exam. _______________________________
2. Question:______________________________ (A) A trip to visit the Eskimos.
_ (A) Once a week. (B) A trip the woman is planning to take.
(B) Two times a week. (C) A trip the man has already taken.
(C) Three times a week.(D) For fifteen hours. (D) A camping trip the man and woman took.
3. Question:______________________________ 8. Question:______________________________
_ (A) To do the first laboratory assignment. _ (A) In Hawaii.
(B) To take the first exam. (B) In the United States.
(C) To study the laboratory manual.(D) To (C) Along the Ring of Fire.
read one chapter of the text. (D) Within the Ring of Fire.
4. Question: 9. Question:
_______________________________ (A) _______________________________
Room assignments. (A) They are not so violent.
(B) Exam topics. (B) They are located along the Ring of Fire.
(C) Reading assignment.(D) The first lecture. (C) They contain a lot of gas.(D) They contain
5. Question: thick lava.
_______________________________ (A) 10. Question: ______________________________
Exams and lab work. (A) A Volcano on the Ring of Fire. (B) An
(B) Reading and writing assignments. island in Hawaii.

55
 (C) A long, low volcanic mountain. (D) (C) The American History Museum.
An explosive volcano. (D) The Smithsonian Arts and
11. Question: ______________________________ IndustriesBuilding.
(A) An artist. . 14. Question: ______________________________
(B) A tour guide. (A) The American History Museum.
(C) An Indian. (B) The Smithsonian Arts and
(D) Orville Wright. IndustriesBuilding.
12. Question: ______________________________ (C) The Washington Museum.
(A) Several. (D) The National Air and Space Museum.
(B) Sixty thousand. 15. Question: _____________________________
(C) Sixteen million. (A) To the White House.
(D) Millions and millions. (B) To the Smithsonian.
13. Question: ______________________________ (C) To the mall.
(A) The National Air and Space Museum. (B) (D) To various other museums.
The Museum of Natural History.
WHILE LISTENING_____________________________________________________

SKILL 25 : DETERMINE THE TOPIC

As you listen to each talk in Listening Part C, you should be thinking about the topic (subject) or main idea
for the talk (as you did in Listening Part B). Since the first one or two sentences generally give the topic, you
should be asking yourself what the topic is while you are listening carefully to the first part of the talk.

Example
On the recording, you hear :
(man) The major earthquake that occurred east of Los Angeles in 1971 is still affecting the economy
of the area today.

You think:
The topic of the talk is the effect of the 1971 earthquake on Los Angeles today.

EXERCISE 25: Listen to the first part of each of the talks, and decide on the topic of each talk.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT EXERCISE 25.

1. What is the topic of Talk 1?___________________________

2. What is the topic of Talk 2?___________________________

3. What is the topic of Talk 3?___________________________

SKILL 26 : DRAW CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE

As you listen to each talk in Listening Part C, you should be trying to set the situation in your mind (as you
did in Listening Part B). You should be thinking the following thoughts:

Who is talking?
When does the talk probably take place?

56
Where does the talk probably take place?
What is the source of information for the talk?
Example

On the recording, you hear :

(woman) The next stop on our tour of Atlanta will be the original home of Coca-Cola, at 107
Marietta Street.Coca-Cola was manufactured at this location until early in September of
1888.

You think:
Who is probably talking? (a tour guide)
Where are they? (in Atlanta)
When does the talk take place? (in the middle of a tour)

EXERCISE 26 : Listen to the first part of each of the talks and try to imagine the situation. Then answer the
question in the text.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT EXERCISE 26.

Talk 1
1. Who is probably talking?__________________________________________________________

2. Where does the talk probably take place?______________________________________________

3. When does the talk probably take place?______________________________________________

4. What course is being discussed?_____________________________________________________

Talk 2
1. Who is probably talking?__________________________________________________________

2. Where does the talk probably take place?______________________________________________

3. When does the talk probably take place?______________________________________________

4. What course is being discussed?_____________________________________________________

Talk 3
1. Who is probably talking?__________________________________________________________

2. Where does the talk take place?_____________________________________________________

3. When does the talk take place?______________________________________________________

SKILL 27 : LISTEN FOR ANSWERS IN ORDER

There are two possible methods to use while you listen to the talks in Listening Part C.
• You can just listen to the talk (and ignore the answers).
• You can follow along with the answers while you listen.

57
Some students prefer to just listen to the talk while it is being spoken, and if that method works well for you,
then that is what you should do. Other students find that they can answer more questions correctly if they
read along with the answers while the talk is being given. Because the detail questions are answered in order,
it is possible to read along while you listen to the talk in the recording program.
Example
On the recording, you hear:

(woman) the Great Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871, and according to legend, began
when a cow knocke over a lantern in Mrs. O’Leary’s barn. No matter how it began,
it was disastrous fire. The preceding summer had been exceedingly dry in the
Chicago
area, and the extreme dryness accompanied by Chicago’s infamous winds created an
inferno that destroyed 18,000 buildings and killed more than 300 people before it was
extinguished the Following day.

.On the recording, you hear:

(narrator) 1. According to legend, where did the Great Chicago Fire begin?
2. Which of the following is not true about the Great Chicago Fire?

In your text book, your read (same time) : 1.

(A) In a barn.
(B) In Mrs. O’Leary’s home.
(C) In a cow pasture.
(D) In a lantern factory.

2. (A) The dry weather prior to the fire made it worse.

(B) It happened during the summer.
(C) Chicago’s winds made it worse.
(D) It killed many people.
When you read the answers to the first question, you can anticipate that the first question is: Where did
something happen? As you listen, you determine that the fire began in Mrs. O’Leary’s barn. Therefore, you
can anticipate that the best answer to the first question is (A).
If you read the answers to the second question while you listen the talk, you can determine that
answers (A), (C), and (D) are true. Answer (B) is not true : the fire did not begin the summer, it began in
October, which is in the autumn. Therefore, answer (B) is the best answer to the question Which of the
following is not true about the Great Chicago Fire?

TOEFL EXERCISE 27: Listen to each complete talk and answer the question that follow.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL EXERCISE 27.

1. (A) During a biology laboratory session. (B) 3. (A) To do the first laboratory assignment.
In a biology study group. (B) To take the first exam.
(C) On the first day of class . (D) (C) To study the laboratory manual. (D)
Just before the final exam. To read one chapter of the text.

2. (A) Once a week. 4. (A) Room assignments.

(B) Two times a week. (B) Exam topics.
(C) Three times a week.(D) For fifteen (C) Reading assignment.(D) The first
hours. lecture.

58
5. (A) Exams and lab work. 15. (A) To the White House. (B) To the
(B) Reading and writing assignments. Smithsonian.
(C) Class participation and grades (C) To the mall.
onexaminations.
(D) Lecture and laboratory attendance.

6. (A) What caused the Ring of Fire.

(B) The Volcanoes of the Ring of Fire.
(C) Hawaiian volcanoes.
(D) Different types of volacanoes.

7. (A) A trip to visit the Eskimos.

(B) A trip the woman is planning to take.
(C) A trip the man has already taken.
(D) A camping trip the man and woman
took.

8. (A) In Hawaii.
(B) In the United States.
(C) Along the Ring of Fire.
(D) Within the Ring of Fire.

9. (A) They are not so violent.

(B) They are located along the Ring of Fire.
(C) They contain a lot of gas.(D) They
contain thick lava.

10. (A) A Volcano on the Ring of Fire. (B) An

island in Hawaii.
(C) A long, low volcanic mountain. (D)
An explosive volcano.

11. (A) An artist. .

(B) A tour guide.
(C) An Indian.
(D) Orville Wright.
12. (A) Several.
(B) Sixty thousand.
(C) Sixteen million.
(D) Millions and millions.

13. (A) The National Air and Space Museum. (B)

The Museum of Natural History. (C) The
American History Museum.
(D) The Smithsonian Arts and Industries
Building.

14. (A) The American History Museum.

(B) The Smithsonian Arts and
IndustriesBuilding.
(C) The Washington Museum.
(D) The National Air and Space Museum.

59
 (D) To various other museums

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 23-27): In this exercise, you will use of the information that you
learned in Skills 23 through 27.

Before the recording program begins, you should read over the answers to questions 1 through 12 and do the
following:
• Anticipate the topics you will hear.
• Anticipate the questions.
While you are listening to the talks, you should do the following:
• Listen for the topic in the first sentence.
• Draw conclusions about the situation (who, what, when, where).
• Listen for the answers in order.

NOW BEGIN THE RECORDING PROGRAM AT TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (SKILLS 23-
27).

1. (A) Other librarians. 4. (A) Go home.

(B) Undergraduate students. (B) Return to class.
(C) Students who are not in the business (C) Work on the computers. department. (D)
Tour the library.
(D) Graduate business students.
5. (A) A student in health services.
2. (A) It opens at 7:00 A.M. (B) A drug abuse lecturer. (B) It closes at 7:00 P.M. (C) A
dermatologist.
(C) It closes at midnight. (D) A representatives of the tobacco industry.
(D) It is always open.
6. (A) How to reduce nicotine and other
addictions.
3. (A) Computer area and business materials. (B) How stress affects the skin.
(B) Magazines and newspapers. (C) The effects of alcohol on health.
(C) Business deparment and library staff offices. (D) How to achieve optimal health.
(D) First and second floors of the library.
7. (A) Alcohol(B) Nicotine.

60
 (C) Caffeine.
(D) A reduced supply of blood.

8. (A) It increases the flow of blood to the skin.

(B) It causes increased consumption of
alcohol.
(C) It prevents the skin from receiving
enough nourishment.
(D) It causes stress.

9. (A) Before the Civil War.

(B) At the end of the Civil War.
(C) At the beginning of the twentieth
century. (D) Within the last decade.

10. (A) The Civil War ended.

(B) The U.S. goverment issued a large
amount
of paper currency.
(C) The price of gold plummeted.
(D) The value of gold became inflated.11.

(A) The president.

(B) The president’s brother. (C)

The president’s brother-in-law.
(D) The president’s wife.

12. (A) Issues greenbacks.

(B) Sell gold.
(C) Corner the gold market.
(D) Hold its gold reserves.

61
 SECTION 2
STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION
Paper-Based TOEFL

Structure and Written Expression

This section is designed to measure your ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English.
There are two types of questions in the Structure and Written Expression section of the TOEFL test:

1. Structure
Directions: These questions are incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence you will see four words or phrases,
marked A, B, C, and D. Choose the one word or phrase that best completes the sentence.

Example I
1. Geysers have often been compared to volcanoes ……………. they both emit hot liquids from below the
Earth’s surface.
A. due to
B. because
C. in spite of
D. regardless of

Therefore, you should choose answer (B)

Example II
2. During the early period of ocean navigation, ……………. any need for sophisticated instruments and
techniques.
A. so that hardly
B. where there hardly was
C. hardly was
D. there was hardly

Therefore, you should choose answer (D)

2. Written Expression
Directions: In these questions, each sentence has four underlined words or phrases. The four underlined parts of the
sentence are marked A, B, C, and D. Identify the one underlined word or phrase that must be changed in order for
the sentence to be correct.

Example I
Guppies are sometimes call rainbow fish because of the males’ bright colors.
A B C D
The sentence should read, “Guppies are sometimes called rainbow fish because of the males’ bright colors.”
Therefore, you should choose answer A.

Example II
Serving several term in Congress, Shirley Chisholm became an important United States politician A
B C D
The sentence should read, “Serving several terms in Congress, Shirley Chisholm became an important United States
politician.” Therefore, you should choose answer (B)
 STRATEGIES FOR THE STRUCTURE QUESTIONS

1. First study the sentence. Your purpose is to determine what is needed to complete the sentence correctly.
2. Then study each answer based on how well it completes the sentence. Eliminate answers that do not
complete the sentence correctly.
3. Do not try to eliminate incorrect answers by looking only at the answers. The incorrect answers are
generally correct by themselves. The incorrect answers are generally incorrect only when used to complete
the sentence.
4. Never leave any answers blank. Be sure to answer each question even if you are unsure of the correct
response.
5. Do not spend too much time on the Structure questions. Be sure to leave adequate time for the Written
Expression questions.
PROBLEM WITH TENSES
Problems 1: Tenses

1. Names of Tenses
Present 1. Present Tense
2. Present Continuous
3. Present Perfect
4. Present Perfect Continuous
Past 1. Past Tense
2. Past Continuous
3. Past Perfect
4. Past Perfect Continuous
Present Future 1. Present Future Tense
2. Present Future Continuous
3. Present Future Perfect
4. Present Future Perfect Continuous
Past Future 1. Past Future Tense
2. Past Future Continuous
3. Past Future Perfect
4. Past Future Perfect Continuous
2. Components of the Sentence

INDONESIA :S P O K

63
______________________________________________

ENGLISH :S V C M

60

S : Subject
V : Verb
C : Complement
M : Modifier

3. Sentence
Based on VERB, sentence is devided into 2:
 Non Verbal sentence in which the verb / predicate is not verb or verb to be
 Verbal sentence in which the verb / predicate is verb, and is devided into 2 sentences: a. Verbal
active
b. Verbal passive

4. Verb
There are 2 verbs; regular and irregular verb (see at appendix), both of them have 4 forms:
1. V1 – Present
2. V2 – Past
3. V3 – Past Participle
4. V4 – Present Participle
 A. PRESENT 2. VERBAL ACTIVE
a. Past Tense: S + V2
1. VERB TO BE Example: I worked yesterday
a. Present Tense: S + is/am/are + M Example: She is at b. Past Continuous: S + was/were + V-ing
home everyday Example: I was working yesterday
b. Present Continuous: S + is/am/are + being + M c. Past Perfect: S + had + V3
Example: She is being at home now Example: I had worked
c. Present Perfect: S + has/have + been + M d. Past Perfect Continuous: S + had been + V-ing
Example: She has been at home already Example: I had been working
d. Present Perfect Continuous: S + has/have + been +
M Example: She has been at home since twelve o’clock 3. VERBAL PASSIVE
a. Past Tense: S + was/were + V3
2. VERBAL ACTIVE Example: Ballito was bitten by Julia
a. Present Tense: S + V1/V1+s/es b. Past Continuous: S + was/were + being + V3
Example: He works everyday Example: Ballito was being bitten by Julia
b. Present Continuous: S + is/am/are + V-ing c. Past Perfect: S + had been + V3
Example: He is working Example: Ballito had been bitten by Julia
c. Present Perfect: S + has/have + V3 d. Past Perfect Continuous: S + had been being + V3
Example: He has worked for three hours Example: Ballito had been being bitten by Julia
d. Present Perfect Continuous: S + has/have been +
Ving Example: He has been working since four o’clock

3. VERBAL PASSIVE
a. Present Tense: S + is/am/are + V3
Example: Ballito is bitten by Julia
b. Present Continuous: S + is/am/are + being + V3
Example: Ballito is being bitten by Julia
c. Present Perfect: S + has/have + been + V3
Example: Ballito has been bitten by Julia
SUBJECT PRESENT PAST PRESENT PAST
FUTURE FUTURE
Plural I am shall/will should/
We would
are
They have do were will would
You
Its
Singular He
She is has does was
It had did
d. Present Pf Continuous: S + has/have + been being +
V3
Example: Ballito has been being bitten by Julia
B. PAST
1. VERB TO BE
a. Past Tense: S + was/were + M
Example: She was at home yesterday
b. Past Continuous: S + was/were + being + M
Example: She was being at home
c. Past Perfect: S + had been + M
Example: She had been at home
d. Past Perfect Continuous: S + had been + M
Example: She had been at home

65
C. PRESENT FUTURE b. Past F Continuous: S + should/would + be being + M
i.g: She would be being at home at this time next week
1. NON VERBAL c. Past F Perfect: S + should/would + have been + M
a. Present Future Tense: S + shall/will + be + M Example: She would have been at home
Example: She will be at home tomorrow d. Ps F Pf Continuous: S + should/would have been + M
b. Pr Future Continuous: S + shall/will + be + being + M Example: She would have been at home
i.g: She will be being at home at this time next week
c. Present Future Perfect: S + shall/will + have been + 2. VERBAL ACTIVE
M a. Past Future Tense: S + should/would + V1
Example: She will have been at home Example: I would clean my room
d. Pr F Pf Continuous: S + shall/will + have been + M b. Past Future Continuous: S + should/would be + V-ing
Example: She will have been at home Example: I would be cleaning my room
c. Past Future Perfect: S + should/would + have + V3
2. VERBAL ACTIVE Example: I would have cleaned my room
a. Present Future Tense: S + shall/will + V1 d. Ps F Pf Cont.: S + should/would + have been + V-ing
Example: I will clean my room Example: I would have been cleaning my room
b. Present Future Continuous: S + shall/will be + V-ing
Example: I will be cleaning my room 3. VERBAL PASSIVE
c. Present Future Perfect: S + shall/will + have + V3 a. Past Future Tense: S + should/would be + V3
Example: I will have cleaned my room Example: Ballito would be bitten by Julia
d. Pr F Pf Continuous: S + shall/will have been + V-ing b. Past F Continuous: S + should/would be + being + V3
Example: I will have been cleaning my room Example: Ballito would be being bitten by Julia
c. Past F Perfect: S + should/would + have been + V3
3. VERBAL PASSIVE Example: Ballito would have been bitten by Julia
a. Present Future Tense: S + shall/will be + V3 d. Ps F Pf Con: S + should/would + have been being + V3
Example: Ballito will be bitten by Julia Example: Ballito would have been being bitten by Julia
b. Pr Future Continuous: S + shall/will be + being + V3
Example: Ballito will be being bitten by Julia
c. Pr Future Perfect: S + shall/will + have been + V3
Example: Ballito will have been bitten by Julia
d. Pr F Pf Cont: S + shall/will + have been being + V3
Example: Ballito will have been being bitten by Julia
MAY
CAN Present: MAY
Present: CAN Example: I may go to the cinema.
Example: I can swim very well Past: WAS/WERE ALLOWED TO
Past: COULD Example: Last week we were not allowed to play football.
Example: I could swim very well Future: SHALL BE ALLOWED TO Example: Next
Future: SHALL BE ABLE TO Saturday they will not be allowed to swim.
Example: I shall not be able to swim tomorrow
62
MUST
Present: MUST
Example: I must go now
Past: HAD TO
Example: Yesterday I had to do much work.
Future: SHALL HAVE TO
Example: Next week I shall have to go to Bandung.
D. PAST FUTURE
1. NON VERBAL
a. Past Future Tense: S + should/would + be + M
Example: She would be at home tomorrow
Exercises (A) in
Choose the correct answer. (B) Town in
(C) Town are(D) Town are in
1. Mark Twain .............. they years after the Civil 10. NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center ............
Warthe “Gilded Age.” (A) Called control center for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo
(B) Calling space flights.
(C) He called (A) it was at the
(D) His calls (B) it was the
2. Early ............ toes instead of hooves on their feet. (C) was the
(A) Horses (D) the
(B) Had horses(C) Horses had
(D) Horses having Answers & Explanations
3. ........ grow close to the ground in the short arctic Secara umum, kalimat dalam Bahasa Inggris
summer. seharusnya mempunyai Satu Subjek dan Satu Kata
(A) Above tundra plants Kerja. Pertanyaan yang sering muncul dalam soal-soal
(B) Tundra plants TOEFL yaitu dihilangkannya subjek atau kata kerja
(C) Tundra plants are found atau keduaduanya. Kadang-kadang kalimat dalam soal
(D) For tundra plants suka menambahkan subjek atau kata kerja yang tidak
4. In 1867, ....... Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 perlu.
million.
No. 1
(A) Purchased the United States (B)
Steps to answer:
To purchase the United States
1. Mencari Subjek dan K. Kerja
(C) The United States’ purchase of (D) Teridentifikasi terdapat 1 subjek MARK TWAIN
The United States purchased dan tidak ada K. Kerja. Maka diperlukan K. Kerja
5. Between 1725 and 1750, New England witnessed untuk melengkapi kalimat tersebut.
anincrease in the specialization of ........ 2. Analyze
(A) Occupations (A) Merupakan K. kerja dalam bentuk simple pasttense
(B) Occupies (B) Merupakan K. kerja +ing, membutuhkan to beuntuk
(C) They occupied menjadi K. kerja utama
(D) It occupied them (C) Merupakan kalimat (terdapat subjek dan K kerja)
6. The large carotid artery ........ to the main parts of the (D) bukan merupakan K. kerja
brain. Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan
(A) carrying blood jawaban (A) CALLED merupakan jawaban yang benar
(B) Blood is carried yang bisa melengkapi kalimat.
(C) carries blood
No. 2 Steps to
(D) Blood carries
answer:
7. ....... Radio as the first practical system of
1. Mencari Subjek dan K. Kerja
wirelesstelegraphy
Teridentifikasi tidak terdapat Subjek dan K. Kerja.
(A) Marconi’s development
Hanya terdapat keterangan waktu EARLY dan
(B) the development by Marconi
objek yaitu TOES. Diperlukan Subjek dan K.
(C) Developing Marconi
Kerja untuk melangkapi kalimat tersebut
(D) Marconi Developed
2. Analyze
8. In 1975, the first successful space probe to ........
(A) Merupakan Subjek
beginning to send information back to Earth.
(B) Merupakan K. kerja dalam bentuk past perfect tense
(A) Venus
(C) Merupakan Subjek (HORSE) + verb (HAD)
(B) Venus the
(C) Venus was
(D) Venus it was
9. The two biggest resort ....... Arkansas are Hot
springsand Eureka springs.

67
(D) Merupakan K. benda + K. kerja (-ing)

68
 DAFTAR KATA DEPAN
(PREPOSITION)
About before for An under
across behind from outside unlike
after beside in over until
against betwen inside past Up
along beyond into since upon
membutuhkan to beuntuk menjadi K. kerja utama among by like through versus
Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat around despite near throughout with
disimpulkan jawaban (C) HORSES HAD as down of to within
merupakan jawaban yang benar yang bisa
melengkapi kalimat. at during off toward without
1. Mencari Subjek dan K. Kerja
No. 3 Steps to Teridentifikasi kalimat tesebut terdapat subjek dan K.
answer: Kerja. Diperlukan objek untuk preposisi OF yang
1. Mencari Subjek dan K. KerjaTeridentifikasi merupakan K. benda untuk melengkapi kalimat
terdapat K. Kerja (GROW). tersebut
Diperlukan Subjek untuk melangkapi kalimat tersebut 2. Analyze
2. Analyze (A) Merupakan K. benda
(A) Merupakan object of preposisi (above) sehingga (B) Merupakan K. kerja (untuk orang ketiga tunggal)
bukan merupakan subjek (C) Merupakan kalimat
(B) Merupakan subjek (D) Merupakan kalimat
(C) Merupakan kalimat karena terdapat subjek dan Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan
K.Kerja jawaban (A) OCCUPATIONS merupakan jawaban
(D) Merupakan object of preposisi (for) sehingga yang benar yang bisa melengkapi kalimat.
bukan merupakan subjek
Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan No. 6 Steps to
jawaban (B) TUNDRA PLANTS merupakan Jawaban answer:
yang benar yang bisa melengkapi kalimat. 1. Mencari Subjek dan K. Kerja
Teridentifikasi kalimat tesebut terdapat subjek dalam
No. 4 Steps to bentuk tunggal (THE LARGE CAROTID
answer: ARTERY). Diperlukan K. Kerja untuk melengkapi
1. Mencari Subjek dan K. Kerja kalimat tesebut
Teridentifikasi tidak terdapat Subjek dan K. Kerja. 2. Analyze
Hanya terdapat keterangan waktu IN 1867 dan objek (A) Merupakan K. kerja (-ing) sehingga membutuhkan
yaitu ALASKA. Diperlukan Subjek dan K. Kerja untuk to be untuk menjadi K. kerja utama + objek
melangkapi kalimat tersebut (BLOOD)
2. Analyze (B) Merupakan kalimat
(A) Merupakan prase dengan past participial (C) Merupakan K. kerja untuk orang ketiga tunggal +
(B) Merupakan prase dengan infinitive objek (BLOOD)
(C) Merupakan prase (D) Merupakan kalimat
(D) Merupakan Subjek (The United States) dan Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan
K.Kerja (purchased) jawaban (C) CARRIES BLOOD merupakan jawaban
Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan yang benar yang bisa melengkapi kalimat
jawaban (D) The United States purchased merupakan
jawaban yang benar yang bisa melengkapi kalimat. No. 7 Steps to
answer:
No. 5 Steps to 1. Mencari Subjek dan K. Kerja
answer: Teridentifikasi tidak terdapat Subjek dan K. Kerja.
- Object of Preposition yaitu suatu kata yang mengikuti Hanya terdapat keterangan objek yaitu RADIO.
kata benda atau kata sifat
- JIKA SUATU KATA/KALIMAT MERUPAKAN
OBJECT OF PREPOSITION, MAKA
KATA/KALIMAT TERSEBUT BUKAN
MERUPAKAN SUBJEK

69
 Diperlukan Subjek dan K. Kerja untuk melangkapi Teridentifikasi terdapat K. kerja (ARE) sedangkan
kalimat tersebut subjek kalimat belum lengkap. ARE merupakan kata
2. Analyze kerja jamak, sedangkan RESORT dan ARKANSAS
(A) tidak terdapat K. kerja dalam bentuk tunggal. Sehingga dibutuhkan kata benda
(B) tidak terdapat K. kerja dalam bentuk jamak sebagai subjek untuk K. kerja
(C) Merupakan K. kerja (-ing). membutuhkan to be jamak tersebut 2. Analyze
untuk menjadi K. kerja utama + K. benda (A) Merupakan preposisi
(D) Merupakan subjek dan K. Kerja (B) Merupakan K. Benda jamak + preposisi
Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan (C) Merupakan K. benda jamak + K. Kerja
jawaban (D) MARCONI DEVELOPED merupakan (D) Merupakan K. benda jamak + K. Kerja +
jawaban yang benar yang bisa melengkapi kalimat preposisiDari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat
disimpulkan jawaban (B) TOWNS IN merupakan
No. 8 Steps to jawaban yang benar yang bisa melengkapi kalimat. IN
answer: digunakan sebagai preoposition untuk kata benda
1. Mencari Subjek, K. Kerja dan objek preposisi ARKANSAS. Jawaban C dan D salah karena
Teridentifikasi terdapat kata depan (TO) sertakata didalamnya terdapat K Kerja sedangkan dalam kalimat
kerja(BEGINNING). Dibutuhkan kata benda tersebut sudah terdapat K. Kerja.
sebagai objek dari preposisi (TO) serta
dibutuhkan pula to be untuk melengkapi kata kerja No. 10
(beginning) agar menjadi kalimat continuous. Steps to answer: 1. Mencari
2. Analyze subjek dan K. Kerja
(A) Merupakan K. Benda Teridentifikasi terdapat subjek (NASA’S LYNDON
(B) Merupakan Kata benda + artikel B JOHNSON SPACE CENTER) tetapi tidak
(C) Merupakan Kata benda + to be (was) terdapat kata kerja. Maka dibutuhkan K. Kerja untuk
(D) Merupakan kata benda + kalimatDari analisa melengkapi kalimat tersebut. 2. Analyze
jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan jawaban (A) Merupakan kalimat
(C) VENUS WAS merupakan jawaban yang benar (B) Merupakan kalimat
yang bisa melengkapi kalimat. Venus merupakan (C) Merupakan K. Kerja + artikel
objek dari preposisi (TO) sedangkan was melengkapi (D) Merupakan artikel
kalimat continuous untuk K. Kerja Beginning. Dari analisa jawaban tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan
jawaban (C) WAS THE merupakan jawaban yang benar
No. 9 Steps to yang bisa melengkapi kalimat. Jawaban A dan B tidak
answer: tepat karena didalamnya terdapat subjek (IT) sedangkan
1. Mencari subjek dan K. Kerja dalam kalimat tersebut sudah terdapat subjek.
PROBLEM WITH MAIN VERBS
A verb is word or phrase that expresses existence, action, or experience. There are two kinds of verbs in English. They
are the main verb and the auxiliary verb. In some grammar books, the auxiliary verb is called a helping verb because
it is used with a main verb.

Problem 2: Missing Main Verb

Remember that every English sentence must have a subject and a main verb.
Avoid using an –ING, an infinitive, an auxiliary verb, or another part of speech instead of a main verb.

Examples
Incorrect : The prettiest girl in our class with long brown hair and brown eyes.

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Correct : The prettiest girl in our class has long brown hair and brown eyes.

Incorrect : In my opinion, too soon to make a decision.

Correct : In my opinion, it is too soon to make a decision.

Incorrect : Do you know whether the movie that starts at seven?

Correct : Do you know whether the movie that starts at seven is good?
or
Do you know whether the movie starts at seven?

Exercises Part A: Choose the

correct answer.
Arizona ……………… a very dry climate.
A. has
B. being
C. having
D. with

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Venomous snakes with modified teeth connected to poison glands in which the venom is secreted and stored. A
B C D

Problem 3: Verbs that Require an Infinitive in the Complement

Avoid using an –ING form after the verbs listed. Avoid using a verb word after want.
Remember that the following verbs require an infinitive for a verb in the complement.
Agree decide hesitate need refuse
Appear demand hope offer seem
Arrange deserve intend plan tend
Ask expect learn prepare threaten
Claim fall manage pretend wait
Consent forget mean promise want

Examples
Incorrect : He wanted speak with Mr. Brown.
Correct : He wanted to speak with Mr. Brown.

Incorrect : I intend the inform you that we cannot approve your application.
Correct : I intend to inform you that we cannot approve your application.

Incorrect : the weather tends improving in May

Correct : The weather tends to improve in May.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
One of the least effective ways of storing information is learning …………….. it.
A. how repeat
B. repeating

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C. to repeat
D. repeat

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Representative democracy seemed evolve simultaneously during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
A B C
in Britain, Europe, and the United States.
D

Problem 4: Verbs that Require an –ing Form in the Complement

Avoid using an infinitive after the verbs listed.
Remember that the following verbs require an –ing form for a verb in the complement:
Admit enjoy recall
Appreciate finish recommend
Avoid keep regret
Complete mention risk
Consider miss stop
Delay postpone suggest
Deny practice tolerate
Discuss quit understand
Examples
Incorrect : She is considering not to go.
Correct : She is considering not going

Incorrect : Hank completed the writing his thesis this summer.

Correct : Hank completed writing his thesis this summer.

Incorrect : She mentions stop at El Paso in her letter.

Correct : She mentions stopping at El Paso in her letter.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Strauss finished ………. two of his published composition before his tenth birthday
A. written
B. write
C. to write
D. writing

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Many people have stopped to smoke because they are afraid that it may be harmful to their health.
A B C D

Problem 5: Verb Phrases that Require an –ING Form in the Complement.

72
Avoid using an infinitive after the verb phrases listed. Avoid using a verb word after look forward to and object to.
Remember that the verb phrase BE likely does not require an –ING form but requires an infinitive in the
complement.

Remember that the following verb phrases require an –ING form for a verb in the complement.
Approve of do not mind keep on
Be better off forget about look forward to
Can’t help get through object to
Count on insist on think about / think of

Examples
Incorrect : Let’s go to the movie when you get through to study.
Correct : Let’s go to the movie when you get through studying.

Incorrect : We can’t help to wonder why she left.

Correct : We can’t help wondering why she left.

Incorrect : I have been looking forward to meet you.

Correct : I have been looking forward to meeting you.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Many modern architects insist on …………… materials native to the region that will blend into the surrounding
landscape.
A. use
B. to use
C. the use
D. using

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

During Jackson’s administration, those who did not approve of permit common people in the
A B
White House were shocked by the president’s insistence that they be invited into the mansion.
C D

Problem 6: Irregular Past Forms

Remember that past forms are not the same as the participles.
Avoid using a participle instead of a past for simple past statements.

Examples
Incorrect : I know that you been forty on your last birthday
Correct : I know that you were forty on your last birthday.

Incorrect : My nephew begun working for me about ten years ago.

Correct : My nephew began working for me about ten years ago.

Incorrect : They done it very well after they had practiced.

Correct : They did it very well after they had practiced.

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Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Before the Angles and the Saxons…………to England, the Iberians had lived there.
A. coming
B. come
C. came
D. did come

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

When Columbus seen the New World, he thought that he had reached the East Indies by way of a western route.
A B C D

PROBLEMS WITH CONDITIONALS

Conditionals are statements with if or unless. They are opinions about the conditions (Circumstances) that
influence results, and opinions about the results.
There are two kinds of conditionals. In most grammar books, they are called real or factual conditionals and
unreal or contrary-to-fact conditionals. Factual conditionals express absolute, scientific fact, probable results, or
possible results. Contrary-to-fact conditionals express improbable or impossible results.

Problem 7: Factual Conditional – Absolute, Scientific Results

Remember that absolute conditionals express scientific facts. WILL and a verb word expresses the opinion that the
result is absolutely certain.
Avoid using WILL and a verb word instead of the present verb in the clause beginning with if. Avoid using the
auxiliary verbs HAVE, HAS, DO, and DOES with main verbs in the clause of result.

Examples
Incorrect : If water freezes, it has become a solid.
Correct : If water freezes, it becomes a solid.
If water freezes, it will become a solid.

Incorrect : If children be healthy, they learn to walk at about eighteen months old.
Correct : If children are healthy, they learn to walk at about eighteen months old.
If children are healthy, they will learn to walk at about eighteen months old.

Incorrect : If light strikes a rough surface, it diffused.

Correct : If light strikes a rough surface, it diffuses.
If light strikes a rough surface, it will diffuse.

Exercises Part A: Choose the

correct answer.
If water is heated to 212 degrees F, ……………as steam.
A. it will boil and escape
B. it is boiling and escaping
C. it boil and escape

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D. it would boil and escape

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

If a live sponge is broken into pieces, each piece would turn into a new sponge like the original one.
A B C D

Problem 8: Factual Conditionals – Probable Results for the Future

Remember that WILL and a verb word expresses the opinion that the results are absolutely certain. In order of more
to less probable, use the following modals: WILL, CAN, MAY.
Avoid using the present tense verb instead of a modal and a verb word in the clause of result.

Examples
Incorrect : If you put to much water in rice when you cook it, it got sticky.
Correct : If you put to much water in rice when you cook it, it will get sticky.
It will get sticky if you put to much water in rice when you cook it.
Incorrect : If they have a good sale, I would have stopped by on my way home.
Correct : If they have a good sale, I will stop by on my way home.
I will stop by on my way home if they have a good sale.

Incorrect : If you listen to the questions carefully, you answer them easily
Correct : If you listen to the questions carefully, you will answer them easily.
You will answer them easily if you listen to the questions carefully.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
If services are increased, taxes …………
A. will probably go up
B. probably go up
C. probably up
D. going up probably

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

If you don’t register before the last day of regular registration, you paying a late fee.
A B C D

Problem 9: Contrary-to-Fact Conditionals – Change in Conditions Unless

Remember that there is a subject and verb that determines the change in conditions after the connector unless.
Avoid deleting unless from the sentence; avoid deleting either the subject or the verb from the clause after unless.

Examples
Incorrect : I can’t go I don’t get my work finished.
Correct : I can’t go unless I get my work finished.

Incorrect : They are going to get a divorce unless he stopping drugs.

Correct : They are going to get a divorce unless he stops taking drugs.

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Incorrect : You won’t get well unless you are taking your medicine.
Correct : You won’t get well unless you take your medicine.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Football teams don’t play in the Super Bowl championship …… either the National or the American Conference.
A. unless they win
B. but they win
C. unless they will win
D. but to have won
Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.
Usually boys cannot become Boy Scouts unless completed the fifth grade.
A B C D

Problem 10: Importance-Subjunctive Verbs

• Remember that the following verbs are used are used before THAT and the verb word clause to express
importance (ask, demand, desire, insist, prefer, propose, recommend, request, require, suggest, urge)
• Avoid using a present or past tense verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
• Note: the verb INSIST may be used in non-subjunctive patterns in the past tense. For example: He insisted
that I was wrong.

Examples
Incorrect : The doctor suggested that she will not smoke.
Correct : The doctor suggested that she not smoke.

Incorrect : I propose that the vote is secret ballot.

Correct : I propose that the vote be secret ballot.

Incorrect : The law requires that everyone has his car checked at least once a year.
Correct : The law requires that everyone have his car checked at least once a year.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Less moderate members of Congress are insisting that changes I the Social Security System……made.
A. will
B. are
C. being
D. be

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Many architects prefer that a dome is used to roof buildings that need to conserve floor space.
A B C D

Problem 11: Importance-Impersonal Expressions

• Remember that the following adjectives are used in impersonal expressions; essential, imperative, important,
necessary.

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 • Avoid using a present tense verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.

Examples
Incorrect : It is imperative that you are on time
Correct : It is imperative to be on time.
It is imperative that you be on time.

Incorrect : It is important that I will speak with Mr. Williams immediately.

Correct : It is important to speak with Mr. Williams immediately.
It is important that I speak with Mr. Williams immediately
Incorrect : It is essential that all applications and transcripts are filed no later than July 1.
Correct : It is essential to file all application and transcripts no later than July 1.
It is essential that all applications and transcripts be filed no later than July 1.

Exercises Part A: Choose the

correct answer.
It is necessary………..the approaches to a bridge, the road design, and the alignment in such a way as to best
accommodate the expected traffic flow over and under it.
A. plan
B. to plan
C. planning
D. the plan

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

It is essential that vitamins are supplied either by foods or by supplementary tablets for normal growth to occur.
A B C D

Problem 12: Purpose – Infinitives

• Remember that an infinitive can express purpose. It is a short form of IN ORDER TO.
• Avoid expressing purpose without the word to in the infinitive. Avoid using FOR instead of TO.

Examples
Incorrect : Wear several layers of clothing for keep warm.
Correct : Wear several layers of clothing to keep warm.

Incorrect : David has studied hard the succeed.

Correct : David has studied hard to succeed.

Incorrect : Virginia always boils the water twice make tea.

Correct : Virginia always boils the water twice to make tea.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
In the Morrill Act, Congress granted federal lands to the states …… agricultural and mechanical arts colleges.
A. for establish
B. to establish
C. establish
D. establishment

77
Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.
Papyrus was used for to make not only paper but also sails, baskets, and clothing.
A B C D

Problem 13: Belief and Knowledge – Anticipatory It

• Avoid using an –ING form, or an infinitive instead of a subject and verb after an anticipatory it clauses.
• Remember that an anticipatory it clause expresses belief or knowledge. Anticipatory means before. Some it
clauses that go before main clauses are listed below:
It is believed It is thought
It is hypothesized It is true
It is known It is written
It is said
Examples
Incorrect : It is hypothesized that the subjects in the control group not to score as well.
Correct : It is hypothesized that the subjects in the control group will not score as
well.
Incorrect : It is generally known that she leaving at the end of the year.
Correct : It is generally known that she is leaving at the end of the year.

Incorrect : It is believed that a horseshoe bringing good luck.

Correct : It is believed that a horseshoe brings good luck.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
………………. Giant Ape Man, our biggest and probably one of our first human ancestors, was just about the size
of a male gorilla.
A. It is believed that
B. That it is
C. That is believed
D. That believing

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

That it is believed that most of the earthquakes in the world occur near the youngest mountain
A B C D
ranges – the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Sierra Nevada.

PROBLEMS WITH PRONOUNS

Problem 14: Object Pronouns after Prepositions

• Remember that personal pronouns used as the object of a preposition should be object case pronouns.
• Remember that the following prepositions are commonly used with object pronouns: AMONG, BETWEEN,
FOR, FROM, OF, TO, and WITH.
• Avoid using a subject pronoun instead of an object pronoun after a preposition.

78
Examples
Incorrect : Just between you and I, this isn’t a very good price
Correct : Just between you and me, this isn’t a very good price.
Incorrect : The experiment proved to my lab partner and I that prejudices about the result
of an investigation are often unfounded.
Correct : The experiment proved to my lab partner and me that prejudices about the result
of an investigation are often unfounded.

Incorrect : Among we men, it was he who always acted as the interpreter.

Correct : Among us men, it was he who always acted as the interpreter.
Exercises
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
Since the Earth’s crust is much thicker under the continents, equipment would have to be capable of drilling through
100,000 feet of rock to investigate the mantle ……….
A. beneath them
B. beneath their
C. beneath its
D. beneath they

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

According to Amazon legends, men were forced to do all of the household tasks for the women
A B
warriors who governed and protected the cities for they.
C D

Problem 15: Relative pronouns that Refer to Persons and Things

Remember that WHO is used to refer to persons, and WHICH is used to refer to things
Avoid using WHICH instead of WHO in reference to a person. Avoid using WHO
instead of WHICH in reference to a thing.

Examples
Incorrect : Who is the man which asked the question?
Correct : Who is the man who asked the question?

Incorrect : The people which cheated on the examination had to leave the room.
Correct : The people who cheated on the examination had to leave the room.

Incorrect : There is someone on line two which would like to speak with you.
Correct : There is someone on line two who would like to speak with you.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Charlie Chaplin was a comedian ……………….was best known for his work in silent movies.
A. who
B. which

79
 C. whose
D. what

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Absolute zero, the temperature at whom all substances have zero thermal energy and thus,
A B
the lowest possible temperatures, is unattainable in practice.
C D
PROBLEMS WITH NOUNS
Problem 16: Count Nouns

• Remember that count nouns have both singular and plural forms. Plural numbers can precede count nouns
but not noncount nouns.
• Avoid using a singular count noun with a plural number.

Examples
Incorrect : We have twenty dollar left.
Correct : We have twenty dollars left.

Incorrect : Several of the people in this class speak three or four language
Correct : Several of the people in this class speak three or four languages

Incorrect : The temperature has risen ten degree in two hours.

Correct : The temperature has risen ten degrees in two hours.
Exercises
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
A desert receives less than twenty-five ………..of rainfall every year
A. centimeter
B. a centimeter
C. centimeters
D. of centimeters

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

In 1950 it was naively predicted that eight or ten computer would be sufficient to handle all of the
A B C D scientific and business needs in the United States.

Problem 17: Noncount Nouns

• Remember that noncount nouns have only one form. They are used in agreement with singular verbs. The
word the does not precede them.
• Avoid using the before a noncount noun. Avoid using a plural verb with a noncount noun.

Examples
Incorrect : The happiness means different things to different people
Correct : Happiness means different things to different people.

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Incorrect : Bread are expensive in the grocery store on the corner.
Correct : Bread is expensive in the grocery store on the corner.

Incorrect : If you pen the door, airs will circulate better.

Correct : If you open the door, air will circulate better.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
…………………………….at 212 degrees F. and freezes at 32 degrees F.
A. Waters boils
B. The water boils
C. Water boils
D. Waters boil

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

The religion attemps to clarify mankind’s relationship with a superhuman power.
A B C D

Problem 18: Nouns With Count and Noncount Meanings

• Remember that some nouns may be used as count or as noncount nouns depending on their meanings.
Materials and abstract concepts are noncount nouns, but they may be used as count nouns to express specific
meanings.
• Avoid using count nouns with specific meanings to express the general meanings of noncount nouns.

Examples
Incorrect : She needs to find a work.
Correct : She needs to find work. (employment)

Incorrect : My neighbor dislikes a noise.

Correct : My neighbor dislikes noise. (all sounds)

Incorrect : We need glass for the juice.

Correct : We need a glass for the juice. or we need glasses for the juice. (containers)
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
It is generally believe that an M.B.A. degree is good preparation for a career in ………..
A. a business
B. business
C. businesses
D. one business

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

A space is the last frontier for man to conquer.
A B C D

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 Problem 19: Noncount Nouns THAT Are Count Nouns in Other languages

• Remember, many nouns that are count nouns in other languages may be noncount nouns in English.
• Avoid using A or AN before noncount nouns.

Examples
Incorrect : Do you have an information about it?
Correct : Do you have information about it?

Incorrect : A news was released about the hostages.

Correct : News was released about the hostages.
Incorrect: Did you get a permission to take the placement test? Correct : Did
you get permission to take the placement test?

Exercises
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
Fire-resistant materials are used to retard ……………… of modern aircraft in case of accidents.
A. a damage to the passenger cabin
B. that damages to the passenger cabin
C. damage to the passenger cabin
D. passenger cabin’s damages

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

A progress has been made toward finding a cure for AIDS.
A B C D

Problem 20: Singular and Plural Expressions of Noncount Nouns

Avoid using the noncount noun without the singular or plural idiom to express a singular or plural.

Examples
Incorrect : A mail travels faster when the zip code is indicated on the envelope.
Correct : A piece of mail travels faster when the zip code is indicated on the envelope.

Incorrect : There is a limit of two carry-on luggages for each passenger.

Correct : There is a limit of two pieces of carry-on luggage for each passenger.

Incorrect : I’d like a steak, a salad, and a corn’s ear with butter.
Correct : I’d like a steak, a salad, and an ear of corn with butter.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Hybrids have one more ……………………per plant than the other varieties.
A. corns
B. ear of corn C. corn ears
D. corn’s ears

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

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A few tiles on skylab were the only equipments that failed to perform well in outer space.
A B C D

Problem 21: Infinitive and –ing Subjects

• Remember that either an infinitive or an –ING form may be used as the subject of a sentence or a clause.
• Avoid using a verb word instead of an infinitive or an –ING form in the subject. Avoid using to with an –
ING form.

Examples
Incorrect : The sneeze spreads germs.
Correct : To sneeze spreads germs or sneezing spreads germs.
Incorrect : To working provides people with personal satisfaction as well as money.
Correct : To work provides people with personal satisfaction as well as money.
or
Working provides people with personal satisfaction as well as money.

Incorrect : The rest in the afternoon is a custom in many countries.

Correct : To rest in the afternoon is a custom in many countries.
or
Resting in the afternoon as a custom in many countries.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
…………..trees is a custom that many people engage in to celebrate Arbor ay.
A. The plant
B. Plant
C. Planting
D. To planting

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Spell correctly is easy with the aid of a number of word processing programs for personal computers.
A B C D

Problem 22: Nominal That Clause

• Remember that sometimes the subject of a verb is a single noun. Other times it is a long noun phrase or a long
noun clause.
• One example of a long noun clause is the nominal that clause. Like all clauses, the nominal that clause has a
subject and verb. The nominal that clause functions as the main subject of the main verb which follow it.
Examples
Incorrect : She will win is almost certain.
Correct : That she will win is almost certain.

Incorrect : That is not fair seems obvious.

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Correct : That it is not fair seems obvious.

Incorrect : It is that we need to move is sure.

Correct : That we need to move is sure.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
…………………migrate long distances is well documented.
A. That it is birds
B. That birds
C. Birds that
D. It is that birds

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

That it is the moon influences only one kind of tide is not generally known. A
B C D
PROBLEM WITH ADJECTIVES
Adjectives and adjective phrases describe nouns. They may be used to describe quantity (number or amount);
sufficiency (number or amount needed); consecutive order (order in a sequence); quality (appearance); and emphasis
(importance or force). Most adjectives and adjective phrases have only one form in English. They do not change forms
to agree with the nouns they describe.

Problem 23: Noncount Nouns with Qualifying Phrases – The

• Remember, THE is used with count nouns. You have also learned that the can be used before an –ING noun
that is followed by a qualifying phrase.
• In addition, THE can be used before a noncount noun with a qualifying phrase.

Examples
Incorrect : History of this area is interesting
Correct : The history of this area is interesting.

Incorrect : Poverty of people in the rural areas is not as visible as that of people in the city.
Correct : The poverty of people in the rural areas is not visible as that of people in the city.

Incorrect : Science of genetic engineering is not very old.

Correct : The science of genetic engineering is not very old.
Exercises
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
……………….of Country-Western singers may be related to old English Ballads.
A. The music
B. Music
C. Their music
D. Musics

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Philosophy of the ancient Greeks has been preserved in the scholarly writing of Western civilization
A B C D

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 Problem 24: No Meaning Not Any

• Remember that no means not any. It may be used with a singular or plural count noun or with a noncount
noun.
• Avoid using the negatives not or none instead of no. Avoid using a singular verb with a plural count noun.

Examples
Incorrect : There is not reason to worry.
Correct : There is no reason to worry.

Incorrect : None news is good news.

Correct : No news is good news.

Incorrect : Bill told me that he has not friends.

Correct : Bill told me that he has no friends.
Exercises
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
At Woolworth’s first five-and-ten-cent store, …………..more than a dime.
A. neither items cost
B. items not cost
C. items none costing
D. no item costs

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Some religions have none deity but are philosophies that function instead of religions.
A B C D

Problem 25: Almost All of the and Most of the

• Remember that ALMOST ALL OF THE and MOST OF THE mean all except a few, but ALMOST ALL
OF THE includes more.
• Avoid using ALMOST without ALL or ALL OF THE. Avoid using MOST OF without THE.

Examples
Incorrect : Almost the states have a sales tax.
Correct : Almost all of the states have a sales tax.
Almost all states have a sales tax.
Most of the states have a sales tax.
Most states have a sales tax.
Incorrect : Is it true that most Americans watches TV every night?
Correct : Is it true that almost all of the Americans watch TV every night?
Is it true that almost all Americans watch TV every night?
Is it true that most of the Americans watch TV every night?
Is it true that most Americans watch TV every night?
Incorrect : Most the dictionaries have information about pronunciation.

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Correct : Almost all of the dictionaries have information about pronunciation.
Almost all dictionaries have information about pronunciation.
Most of the dictionaries have information about pronunciation.
Most dictionaries have information about pronunciation.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
………………………..fuel that is used today is a chemical form of solar energy.
A. Most of
B. The most
C. Most
D. Almost the

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Almost the plants known to us are made up of a great many cells, specialized to perform different tasks. A
B C D
PROBLEMS WITH OTHER ADJECTIVES
Besides determiners that express number and amount, there are adjectives and adjective-related structures that express
sufficiency, consecutive order, quality, and emphasis. Adjectives usually do not change to agree with the noun that
they modify.

Problem 26: Nouns that Function as Adjectives

• Remember that when two nouns occur together, the first noun describes the second noun; that is, the first
noun functions as an adjective. Adjective do not change form, singular or plural.
• Avoid using a plural form for the first noun even when the second noun is plural. Avoid using a possessive
form for the first noun.

Examples
Incorrect : May I borrow some notebooks paper?
Correct : May I borrow some notebook paper?
: I forgot their telephone’s number.
Incorrect
Correct : I forgot their telephone number.
: Put the mail on the hall’s table.
Incorrect
Correct : Put the mail on the hall table.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
……………………..is cheaper for students who maintain a B average because they are a better risk than average or
below-average students.
A. Automobile’s insurance
B. Insurance of automobiles
C. Automobile insurance
D. Insurance automobile

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

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Sex’s education is instituted to help the student understand the process of maturation, to eliminate anxieties
A B C
related to development, to learn values, and to prevent disease.
D

Problem 27: Hyphenated Adjectives

• Remember that it is common for a number to appear as the first in a series of hyphenated adjectives. Each
word in a hyphenated adjective is an adjective and does not change form, singular or plural.
• Avoid using a plural form for any of the adjectives joined by hyphens even when the noun that follows is
plural.

Examples
Incorrect: They have a four-months-old baby. Correct : They
have a four-month-old baby.
Incorrect : A two-doors car is cheaper than a four-doors model.
Correct : A two-door car is cheaper than a four-door model.

Incorrect : I have to write a one-thousand-words paper this weekend.

Correct : I have to write a one-thousand-word paper this weekend.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
The evolution of vertebrates suggests development from a very simple heart in fish to a …in man.
A. four-chamber heart
B. four-chambers heart
C. four-chamber hearts
D. four-chamber’s heart

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

The MX is a four-stages rocket with an 800-mile range, larger than that of the Minuteman.
A B C D

Problem 28: Cause-and-Result-So

• Remember that SO is used before an adjective or an adverb followed by THAT. The SO clause expresses
cause. The THAT clause expresses result.
• Avoid using AS or TOO instead of SO in clauses of cause. Avoid using AS instead of THAT in clauses of
result.

Examples
Incorrect : He is so slow as he never gets to class on time.
Correct : He is so slow that he never gets to class on time.

Incorrect : We arrived so late as Professor Baker had already called the roll.

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Correct : We arrived so late that Professor Baker had already called the roll.

Incorrect : Preparing frozen foods is too easy that anyone can do it.
Correct : Preparing frozen foods is so easy that anyone can do it.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Oil paints are ………they have become the most popular painter’s colors.
A. so versatile and durable that
B. so versatile and durable than
C. such versatile and durable as
D. such versatile and durable

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

By the mid-nineteenth century, land was such expensive in large cities that architects began to conserve space
A B C
by designing skyscrapers.
D
PROBLEM WITH COMPERATIVES
Problem 29: Exact Similarity-the Same as and the Same

• Remember that the same as and the same have the same meaning, but the same as is used between the two
nouns compared, and the same is used after the two nouns or plural noun.
• Avoid using to and like instead of as. Avoid using the same between the two nouns compared.

Examples
Incorrect : That car is almost the same like mine.
Correct : That car is almost the same as mine.
That car and mine are almost the same.

Incorrect : Is your book the same to mine?

Correct : is your book the same as mine?
Are you book and mine the same?

Incorrect : My briefcase is exactly the same that yours

Correct : My briefcase is exactly the same as yours.
My briefcase and yours are exactly the
same.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Although we often use “speed” and “velocity” interchangeably, in a technical sense, “speed” is not always
………………”velocity.”
A. alike
B. the same as
C. similar
D. as

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

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When two products are basically the same as, advertising can influence the public’s choice.
A B C D

Problem 30: General Similarity-Like and Alike

• Remember that like and alike have the same meaning, but like is used between the two nouns compared, and
alike is used after the two nouns or a plural noun.
• Avoid using as instead of like. Avoid using like after the two nouns compared.

Examples
Incorrect : Anthony and his brother don’t look like.
Correct : Anthony doesn’t look like his brother.
Anthony and his brother don’t look
alike.
Incorrect : The weather feels as spring.
Correct : The weather feels like spring.

Incorrect : These suits are like.

Correct : These suits are alike
This suit is like that suit.

Exercises Part A: Choose the

correct answer.
Although they are smaller, chipmunks are………….most other ground squirrels.
A. like to
B. like as
C. like
D. alike

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

The first living structures to appear on Earth thousands of years ago were alike viruses.
A B C D

Problem 31: General Difference-to Differ from

Remember that DIFFER is a verb and must change forms to agree with the subject.
Avoid using BE with DIFFER. Avoid using THAN, OF, or TO after DIFFER.
Examples
Incorrect : Sharon is different of other women I know
Correct : Sharon is different from other women know. Sharon
differs from other women I know.

Incorrect : Do you have anything a little different to these?

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Correct : Do you have anything a little different from these?
Do you have anything that differs a little from these?

Incorrect : Customs differ one region of the country to another.

Correct : Customs differs from one region of the country to another.
Customs are different from one region of the country to
another.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Modern blimps like the famous Goodyear blimps …………..the first ones in that they are filled with helium instead
of hydrogen.
A. differ from
B. different from
C. is different from
D. different

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Crocodiles different from alligators in that they have pointed snouts and long lower teeth that stick out when
AB C their mouths are closed.
D
Problem 32: Comparative Estimates-Multiple Numbers

• Remember that the following are examples of multiple numbers; half, twice, three times, four times.
• Avoid using SO instead of AS after a multiple. Avoid using MORE THAN instead of AS MUCH AS or AS
MANY AS. Avoid using the multiple after AS MUCH and AS MANY.

Examples
Incorrect : This one is prettier, but it costs twice more than the other one.
Correct : This one is prettier, but it cost twice as much as the other one.

Incorrect : The rent at College Apartments is only half so much as you pay here.
Correct : The rent at College Apartments is only half as much as you pay here.

Incorrect : Bob found a job that paid as much twice as he made working at the library.
Correct : Bob found a job that paid twice as much as he made working at the library.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
After the purchase of the Louisiana Territory, the United Sates had ………….. it had previously owned.
A. twice more land than
B. two times more land than
C. twice as much land as
D. two times much land than

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

With American prices for sugar at three times as much the world price, manufacturers are
A B
beginning to use fructose blended with pure sugar, or sucrose.
C D

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 Problem 33: Comparative Estimates-More Than and Less Than

• Remember that MORE THAN or LESS THAN is used before a specific number to express an estimate that
may be A LITTLE MORE or A LITTLE LESS than the number.
• Avoid using MORE or LESS without than in estimates. Avoid using AS instead of THAN.

Examples
Incorrect : More one hundred people came to the meeting.
Correct : More than one hundred people came to the meeting.

Incorrect : We have lived in the United States for as less than seven years.
Correct : We have lived in the United States for less than seven years.

Incorrect : There are most than fifty students in the lab, but only two computers.
Correct : There are more than fifty students in the lab, but only two computers.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
In the Great Smoky Mountains, one can see…………….150 different kinds of trees.
A. more than
B. as much as C. up as
D. as many to

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Pele scored more as 1280 goals during his career, gaining a reputation as the best soccer player of all time.
A B C D

Problem 34: Comparative Estimates-As Many As

• Remember that AS MANY AS is used before a specific number to express an estimate that does not exceed
the number.
• Avoid using AS MANY instead of AS MANY AS. Avoid using MUCH instead of MANY before a specific
number.
• Note: Comparative estimates with AS MUCH AS are also used before a specific number that refers to weight,
distance, or money. For example, as much as ten pounds, as much as two miles, or as much as twenty dollars.

Examples
Incorrect : We expect as much as thirty people to come.
Correct : We expect as many as thirty people to come.

Incorrect : There are as many fifteen thousand students attending summer school.
Correct : There are as many as fifteen thousand students attending summer school.

Incorrect : State University offers as much as two hundred major fields of study.
Correct : State University offers as many as two hundred major fields of study.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
It has been estimated that ……………..one hundred thousand men participated in the gold rush of 1898.

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 A. Appropriate
B. Until
C. As many as
D. More

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

It is generally accepted that the common cold is caused by as much as forty strains of viruses that may be present
A B C D
in the air at all times.

Problem 35: Degrees of Comparison-Superlative Adjectives

• Remember that superlatives are used to compare more than two.

• Avoid using a comparative –ER form when three or more are compared.
Examples

Incorrect : New York is the larger of all

American cities.
Correct : New York is the largest of all
American cities.
Incorrect : Of all of the candidates, Alex is probably the
less qualified.
Correct : Of all of the candidates, Alex is probably the
least qualified.
: In my opinion, the more beautiful place in
Incorrect Oregon is Mount Hood
Correct : In my opinion, the most beautiful place in Oregon
is Mount Hood.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
The blue whale is …………….known animal, reaching a length of more than one hundred feet.
A. the large
B. the larger
C. the largest
D. most largest

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

The more important theorem of all in plane geometry is the Pythagorean theorem.
A B C D

Problem 36: Degrees of Comparison-Irregular Adjectives

• Remember that some very common adjectives have irregular forms. Some of them are listed here for you.
Bad worse the worst
Far farther the farthest

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 Further the furthest

Good better the best

Little less the least
Many more the most
Much more the most
• Avoid using a regular form instead of an irregular form for these adjectives.

Examples
Incorrect : Please give me much sugar than you did last time.
Correct : Please give me more sugar than you did last time

Incorrect : These photographs are very good, but that one is the better of all.
Correct : These photographs are very good, but that one is the best of all.

Incorrect : This composition is more good than you last one.

Correct : This composition is better than you last one.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
…………………apples are grown in Washington State.
A. Best
B. The most good
C. The best
D. The better

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Because a felony is more bad than a misdemeanor, the punishment is more severe, and often
A B C includes a jail sentence as well as a fine.
D

Problem 37: Double Comparatives

• Remember that when two comparatives are used together, the first comparative expresses cause and the
second comparative expresses result. A comparative is MORE or LESS with an adjective, or an adjective
with –ER.
• Avoid using AS instead of THE, Avoid using the INCORRECT form LESSER. Avoid omitting THE, Avoid
omitting –ER form the adjective.
Examples

Incorrect : The faster we finish, the soon we can leave.

Correct : The faster we finish, the sooner we can leave

Incorrect : The more you practice speaking, the well you will do it.
Correct : The more you practice speaking, the better you will do it.

Incorrect : The louder he shouted, less he convinced anyone.

Correct : The louder he shouted, the less he convinced anyone.

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Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
It is generally true that the lower the stock market falls, …………………..
A. higher the price of gold rises
B. the price of gold rises high
C. the higher the price of gold rises
D. rises high the price of gold

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

The higher the solar activity, the intense the auroras or polar light displays in the skies near
A B C
the earth’s geomagnetic poles.
D

Problem 38: Illogical Comparatives- General Similarity and Difference

• Remember that comparisons must be made with logically comparable nouns. You can’t compare the climate
in the North with the South. You must compare the climate in the North with the climate in the South.
• Remember that THAT OF and THOSE OF are used instead of repeating a noun to express a logical
comparative. An example with DIFFERENT FROM appears below.

Examples
Incorrect : The food in my country is very different than that in the United States.
Correct : The food in my country is very different from that in the United States.
Incorrect : Drugstores here are not like at home.
Correct : Drugstores here are not like those at home.

Incorrect : The classes at my university are very different from State University.
Correct : The classes at my university are very different from those at State University.
Exercises Part A: Choose the correct
answer. One’s fingerprints are
……………………
A. different from those of any other person
B. different from any other person
C. different any other person
D. differs from another person

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Perhaps the colonists were looking for a climate like England, when they decided to settle the North American
A B C
continent instead of the South American continent.
D

PROBLEMS WITH PREPOSITIONS

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Prepositions are words or phrases that clarify relationships. Prepositions are usually followed by nouns and pronouns.
Sometimes the nouns are –ING form nouns. Prepositions are also used in idioms.

Problem 39: Addition - Besides

Remember that besides means in addition to. Beside means near

Avoid using BESIDE instead of BESIDES to mean in addition.

Examples
Incorrect : Beside Marge, three couples are invited.
Correct : Besides Marge, three couples are invited.

Incorrect : Beside taxi service, there isn’t any public transportation in town.
Correct : Besides taxi service, there isn’t any public transportation in town.

Incorrect : Beside Domino’s, four other pizza places deliver.

Correct : Besides Domino’s, four other pizza Places deliver.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
…………………a mayor, many city government employ a city manager.
A. Beside
B. Besides
C. And
D. Also

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

To receive a degree from an American university, one must take many courses beside those in one’s major field.
A B C D

Problem 40: Cause-Because of and Because

• Remember that BECAUSE OF is a prepositional phrase. It introduces a noun or a noun phrase. BECAUSE
is a conjunction. It introduces a clause with a subject and a verb.
• Avoid using BECAUSE OF before a subject and verb. Avoid using BECAUSE before a noun which is not
followed by a verb.

Examples
Incorrect : Classes will be cancelled tomorrow because a national holiday.
Correct : Classes will be cancelled tomorrow because it is a national
holiday. Classes will be canceled tomorrow because of a national
holiday.
Incorrect : She didn’t buy it because of the price was too high.
Correct : She didn’t buy it because the price was too high
She didn’t buy it because of the price.

Incorrect : It was difficult to see the road clearly because the rain

95
Correct : It was difficult to see the road clearly because it was raining.
It was difficult to see the road clearly because of the rain.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
……………..in the cultivation of a forest, trees need more careful planning than any other crop does.
A. Because the time and area involved
B. For the time and area involving
C. Because of the time and area involved
B. As a cause of the time and area involved

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Many roads and railroads were built in the 1880s because of the industrial cities needed a network to link them
A B C D
with sources of supply.

PROBLEMS WITH CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions are words or phrases that clarify relationships between clauses. “Conjin” means “to join together.”

PROBLEMS WITH CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS

Correlative conjunctions are pairs that are used together. They often express inclusion or exclusion. Correlative
conjunctions must be followed by the same grammatical structures; in other words, you must use parallel structures
after correlative conjunctions.

96
 Problem 41: Correlative Conjunctions-Inclusives not only…..but also
Remember that NOT ONLY ……… BUT ALSO are correlative conjunctions. They are used together to
include two parallel structures (two nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs).
Avoid using ONLY NOT instead of NOT ONLY. Avoid using BUT instead of BUT ALSO. Avoid using the
incorrect pattern:
Examples
Incorrect : The program provides only not theoretical classes but also practical training.
Correct : The program provides not only theoretical classes but also practical training.

Incorrect : The new models are not only less expensive but more efficient also.
Correct : The new models are not only less expensive but also more efficient.

Incorrect : The objective is not to identify the problem but also to solve it.
Correct : The objective is not only to identify the problem but also to solve it.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Amniocentesis can be used not only to diagnose fetal disorders …………. the sex of the unborn child with 95
percent accuracy.
A. but determining
B. but also determining
C. but to determine
D. but also to determine
Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it
The deadbolt is the best lock for entry doors because it is not only inexpensive but installation is easy
A B C D

PROBLEMS WITH OTHER CONJUNCTIONS

Problem 42: Future Result-When

• Remember that WHEN introduces a clauses of condition for future result.

• Avoid using WILL instead of a present verb after WHEN.

Examples
Incorrect : I will call you when I will return from my country.
Correct : I will call you when I return from my country.

Incorrect : She will feel a lot better when she will stop smoking.
Correct : She will feel a lot better when she stops smoking.

Incorrect : He will probably buy some more computer software when he will get paid.
Correct : He will probably buy some more computer software when he gets paid.
Exercises
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
Bacterial spores germinate and sprout …………….favorable conditions of temperature and food supply.

97
 A. when encountering of
B. when they encounter
C. when they will encounter
D. when the encounter of

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

In most states insurance agents must pass an examination to be licensed when they will complete their training.
A B C D

Problem 43: Indirect Questions Remember that question words can

be used as conjunctions. Question words introduce a clause of indirect question.
Avoid using do, does, OR did ATER THE QUESTION WORD. Avoid using the verb before the subject after
the question word.

Examples
Incorrect : I didn’t understood what did he say.
Correct : I didn’t understand what he said.

Incorrect : Do you know how much do they cost?

Correct : Do you know how much they cost?

Incorrect : Could you please tell me where is the post office?

Correct : Could you please tell me where the post office is?
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Recently, there have been several outbreaks of disease like Legiomnaire’s syndrome, and doctors don’t know
…………….
A. what is the cause
B. the cause is what C. is what the cause
D. what the cause is

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

In Ground Control Approach, the air traffic controller informs the pilot how far is the plane from
A B C
the touchdown point.
D

PROBLEMS WITH ADVERBS AND ADVERBS-RELATED STRUCTURES

Adverbs and adverb phrases add information to sentences. They add information about MANNER, that is, how
something is done; frequency or how often; time and date or when; and duration of time or how long.

98
 Problem 44: Negative Emphasis
Remember that negatives include phrases like NOT ONE, NOT ONCE, NOT UNTIL, NEVER, NEVER
AGAIN, ONLY RARELY, and VERY SELDOM. Negatives answer the question, HOW OFTEN? They are
used at the beginning of a statement to express emphasis. Auxiliaries must agree with verbs and subjects.
Avoid using a subject before the auxiliary in this pattern.

Examples
Incorrect : Never again they will stay in that hotel.
Correct : Never again will they stay in that hotel.

Incorrect : Only rarely an accident has occurred.

Correct : Only rarely has an accident occurred.

Incorrect : Not one paper she has finished on time.

Correct : Not one paper has she finished on time.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Not until the Triassic Period ……………………..
A. the first primitive mammals did develop
B. did the first primitive mammals develop
C. did develop the first primitive mammals
D. the first primitive mammals develop

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Only rarely wins the same major league baseball team the World Series two years in a raw.
A B C D

Problem 45: Duration – For and Since

• Remember that FOR is used before a quantity of time. FOR expresses duration. FOR answers the question,
HOW LONG? SINCE is used before a specific time. SINCE expresses duration too, but SINCE answers the
question, BEGINNING WHEN?
• Remember that a quantity of time may be several days-a month, two years, etc. A specific time may be
Wednesday, July, 1960, etc. You will notice that the structure HAVE and a participle is often used with
adverbs of duration.
• Avoid using FOR before specific times. Avoid using before after HAVE and a participle.

Examples
Incorrect : Mary has been on a diet since three weeks.
Correct : Mary has been on a diet for three weeks.

Incorrect : We haven’t seen him since almost a year.

Correct : We haven’t seen him for almost a year.

Incorrect : We have known each other before 1974.

99
Correct : We have known each other since 1974.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Penguins, the most highly specialized of all aquatic birds, may live ………………twenty years.
A. before
B. since
C. for
D. from

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Because national statistics on crime have only been kept for 1930, it is not possible to make judgment
A B C
about crime during the early years of the nation.
D

Problem 46: Generalization-As a Whole and Wholly

• Remember that AS A WHOLE means generally. WHOLLY means completely. AS A WHOLE is often used
at the beginning of a sentence or a clause. WHOLLY is often used after the auxiliary or main verb.
• Avoid using WHOLLY instead of as a WHOLE at the beginning of a sentence or clause to mean generally.
Avoid s\using AS WHOLE instead of AS A WHOLE.

Examples
Incorrect : Wholly, we are in agreement
Correct : As a whole, we are in agreement.
(generally)
Incorrect : The house and all of its contents was as a whole consumed by the
fire.
Correct : The house and all of its contents was wholly consumed by the fire.
(completely)
Incorrect : As whole, people try to be helpful to tourists.
Correct : As a whole, people try to be helpful to tourists.
(generally)
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
…………………..the Gulf Stream is warmer than the ocean water surrounding it.
A. Wholly
B. Whole
C. As a whole
D. A whole as

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Although there are exceptions, as whole, the male of the bird species is more brilliantly colored.
A B C D

100
 Problem 47: Sentences and Clauses
Remember that a main clause, also called an independent clause, can function as a separate sentence. A
subordinate clause, also called a dependent clause, must be attached to a main clause. A dependent clause is
often marked with the clause marker THAT.
Avoid using the clause marker with dependent clauses as sentences. Avoid using the clause marker THAT
WITH a sentence that has no dependent clause following it.

Examples
Incorrect : During final exam week, that the library when opening all night.
Correct : During final exam week, the library is open all night.

Incorrect : All of the dorms that are located on East Campus.

Correct : All of the dorms are located on East Campus.

Incorrect : The weather that is very rainy this time of year.

Correct : The weather is very rainy this time of year.
Exercises Part A: Choose the
correct answer.
Of all the cities in Texas, …………………….................
A. that San Antonio is probably the most picturesque
B. San Antonio is probably the most picturesque
C. Probably San Antonio the most picturesque
D. The most picturesque probably that San Antonio

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it

Thunder that is audible from distances as far away as ten miles.
A B C D

SECTION3
READINGCOMPREHENSION
Paper-Based TOEFL

STRATEGIES FOR THE READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. Skim the reading passage to determine the main idea and the overall organization of the ideas in the
passage. You do not need to understand every detail in each passage to answer the questions correctly. It is
therefore a waste of time to read the passage with the intent of understanding every single detail before you
try to answer the questions.
2. Look ahead at the questions to determine what types of questions you must answer. Each type of
question is answered in a different way.
3. Find the section of the passage that deals with each question. The question-type tells you exactly where
to look in the passage to find correct answers.
• For main idea questions, look at the first line of each paragraph.
• For directly and indirectly answered detail questions, choose a key word in the question, and skim
for that key word (or a related idea) in order in the passage.

101
 • For vocabulary questions, the question will tell you where the word is located in the passage. For
overall review questions, the answers are found anywhere in the passage.
4. Read the part of the passage that contains the answer carefully. The answer will probably be in the same
sentence (or one sentence before or after) the key word or idea.
5. Choose the best answer to each question from the four answer choices listed in your test book. You can
choose the best answer according to what is given in the appropriate section of the passage, eliminate
definitely wrong answers, and mark your best guess on the answer sheet.

SKILL 1: ANSWER MAIN IDEA QUESTIONS CORRRECTLY

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about main idea questions:
MAIN IDEA QUESTIONS
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE What is the topic of the passage?
QUESTION What is the subject of the passage?
What is the main idea of the passage?
What is the author’s main point in the passage?
What is the author primarily concerned?
Which of the following would be best title?
WHERE TO FIND THE ANSWER The answer to this type of question can generally be determined
by looking at the first sentence of each paragraph.
HOW TO ANSWER THE 1. Read the first line of each paragraph.
QUESTION 2. Look for a common theme or idea in the first lines.
3. Pass your eyes quickly over the rest of the passage to
check that you really have found the topic
sentence(s).
4. Eliminate any definitely wrong answers and choose
the best answer from the remaining choices.

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 If a passage consists of only one paragraph, you should study the beginning of that paragraph to determine
the main idea.
Example I
The passage:

In the philosophy of John Dewey, a sharp distinction is made between “intelligence” and
“reasoning.” According to Dewey, intelligence is the only absolute way to achieve a balance between realism
and idealism, between practicality and wisdom of life. Intelligence involves “interacting with order things
and knowing them,” while reasoning is merely the act of an observer, “. . . a mind that beholds or grasps
objects outside the world of things . . . “ With reasoning, a level of mental certainty can be achieved, but it
is through intelligence that control is taken of events that shape one’s life.

The question:
What is the topic of this passage?

A. The intelligence of John Dewey

B. Distinctions made by John Dewey
C. Dewey’s ideas on the ability to reason
D. How intelligence differs from reasoning in Dewey’s works
The first sentence of this passage discusses a distinction between the idea of “intelligence” and “reasoning” in the
philosophy of John Dewey, so this is probably the topic. A quick check of the rest of the sentences in the passage
confirms that the topic is in fact the difference between “intelligence” and “reasoning.” Now you should check each
of the answers to determine which one comes closest to the topic that you have determined. Answer (A) mentions
only intelligence, so it is not the topic. Answer (B) mentions distinctions that John Dewey makes, but it does not say
specifically what type of distinctions. Answer (C) mentions only reasoning, so answer (C) is incomplete. The best
answer is therefore (D); the idea of how intelligence differs from reasoning comes from the first sentence of the
passage, which mentions a sharp distinction … between “intelligence” and “reasoning.”

If a passage consists of more than one paragraph, you should study the beginning of each paragraph to
determine the main idea.
Example II
The Passage:

Nitrogen fixation is a process by which nitrogen is continuously fed into biological circulation. In
this process, certain algae and bacteria convert nitrogen into ammonia (NH 3). This newly created ammonia
is then for the most part absorbed by plants.
The opposite process of denitrification returns nitrogen to the air. During the process of
denitrification, bacteria cause some of the nitrates from the soil to convert into gaseous nitrogen or nitrous
oxide (N2O). In this gaseous form the nitrogen returns to the atmosphere.

The question:
Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?
A. The Process of Nitrogen Fixation
B. Two Nitrogen Processes
C. The Return of Nitrogen to the Air
D. The Effect of Nitrogen on Plant Life
In a passage with more than one paragraph, you should be sure to read the first sentence of each paragraph to determine
the subject, title, or main idea. In Example II, the first sentence of the first paragraph indicates that the first paragraph
is about the process of nitrogen fixation. If you look only at the first paragraph, you might choose the incorrect answer

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(A), which would be a good title for the first paragraph only. The first sentence of the second paragraph indicates that
the process of denitrification is discussed in the second paragraph. Answer (C) is incorrect because the return of
nitrogen to the air is the process of denitrification, and this is discussed in the second paragraph only. Answer (D) is
incorrect because the effect of nitrogen on plants life is not discussed in this passage. The best answer to this question
is answer (B); the two nitrogen processes are nitrogen fixation, which is discussed in the first paragraph, and
denitrification, which is discussed in the second paragraph.

SKILL 2: RECOGNIZE THE ORGANIZATION OF IDEAS

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about questions on the
organization of ideas:
ORGANIZATION OF IDEAS

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE How is the information in the passage organized?

QUESTION How is the information in the second paragraph related to the
information in the first paragraph?
WHERE TO FIND THE ANSWER The answer to this type of question can generally be determined
by looking at the first sentence of the appropriate paragraph.
HOW TO ANSWER THE 1. Read the first line of each paragraph.
QUESTION 2. Look for words that show the relationship between the
paragraphs.
3. Choose the answer that best expresses the relationship.
Example
The passage:

If asked who invented the game of baseball, most Americans would probably reply that it was
Abner Doubleday. At the beginning of this century, there was some disagreement over how the game of
baseball had actually originated, so sporting-goods manufacturer Spaulding inaugurated a commission to
research the question. In 1908 a report was published by the commission in which Abner Doubleday, a U.S.
Army officer from Cooperstown, New York, was given credit for the invention of the game. The National
Baseball Hall of Fame was established in Cooperstown in honor of Doubleday.
Today, most sports historians are in agreement that Doubleday really did not have much to do
with the development of baseball. Instead, baseball seems to be a close relation to the English game of
rounder and probably has English rather than American roots.

The question:
The second paragraph
A. Provides examples to support the ideas in the first paragraph
B. Precedes the ideas in the first paragraph
C. Outlines the effect of the idea in the first paragraph
D. Refutes the idea in the first paragraph
To answer this question it is necessary to look at the main ideas of each of the two paragraphs. The main idea of the
first paragraph is found in the first sentence of the first paragraph: most people believe that Abner Doubleday invented
the game of baseball. The main idea of the second paragraph is found in the first line of the second paragraph:
historians generally agree that Doubleday did not invent baseball. The second paragraph therefore contradicts or
refutes the information in the first paragraph. The best answer to this question is answer (D).

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DIRECTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS _______________________________
Some questions in the Reading Comprehension section of the TOEFL test will require answers that are
directly stated in the passage. This means that you should be able to find the answer to this type of question
without having to draw a conclusion. The common questions of this type are (1) stated detail questions, (2)
“unstated” detail questions, and (3) pronoun referent questions.

SKILL 3: ANSWER STATED DETAIL QUESTIONS CORRECTLY

A stated detail question asks about one piece of information in the passage rather than the passage as a whole. The
answers to these questions are generally given in order in the passage, and the correct answer is often a restatement of
what is given in the passage. This means that the correct answer often express the same idea as what is written in the
passage, but the words are not exactly the same.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about stated detail questions:
STATED DETAIL QUESTIONS
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE According to the passage ………………
QUESTION It is stated in the passage ………………
The passage indicates that ……………..
The author mentions that ………………
Which of the following is true ………...?
WHERE TO FIND THE ANSWER The answer to these questions are found in order in the
passage
HOW TO ANSWER THE 1. Choose a key word in the question
QUESTION 2. Skim in the appropriate part of the passage for the
key word or idea.
3. Read the sentence that contains the key word or idea
carefully.
4. Look for the answer that restates an idea in the
passage.
5. Eliminate the definitely wrong answers and choose
the best answer from the remaining choices.
Example
The passage:

Williamsburg is a historic city in Virginia situated on a peninsula between two rivers, the New York and
the James. It was settled by English colonists in 1633, twenty-six years after the first permanent English colony in
America was settled at Jamestown. In the beginning the colony at Williamsburg was named Middle Plantation
because of its location in the middle of the peninsula. The site for Williamsburg had been selected by the colonists
because the soil drainage was better there than at the Jamestown location, and there were fewer mosquitoes.

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 The questions:
1. According to the passage, Williamsburg is located
A. on an island
B. in the middle of a river
C. where the York and the James meet
D. on a piece of land with rivers on two sides
2. The passage indicates that Jamestown
A. was settled in 1633
B. was settled twenty-six years after Williamsburg
C. was the first permanent English colony in America
D. was originally named Middle Plantation
3. The passage states that the name Middle Plantation
A. is a more recent name than Williamsburg
B. derived from the location of the colony on the peninsula
C. refers to the middle part of England that was home on the colonists
D. was given to the new colony because it was located in the middle of several plantations
The answers on the questions are generally found in order in the passage, so you should look for the answer to the
first question near the beginning of the passage. Since the first question asks about where Williamsburg is located,
you should see that the first sentence in the passage answers the question because situated means located. Answer (A)
is an incorrect answer because Williamsburg is not on an island; the passage states that it is situated on a peninsula.
Answer (B) is incorrect because Williamsburg is between two rivers, not in the middle of a river.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the passage says nothing about whether or not the two rivers meet at Williamsburg.
The best answer to this question is answer (D); with rivers on two sides is closest in meaning to between two rivers.
The answer to the second question will probably be located in the passage after the answer to the first
question. Since the second question is about Jamestown, you should skim through the passage to find the part of the
passage that discusses this topic. The answer to this question is found in the statement that Williamsburg was settled
by English colonists in 1633, twenty-six years after the first permanent English colony in America was settled at
Jamestown. Answer (A) is incorrect because it was Williamsburg that was settled in 1633. Answer (B) is incorrect
because Jamestown was settled before rather than after Williamsburg. Answer (D) is incorrect because the name
Middle Plantation referred to Williamsburg. The best answer to this question is answer (C), which is directly stated
in the passage about Jamestown.
The answer to the third question will probably be located in the passage after the answer to the second
question. Because the third question is about the name Middle Plantation, you should skim through the passage to
find the part that discuss this topic. The answer to this question is found in the statement Williamsburg was named
Middle Plantation because of its location in the middle of the peninsula. Answer (B) is correct because it is closest
in meaning to this statement. Answer (A) is incorrect because it is false; the area was named Middle Plantation in the
beginning, and the name Williamsburg is more recent. Answer (C) is incorrect because the passage says nothing
about naming the area after the colonists’ home in England. Answer (D) is incorrect because the passage says nothing
about any other plantations in the area of Williamsburg.

SKILL 4: FIND “UNSTATED” DETAILS

You will sometimes be asked in the Reading Comprehension section of the TOEFL test to find an answer that is not
stated or not mentioned or not true in the passage. This type of question really means that three of the answers are
stated, mentioned, or true in the passage. while one answer is not. Your actual job is to find the three correct answers
and then choose the letter of the one remaining answer.
You should note that there are two kinds of answers to this type of question:

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 1. There are three true answers and one answer that is not discussed in the passage, or 2.
There are three answers and one that is false according to the passage.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about “unstated” questions:
“UNSTATED” DETAIL QUESTIONS

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE Which of the following is not stated ……?

QUESTION Which of the following is not mentioned ……?
Which of the following is not discussed ….?
All of the following true except ……
WHERE TO FIND THE ANSWER The answers to these questions are found in order in the
passage
HOW TO ANSWER THE 1. Choose a key word in the question.
QUESTION 2. Scan in the appropriate place in the passage for one
key word (or related idea).
3. Read the sentence that contains the key word or idea
carefully.
4. Look for answers that are definitely true according
to the passage. Eliminate those answers.
5. Choose the answer that is not true or not discussed
in the passage.
Example
The passage:

In English there are many different kinds of expressions that people use to give a name to
anything whose name is unknown or momentarily forgotten. The word gadget is one such word. It was
first used by British sailors in the 1850s and probably came from the French word gachette, which was a
small hook. In every use, the word has a more general meaning. Other words are also used to give a name
to something unnamed or unknown, and these words tend to be somewhat imaginative. Some of the more
commonly used expressions are a what-d’ye-call-it, a whatsis, a thingamabob, a thingamajig, a doodad,
or a doohickey. The questions:
1. Which of the following is NOT true about the word “gadget”?
A. It is used to name something when the name is not known.
B. It was used at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
C. It most likely came from a word in the French language.
D. It first known use was by British sailors.
2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as an expression for something that is
not known?
A. A thingamabob
B. A gadget
C. A doohickey
D. A what-is-it
The first question asks for the one answer that is not true, so three of the answers are true and one answer is not.
Answer (B) is the one answer that is not true: the word gadget was first used in 1850, which is the middle of the
nineteenth century, so answer (B) is the best answer. Answer (A) is true according to the second line of the paragraph;
answer (C) is true according to the fourth and fifth lines of the paragraph; answer (D) is true according to the fourth
line of the paragraph.
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 The second question asks for the one answer that is not mentioned, so three of the answers are listed in the
passage and one is not. Since a thingamabob, a gadget, and a doohickey are listed in the passage, answers (A), (B),
and (C) are incorrect. However, a what-is-it is not listed in the passage, so answer (D) is the best to this question.

SKILL 5: FIND PRONOUN REFERENTS

In the Reading Comprehension section of the TOEFL test, you will sometimes be asked to determine which noun a
pronoun refers to. In this type of question it is important to understand that a noun is generally used first in a passage,
and the pronoun that refers to it comes after. Whenever you are asked which noun a pronoun refers to, you should
look before the pronoun to find the noun.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about pronoun referents:
PRONOUN REFERENTS
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE The pronoun “……..” in line X refers to which of the
QUESTION following?
WHERE TO FIND THE ANSWER The line where the pronoun is located is generally given in the
question. The noun that the pronoun refers to is generally
found before the pronoun.
HOW TO ANSWER THE 1. Find the pronoun in the passage. (The line where the
QUESTION pronoun can be found is generally stated in the question.)
2. Look for nouns that come before the pronoun
3. Read the part of the passage before the pronoun carefully.
4. Eliminate any definitely wrong answers and choose the
bestanswer from the remaining choices.

Example
The passage:

Carnivorous plants, such as the sundew and the Venus flytrap, are generally found in humid areas
where there is an inadequate supply of nitrogen in the soil. In order to survive, these plants have developed
mechanisms to trap insects within their foliage. They have digestive fluids to obtain the necessary nitrogen
from the insects. These plants trap the insects in a variety of ways. The sundew has sticky hairs on its
leaves; when an insect lands on these leaves, it gets caught up in the sticky hairs, and the leaf wraps itself
around the insect. The leaves of the Venus flytrap function more like a trap, snapping suddenly and
forcefully shut around an insect. The questions:
1. The pronoun “they” in line 5 refers to
A. humid areas
B. these plants
C. insects
D. digestive fluids
2. The pronoun “it” in line 8 refers to
A. a variety
B. The sundew
C. an insectD. the leaf

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To answer the first question, you should look before the pronoun they for plural nouns that the pronoun could refer
to. Humid areas, insects, and these plants come before the pronoun, so they are possible answer; digestive fluids
comes after the pronoun, so it is probably not the correct answer. Then you should try the three possible answers in
the sentence in place of the pronoun. You should try the three possible answers in the sentence in place of the pronoun.
You should understand from the context that these plants have digestive fluids to obtain the necessary nitrogen from
the insects, so the best answer to this question is answer (B). To answer the second question, you should look before
the pronoun it for singular nouns that the pronoun could refer to. A variety, the sundew, and an insect come before
the pronoun, so they are possible answers; the leaf comes after the pronoun, so it is probably not the correct answer.
Next you should try the three possible answers in the sentence in place of the pronoun. An insect gets caught up in the
sticky hairs, rather than a variety or the sundew, so the best answer to this question is answer (C).

INDIRECTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS_____________________________

Some questions in the Reading Comprehension section of the TOEFL test will require answers that are not
directly stated in the passage. To answer these questions correctly, you will have to draw conclusions from
information that is given in the passage. Two common types of indirectly answered questions are (1) implied detail
questions and (2) transition questions.

SKILL 6 : ANSWER IMPLIED DETAIL QUESTIONS CORRECTLY

You will sometimes be asked to answer a question by drawing a conclusion from a specific detail or details in the
passage. Question of this type contains the words implied, inferred, likely, or probably to let you that the answer to
the question in not directly stated. In this type of question it is important to understand that you do not have to “pull
the answer out of thin air”. Instead, some information will be given in the passage, and you will draw a conclusion
from that information.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about implied detail questions :
IMPLIED DETAIL QUESTIONS
It is implied in the passage that …
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE It can be inferred from the passage that…
QUESTION It is most likely that…
What probably happened…?
WHERE TO FIND THE
The answers to these questions are found in order in the passage.
ANSWER
Choose a key word in the question.
HOW TO ANSWER THE Scan the passage for the key word (or a related idea).
QUESTION Carefully read the sentence that contains the key word.
Look for an answer that could be true, according to that sentence.

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 Example
The Passage:
The Hawaiian language is a melodious language in which all words are derived from an
alphabet of only twelve letters, the five vowels a, e, i, o, u and the seven consonants h, k, l, m, n, p,
w. Each syllable in the language ends in a vowel, and two consonants never appear together, so
vowels have a much higher frequency in the Hawaiian language than they do in English.
This musical-sounding languagecan be heard regularly by visitors to the island. Most
Hawaiians speak English, but it is quite common to hear English that is liberally spiced with words
and expressions from the traditional language of the culture. A visitors may be greeted with the
expression aloha and may be referred to as a malihini because he is a newcomer to the island. This
visitor may attend an outside luau where everyone eats too much and may be invited afterwards to
dance the hula.

The questions:
1. Which of the following is probably NOT a Hawaiian word?
A. Mahalo
B. Mahimahi
C. Meklea
D. Moana
2. It is implied that a luau is
A. a dance
B. a feast
C. a concert
D. a language
To answer the first question, you should refer to the pat of the passage where it states that in the Hawaiian language
two consonants never appear together. From this you can draw the conclusion that answer (C), meklea, is probably
not a Hawaiian word because the consonants k and l appear together in this word, so answer (C) is the best answer to
this question. To answer the second question, you should refer to the part of the passage where it states that a luau,
everyone eats too much. From this you can draw the conclusion that a luau is a feast, which is a very large meal. The
best answer is therefore answer (B).

SKILL 7 : ANSWER TRANSITION QUESTIONS CORRECTLY

You will sometimes be asked to determine what probably came before the reading passage (in the preceding
paragraph) or what probably comes after the reading passage (in the following paragraph). Of course, the topic of the
preceding or following paragraph is not directly stated, and you must draw a conclusion to determine what is probably
in these paragraphs.
This type of question is a transition question. It asks you to demonstrate that you understand that good writing
contains transistions from one paragraph to the next. A paragraph may start out with the idea of the previous paragraph
as a way of linking the ideas in the two paragraphs. A paragraph may also end with an idea that will be further
developed in the following paragraph.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about transition questions :
TRANSITION QUESTIONS

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE The paragraph preceding the passage probably …

QUESTION What is the most likely in the paragraph following the passage?
WHERE TO FIND THE The answer can generally be found in the first line of the passage for
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 ANSWER a preceding question. The answer can generally be found in the last
line for a following question.
HOW TO ANSWER THE Read the first line for a preceding question.
QUESTION Read the last line for a following question.
Draw a conclusion about what comes before or after.
Choose the answer that is reflected in the first or last line of the
passage.
Example
The passage: Another myth of the oceans concerns Davy Jones, who in folklore is the mean-spirited

sovereign

of the ocean’s depths. The name “Jones” is thought by some etymologists to have been derived from the
name “Jonah,”the Hebrew prophet who spent three days in a whale’s belly.
According to the tradition, any object that goes overband and sinks to the bottom of the ocean is
said to have gone to Davy Jone’s locker, the ocean-sized, mythical receptacle for anything that falls into
the water. Needless to say, any sailor on the seas is not so eager to take a tour of Davy Jones’s locker,
although it might be a rather interesting trip considering all the treasures located there.

The Questions:
1. The paragraph preceding this passage most probably discusses A. The youth of
Davy Jones
B. Davy Jones’s career as a sailor
C. A different traditional story from the sea
D. Preparing to travel on the ocean

2. The topic of the paragraph following the passage most likely is

A. Valuable items located at the bottom of the ocean
B. Where Davy Jones is found today
C. Jonah and the whale
D. Preventing objects from falling overboard
The first question asks about the topic of the preceding paragraph, so you must look at the beginning of the passage
and draw a conclusion about what probably came before. Since the passage begins with the expression another myth
of the oceans, you should understand that the new passage is going to present a second myth of the oceans and the
previous passage probably presented the first myth of the oceans. A myth is a traditional story, so the best answer to
this question is answer (C). The second question asks about the topic of the following paragraph, so you must look at
the end of the passage and draw a conclusion about what probably comes after. The passage ends with the mention
of all the treasures located there, and there is in Davy Jones’s locker, or at the bottom of the ocean; this is probably
going to be the topic of the next paragraph. The best answer to the question is therefore answer (A).

VOCABULARY QUESTIONS________________________________________
In the Reading Comprehension section of the TOEFL test, there will be a number of vocabulary questions. To answer
this type of question, it is of course helpful if you know the meaning of the word that the TOEFL test is testing.
However, it is not always necessary for you know the meaning of the word; often there are skills that you can use to
help you find the correct answer to the question: (1) finding definitions from structural clues, (2) determining
meanings from word parts, and (3) using context clues to determine meanings.

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 SKILL 8 : FIND DEFINITIONS FROM STRUCTURAL CLUES
When you asked to determine the meaning of a word in the Reading Comprehension section of the TOEFL test, it is
possible (1) that the passage provides information about the meaning of the word and (2) that there are structural clues
to tell you that the definition of a word is included in the passage.
The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about structural clues to help you
understand unknown vocabulary words:
STRUCTURAL CLUES

What is …? What is the

THE
HOW TO IDENTIFY
meaning of…?
QUESTION
What is true about…?
Punctuation: comma, parentheses, dashes
TYPES OF CLUES Restatement: or, that is, in other words, i.e.
Examples: such as, for example, e.g.
THE Information to help you determine what something means will
WHERE TO FIND
generally be found after the punctuation clue, the restatement clue, or
ANSWER
the example clue.
THE Find the word in the passage.
Locate any structural clues.
HOW TO ANSWER
Read the part of the passage after the structural clue carefully.
QUESTION
Eliminate any definitely wrong answers and choose the best answer
from the remaining choices.

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 Example
The Passage:
One of the leading schools of psychological thought in the twentieth century was
behaviorism --- the belief that role of the psychologist is to study behavior, which is observable,
rather than conscious or unconscious thought, which is not.
Line Probably the best known proponent of behaviorism is B.F. Skinner, who was famous
(5) for his research on how rewards and punishments influence behavior. He came to believe that positive
reinforcements such as praise, food, or money were more effective in promoting good behavior
than negative reinforcement, or punishment.

The questions:
1. In “behaviorism” in line 2, a psychologist is concerned with
A. Conscious thought patterns
B. Unconscious thought patterns
C. Observable actions
D. unobservable actions
2. What is “positive reinforcement” in line 7?
A. a gift
B. a reward
C. a bribe
D. a penalty
3. What is “negative reinforcement” in line 9?
A. A promotion
B. A reward
C. A surprise
D. A punishment
To answer the first question, you should look at the part of the passage following the word behaviorism. The dash
punctuation (--) indicates that a definition or further information about behaviorism is going to follow. In the
information following the dash you should see that the behaviorist is interested in behavior, which is observable, so
the best answer to this question is answer (C) . To answer the second question, you should look at the part of the
passage following the expression positive reinforcements. The expression such as indicates that examples of positive
reinforcement are going to follow. Your job is to look at the examples of positive reinforcement and draw a conclusion
about what positive reinforcement might be. Since praise, food, or money might be given in return for a job well done,
then positive reinforcement must be reward. The best answer to this question is therefore answer (B). To answer the
third question, you should look at the part of the passage following the expression negative reinforcement. The word
or following negative reinforcement tells you that the idea is going to be restated in different words. You can see in
the passage that another word for negative reinforcement is punishment, so answer (D) is the best answer to this
question.

SKILL 9 : DETERMINE MEANINGS FROM WORD PARTS

When you are asked to determine the meaning of a long word that you do not know in the Reading Comprehension
section of the TOEFL test, it is sometimes possible to determine the meaning of the word by studying the word parts.

The following chart contains a few word parts that you will need to know to complete the exercises in this
part of the text. A more complete list of word parts and exercises to practice them can be found in Appendix I at the
back of the text.
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 A SHORT LIST OF WORD PARTS

PART MEANING EXAMPLE PART MEANING EXAMPLE

CONTRA (against) contrast DIC (say) dictate
MAL (bad) malcontent DOMIN (master) dominant
MIS (error) mistake JUD (judge) judgment
SUB (under) subway MOR (death) mortal
DEC (ten) decade SPEC (see) spectator
MULTI (many) multiple TERR (earth) territory
SOL (one) solo VER (turn) divert
TRI (three) triple VIV (live) revive
Example
The Passage :
Ring Lardner himself was born into a wealthy, educated, and cultured family. For the bulk
of his career, he worked as a reporter for newspapers in South Bend, Boston, St. Louis, and
Chicago. However, it is for his short stories of lower middle-class Americans that Ring Lardner
is perhaps best known. In these stories, Lardner vividly creates the language and the ambiance of
this lower class, often using the misspelled words, grammatical errors, and incorrect diction that
typified the language of the lower middle class.

The questions:
1. The word “vividly” in line 6 is closest in meaning to
A. In a cultured way
B. In a correct way
C. In a lifelike way
D. In a brief way
2. The word “misspelled” in line 7 is closest in meaning to
A. Highly improper
B. vulgar
C. incorrectly written
D. slang
3. The word “diction” in line 8 is closest in meaning to
A. writing
B. sentence structure
C. form
D. speech
In the first question, the word vividly contains the word part viv, which means life, so the best answer is answer (C).
In the second question, the word misspelled contains the word part mis, which means error or incorrect, so the best
answer is answer (C). In the third question, the word diction contains the word part dic, which means speak, so the
best answer is answer (D).

SKILL 10 : USE CONTEXT TO DETERMINE MEANINGS OF DIFFICULT WORDS

On the TOEFL test you will sometimes be asked to determine the meaning of a difficult word, a word that you are not
expected to know. In this case, the passage will give you a clear indication of what the word means.

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 The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about vocabulary questions
containing difficult words:
VOCABULARY QUESTIONS CONTAINING DIFFICULT WORDS
“What is the meaning …?”
HOW TO IDENTIFY
“Which of the following is closest meaning to …?”
THE QUESTION
The word is a difficult word, one that you probably do not know.
WHERE TO FIND The question usually tells you in which in line of the passage the word
THE ANSWER can be found.
HOW TO ANSWER Find the word in the passage.
THE QUESTION Read the sentence that contains the word carefully.
Look for the context clues to help you understand the meaning
Choose the answer that the context indicate.
Example
A line in the passage :
. . . The barges headed across the lake . . . .

The question :

A “barge” is probably which of the following ?

A. A train
B. A plane
C. A bicycle
D. A boat
In this type of question, you are not expected to know the meaning of the word barge. Instead, you should understand
from the context that if the barge went across a lake, then it is probably a type of boat. Answer (D) is therefore the
best answer.

SKILL 11 : USE CONTEXT TO DETERMINE MEANINGS OF SIMPLE WORDS

You will sometimes be asked to determine the meaning of a simple word, a word that you see often in everyday
English. In this type of question, you should not give the normal, everyday meaning of the word; instead, the TOEFL
test wants to know the meaning of the word in this situation.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about vocabulary questions
containing difficult words :
VOCABULARY QUESTIONS CONTAINING DIFFICULT WORDS
“What is the meaning …?”
HOW TO IDENTIFY
“Which of the following is closest meaning to …?”
THE QUESTION
The word is a simple word, one that you see often in everyday English.
WHERE TO FIND THE The question usually tells you in which in line of the passage the word can be
ANSWER found.
Find the word in the passage.
HOW TO ANSWER Read the sentence that contains the word carefully.
THE QUESTION Look for the context clues to help you understand the meaning
Choose the answer that the context indicate.

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 Example
A line from the passage :
………. He put his answer this way ………….
..
The question:

The word “put” is closest in meaning to which of the following ?

A. Placed
B. Set
C. Expressed
D. Handed
In this type of question, you should understand that put is a normal, everyday word, and you are not being asked to
give the regular meaning of a normal, everyday word. Because the primary meaning of to put is to place, answer (A)
is not the correct answer. To answer this type of question, you must see which of the answers best fits into the sentence
in the passage. You cannot place an answer or set an answer or hand an answer, but you can express an answer, so
answer (C) is the best answer to this question.

OVERALL REVIEW QUESTIONS

Often in the reading comprehension section of the TOEFL test the last question (or two) for a particular
reading passage is an overall question, one that asks about the passage as a whole rather than one small detail. The
overall review questions are generally not main idea questions; instead they ask about some other aspect of the passage
as a whole. The most common types of overall review questions are (1) questions that ask where in the passage
something is found, (2) questions about the tone of the passage, (3) questions about the author’s purpose in writing
the passage, or (4) questions about which course the passage might be a part of.

SKILL 12: DETERMINE WHERE SPECIFIC INFORMATION IS FOUND

Sometimes the final question in a reading passage will ask you to determine where in the passage a piece of
information is found. The answer choices will list possible locations for that information. The best way to approach
this type of question is to study the question to determine the information that you are looking for and then to go to
the lines listed in the answers and skim for that information.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember when you are trying to determine
where in the passage something is found :
QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE IN THE PASSAGE
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE Where in the passage . . . ?
QUESTION
WHERE TO FIND THE The answer can be in any of the lines listed in the answer to the
ANSWER question.
HOW TO ANSWER THE Choose a key word or idea in the question.
QUESTION Skim the lines in the passage that are listed in the passage that are
listed in the answers to the question. You should skim for the key
word or idea.
Choose the answer that contains the line numbers of a restatement
of the question.

116
 Example
The passage :
Meteor Crater, a great crater approximately 40 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona, is
generally thought by scientists to have formed as a result of the impact of a 60.000-
ton meteor about 50.000 years ago. The meteor, made of nickel and iron,
disintegrated on impact and spread half a billion tons of rock over the surface of
the land. The massiveness of the meteor can only be imagined from the mammoth
size of the crater, which measures a mile in diameter and three miles around the
top. The rim of the crater rises more than 150 feet above the plain where the meteor
impacted and is visible for more than ten miles on a clear day.

The questions:
1. Where in the passage does the author discuss the composition of the meteor ? A.
Lines 1-4
B. Lines 4-5
C. Lines 5-8
D. Lines 8-10
2. Where in the passage does the author mention the distance from which the crater
can be seen ?
A. Lines 1-4
B. Lines 4-5
C. Lines 5-8
D. Lines 8-10
The first question asks you to find information about the composition of the crater. You should skim through the lines
of the passage listed in the answers to the question looking for the word composition or something that means
composition. In line 4 you should find the expression made of, and you should recognize that composition is what
something is made of. The best answer to this question is therefore answer (B). The second question asks you to find
information about the distance from which the crater can be seen. You should again skim through the lines of the
passage listed in the answer to the question looking for the key words or ideas distance and seen. In lines 9 and 10 you
should recognize that visible means seen, and ten miles is a distance. The best answer to this question is therefore
answer (D).

SKILL 13 : DETERMINE THE TONE, PURPOSE, OR COURSE

Other types of overall review questions occur occasionally in the reading comprehension section of the
TOEFL test. Possible question of this type are those that ask about (1) the tone of the passage, (2) the author’s purpose
in writing the passage, and (5) the course in which the passage might be used.
A question about the tone is asking if the author is showing any emotion in his or her writing. The majority
of the passages on the TOEFL test are factual passages presented without any emotion; the tone of this type of passage
could be simply informational, explanatory, or factual. Sometimes on the TOEFL test, however, the author shows
some emotion, and you must be able to recognize that emotion to answer a question about tone correctly. If the author
is being funny, then the tone might be humorous; if the author is making fun of something is right or wrong, the tone
might be impassioned.
A question about purpose is asking what the author is trying to do in the passage. You can draw a conclusion about
the author’s purpose by referring to the main idea and the organization of details in the passage. For example, if the
main idea is that George Washington’s early life greatly influenced his later career and if the details give a history of
his early life, the author’s purpose could be to show how George Washington’s early life influenced his later career.
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However, the answer to a purpose question is often considerably more general than the main idea. A more general
author’s purpose for the main idea about George Washington would be to demonstrate the influence of early
experiences on later life (without any mention of George Washington).
A question about the course is asking you to decide which university course might have this passage as assigned
reading. You should draw a conclusion about the course by referring to the topic of the passage and the organization
of details. For example, if the passage is about George Washington and the details give historical background on his
early life, then this would probably be assigned reading in an American history class. However, if the passage is about
George Washington and the details show the various influences that he had on the information of the American
Government, then the passage might be assigned reading in a government or political science class.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about tone, purpose, or course
question:
TONE, PURPOSE, OR COURSE
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TONE : What is the tone of the passage ?
QUESTION PURPOSE : What is the author’s purpose in this passage ?
COURSE : In which course would this reading be assigned ?
WHERE TO FIND THE ANSWER TONE : There will be clues throughout the passage that the author is
showing some emotion rather than just presenting facts.
PURPOSE: Draw a conclusion about the purpose from the main idea and
supporting details.
COURSE: Draw a conclusion about the course from the topic of the
passage and the supporting details.

HOW TO ANSWER THE TONE : 1. Skim the passage looking for clues that the author is showing
QUESTION some emotion.
2. Choose the answer that identifies the emotion.
PURPOSE : 1. Study the main idea in the topic sentence and the details
used to support the main idea
2. Draw a conclusion about the purpose.
COURSE : 1. Study the main idea in the topic sentence and the details
used to support the main idea.
2. Draw a conclusion about the course.

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 Example
The passage :
Military awards have long been considered symbolic of royalty,
and thus when the United States was a young nation just finished with
revolution and eager to distance itself from anything tasting of monarchy,
there was strong sentiment against military decoration. For a century, from
the end of the Revolutionary War until the Civil War, the United States
awarded no military honors. The institution of the Medal of Honor in 1861
was a source of great discussion and concern. From the Civil War until World
War I, the Medal of Honor was the only military award given by the United
States government, and today it is awarded only on the most extreme cases
of heroism. Although the United States is still somewhat wary of granting
military awards, several awards have been instituted since World War I.

The questions:
1. The tone of the passage is
A. angered
B. humorous
C. outraged
D. informational
2. The author’s purpose in this passage is to
A. describe the history of military awards from the Revolutionary War to the Civil
War
B. demonstrate an effect of America’s attitude toward royalty
C. give an opinion of military awards
D. outline various historical symbols of royalty
3. The passage would probably be assigned reading in a course on
A. general science
B. psychology
C. American history
D. Interior decoration
The first question asks about the tone of the passage. To determine the tone of a passage, you should look for
any indications of emotion on the part of the author. In this passage, the author uses historical facts to make a point
about America’s sentiment against military awards; the author does not make any kind of emotional plea.
Therefore, the best answer to this question is answer (D). There is nothing in the passage to indicate any anger (A), or
humor (B), or outrage (C) on the part of the author.
The second question asks about the author’s purpose in writing the passage. To answer this question
correctly, you should refer to the main idea of the passage as outlined in the first sentence. The main idea is that there
has been strong sentiment against military awards in the United States because military awards are symbols of royalty.
The author gives historical facts about military awards as details to support the main idea. Since the purpose is
determined from the main idea and the overall organization of details, the author’s purpose is to describe, explain, or
demonstrate that America’s sentiment against military awards is because of its negative sentiment against royalty.
The best answer to this question is therefore answer (B); you should notice that the correct answer is considerably
more general than the main idea; according to answer (B) the purpose is to demonstrate an effect (America’s dislike
of military awards) of America’s attitude toward royalty.
The third question asks about the course, you should refer to the topic of the passage and the overall organization of
details. Since this passage is about American Military awards, and the details discuss the history of American military
awards from the Revolutionary War until today, the best answer is (C).

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 TYPE: DIAGNOSTIC PRE-TEST
SECTION 1: LISTENING COMPREHENSION
Time-approximately 35 minutes (including the
reading of the directions for each part)
In this section of the test, you will have an C. Each half of the class is an hour long.
opportunity to demonstrate your ability to D. Two times a week the classs meets for
understand conversations and talks in English. an hour.
There are three parts to this section, with special
directions for each part. Answer all the questions 3. A. A few minutes ago, the flight departed.B.
on the basis of what is stated or implied by the The fight will start in a while.
speakers you hear. Do not take notes or write in C. They are frightened about the departure.
your test book at any time. Do not turn the pages D. The plane is going to take off soon.
until you are told to do so.
4. A. He hasn’t yet begun his project.
Part A B. He’s supposed to do his science project
next week.
Directions: In part A you will hear short C. He needs to start working on changingthe
conversations between two people. After each due date.
conversation, you will hear a question about the D. He’s been working steadily on his science
conversation. The conversations and questions project.
will not be repeated. After you hear a question,
read the four possible answers in your test book 5. A. At the post office.B. In a florist shop.
and choose the best answer. Then, on your answer C. In a restaurant.
sheet, find the number of the question and fill in
D. In a hospital delivery room.
the space that corresponds to the letter of the
answer you have chosen.
6. A. The proffessor drowned the cells in a lab. B.
The topic was presented in a boring way.
Listen to an example.
C. The professor divided the lecture into parts.
On the recording, you will hear: D. The biologist tried to sell the results ofthe
(man) That exam was just awful. experiment.
(woman) Oh, it could have been worse.
7. A. She needs to get a driver’s license.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?
B. It is impossible to cash a check withouttwo
pieces of identification.
In your test book, you will read:
C. The man should check to see if he need
A. The exam was really awful. B. It credit.
was the worst exam she had ever seen. D. A credit card can be used to get a
C. It couldn’t have been more difficult. driver’s license.
D. It wasn’t that hard.
8. A. Housing within his budget is hard tolocate.
You learn from the conversation that the man B. It’s hard to find his house in New York.
thought the exam was very difficult and that the C. He can’t afford to move his house to
woman disagreed with the man. The best answer New York.
to the question, “What does the woman mean?” is D. Housing in New York is unavailable.
(D), “It wasn’t that hard.” Therefore, the 9. A. The boss was working on the reports.
correct choice is (D). B. He would have to finish the reportsbefore
the end of next month.
1. A. The coffee is much better this morning. C. He was directed to stay late and finishsome
B. He’s feeling bitter this morning work.
C. The coffee isn’t very good. D. He could finish the reports at home.
D. He cannot taste the butter
10. A. The boisterous students made
2. A. The two classes meet in an hour and a half. theteacher mad.
B. The claa meets three hours per week.

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B. The teacher angered the students withthe teacher was around.
exam results. D. The angered students complained tothe
C. The students were angry that the teacher.

11. A. The prices are reasonable.

B. The store is too far out of town.
C. He would like the woman to repeat what
she said.
D. He agrees with the woman.

12. A. It has rarely rained this much.B. It hardly

rained this year.
C. It is barely raining this year.
D. It seldom rains so little.

13. A. He needs to do a better job writing

questions.
B. His writing must certainly be improved.
C. Without the questions, he cannotwrite the
answers.
D. He needs to understand the
writtenquestions better.

14. A. The agent was standing in line with his

passport.
B. The line to get new passports is verylong.
C. The woman must wait her run to gether
passport checked..
D. He can check her passport instead ofthe
agent.

15. A. He couldn’t finish closing the librarybook.

B. He hadn’t finished the library.
C. He was working on the assignmentwhen
the library closed. D. His homework was
incomplete
because the library wasn’t open.

16. A. He wishes the hard work had had abetter.

B. He thinks the lawyer hardly prepared.
C. He wishes the lawyer had prepared.
D. He thinks the lawyer worked for free.

17. A. The history class begins next week.

B. He thinks the papers should be turnedin
next week.
C. He has already done the paper fornext
week.
D. The papers are not due next week.18. A.

He’s not really happy.

B. the contractor’s work was satisfactory.

C. He would rather work with thecontractor
himself.
D. He was already contacted about the work.

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19. A. The man should try another type of paper. into the company.
B. The man should locate a typist tomorrow B. New workers don’t generally
morning. undertake actions on their own. C.
C. The man should make a tape in themorning. New employees are initially rated.
D. The man should complete the paperwithout D. It’s rare for employees to make new
help. suggestions.

20. A. She’s like some pie.B. It’s easy to buy it. 29. A. The woman is more than a week late.
C. The task the man’s working on B. The children would have wrecked
isn’tdifficult. thehouse later.
D. It’s easier to prepare pie than do whatthe C. The woman was no late that she was
man is doing. awreck.
D. He’s glad that she was not any later.
21. A. He reported that the time for thebudget
meeting had been set. 30. A. He had not gone to the store.B. He was still
B. He is always late in submitting at the market.
hisaccounting figures. C. He was going to take care of theshopping.
C. He never manages to budget his time well. D. He always went to the market.
D. He is never too late in turning in hisreports.
Part B
22. A. The repairs would require an extension.
B. The car is going to need a lot of repairs. Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear
C. Buying a new car would be quite expensive. longer conversations. After each conversation,
D. The mechanic extended the repairwarranty. you will hear several questions. The conversations
and questions will not be repeated.
23. A. Betty wrote the letter as directed.
B. The directions were given to Betty ina After you hear a question, read the four possible
letter. answers in your test book and choose the best
answer. Then, on your answer sheet, find the
C. Betty will follow the instructions later.
number of the question and fill in the space that
D. Betty worked exactly as instructed.
corresponds to the letter of the answer you have
chosen.
24. A. Walter’s had a lack of success withhis
business.
Remember; you are not aloowed to take notes or
B. Walter’s failed in business.
write in your test book..
C. Walter’s new company is doing rather
well. 31. A. She’s a senior.B. She’s a junir.
D. Walter hoped to succeed in business. C. She’s a transfer student.
D. She’s a graduate student.
25. A. He should put the organ in the closet.
B. The closet has already been organized. 32. A. How to transfer to a junir college.
C. He needs to rearrange the closet. B. How to find his way around campus.
D. He wishes the closet were closer. C. The course requirements for a literature
major.
26. A. She didn’t do the work.
D. Who man the campus election.
B. She gave the assignment her best effort.
C. She finished the assignment eventhough it 33. A. Three.B. Five.
was difficult. C. Eight.
D. She gave the man a signal. D. Ten.
27. A. She said some terrible things.B. She didn’t 34. A. American literature.B. World literature.
say anything nice.
C. Literary analysis.
C. She didn’t have any nice things.
D. Surveying.
D. She said really wonderful things.
35. A. In a book.
28. A. New employees are rarely initiated
B. From a televison program.
C. During a trip that she took.

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 D. From a lecture. (narrator) What style of painting isknown as
American regionalist?
36. A. To communicate with other dolphins.B.
To recognize objects in the water. In your test book, you wil read:
C. To learn human language.
D. To express fear.

37. A. Five.
B. Fifteen.
C. Fifty.
D. Five hundred.

38. A. It is limited.
B. It is greater than human intelegence.
C. It is less than previously thought.
D. We are beginning to learn how much they
have.

Part C

Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear

several talks. After each talk, you will hear some
questions. The Talks and Questions will not be
repeated.

After you hear a question, you will read the four

possible answers in your test book and choose the
best answers. Then, on your answer sheet, find the
number of the question and fill in the space that
corresponds to the letter of the answer you have
chosen.

Here is an example.
On the recording, you will hear:

(narrator) Listen to an instructor talk to his

class about painting.
(man) Artist Grant Wood was a guiding
force in the school of painting
known as American regionalist,
a style reflecting the distinctive
characteristics of art from rural
areas of the United States. Wood
began drawing animals on the
family farm at the age of three, and
when he was thirty-eight one of his
paintings received a remarkable
amount of public notice and
acclaim. This painting,
called “American Gothic,” is a
starkly simple depiction of a
serious couple staring directly
out at the viewer.

Now listen to a sample question.

123
 A. Art from America’s inner cities. 44. A. Membership on a athletic team.
B. Art from the central region of the United B. Enrollment in an exercise class.
States. C. A valid student identification card.
C. Art from various urban areas in the D. Permission from a faculty member.
United States.
D. Art from rural sections of America. 45. A. To the tennis courts.B. To the arena.
C. To the gymnasium.
The best answer to te question, “What style of D. To the Athletic Department office.
painting in known as American regionalist?” is
(D), “Art from rural sections of America.” 46. A. Go to the Art Center.
Therefore, the correct choice is (D). B. Sign up for sports classes.
C. Visit the exercise room.
Now listen to another sample question. D. Watch a football game.

(narrator) What is the name of Wood’s most 47. A. Science.B. Art.

successful painting? C. Literature.
D. Music.
In your test book, you will read:
A. “American Regionalist.” 48. A. They are completely different.
B. “The family Farm in Iowa.” B. They are somewhat similar but have an
C. “American Gothic.” essential difference.
D. “A Serious Couple.” C. They are exactly the same in all respects.
D. They are unrelated.
The best answer to the question, ”What is the
name of Wood’s most successful painting?” is 49. A. Objective. B. Idealistic.
(C), “American Gothic.” Therefor, the correct C. Philosophical.
choice is (C). D. Environmental.
Remember; you are not allowed to take notes or 50. A. Heredity.
write in your test book. B. Environment.
C. Idealism.
39. A. To protect its members.
D. Natural laws.
B. To save the natural environment.C. To
honor the memory of John Muir. D. To
improve San Francisco’s natural beauty.

40. A. For less than a year.B. Only for a decade.

C. For more than a century.
D. For at least two centuries.

41. A. San Francisco.

B. All fifty states.
C. The Sierra Nevadas.
D. The eastern U.S.

42. A. All over the world.

B. In the entire United States.
C. Only in California.
D. Only in the Sierra Nevadas.

43. A. Students signing up for athletic teams.

B. Students going on a tour of a university
campus.
C. Students playing various sports.
D. Students attending a university dedication
ceremony.

124
SECTION 2: STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

125
Time: 25 Minutes with 40 questions but to hunt, living primarily on
buffalo
This section measures the ability to recognize A B C D
language that is appropriate for standard written meat.
English. There are two types of questions in this 7. The differential attractions of the
section.
In the first type of question, there are sun and the moon have a direct
incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence, there A
are four words or phrases. You will choose the one effect in the rising and falling of the tides.
word or phrase that best completes the sentence. B C D
The second type of question has four underlined 8. __________ both men and women
words or phrases. You will choose the one have often achieved their career
underlined word or phrase that must be changed for ambitions by midlife, many people are
the sentence to be correct. afflicted by at least a temporary period
of dissatisfaction and depression.
1. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
A. Because
was
B. So
__________ to serve on the U.S. Supreme
Court. C. A
D. Who
A. the woman who first. 9. With special enzymes that are call
B. the first woman. A
C. who the first woman. restriction enzymes, it is possible
D. the first and a woman.
to spit off segments of DNA from
2. North Carolina is well known not only for
the Great Smoky Mountains national park B C the
_________ for the Cherokee settlements. donor organism.
A. also D
B. and 10. Because of the movement of a
C. but also A
D. because of glacier, the form of the Great
3. If biennials were planted this year, B C
Lakes was very slow.
they will be likely to bloom next year. D
A B C D
11. _________ small specimen of the
4. The value of the dollar declines as
embryonic fluid is removed from a
A B C the
foetus, it will be possible to determine
rate of inflation raises.
whether the baby will be born with
D
birth defects.
5. General Grant had General Lee ________
A. A
him at Appomattox to sign the official
B. That a
surrender of the Confederate forces.
C. If a
A. to meet
D. When it is a
B. met
12. To generate income, magazine
C. meet
publishers must decide whether to
D. meeting
increase the subscription price or _
6. Anthropologist assert that many of the
A. to sell advertising
B. if they should sell advertising
early Native Americans who lived on the
C. selling advertising
D. sold advertising
plains did not engage in planting crops
13. If it receives enough rain at the proper

126
 A Btime, hay will grow quickly, 15. Before she died, Andrew
as grass. A
C D Jackson’s daughter, who lives in
14. Psychology Today is interesting, B C
A B informative, and the family mansion, used to take
it is easy to read. D
C D tourists through her home.
16. If it ______ more humid in the desert
of the Southwest, the hot temperatures
would be unbearable.
A. be
B. is
C. was
D. were
17. _______ Java Man, who lived before
the first Ice Age, is the first manlike
animal.
A. It is generally
believed that
B. Generally believed
it is
C. Believed generally
is
D. That is generally
believed 18. It is essential that the
temperature

is not elevated to a point where the

A B
substance formed may become
unstable
C
and decompose into its constituent
D
elements.

19. John Philip Sousa, who many people

A B
consider the greatest composer
C
of marches, wrote his music during

the era known as the Gay 90s.

D
20. For the investor who ______ money, silver
or bonds are good options.
A. has so little a
B. has very little
C. has so few
D. has very few
21. Although it can be derived from

127
 A B C D
oil, coal, and tar, kerosene is usually 26. After the funeral, the residents of the
apartment building _________
produced by refine it from petroleum.
C D A. sent faithfully flowers all weeks to
22. Aeronomy is the study of the Earth’s the cemetery
A B C B. sent to the cemetery each week
upper atmosphere, which includes their flowers faithfully
D C. sent flowers faithfully to the
composition, temperature, density, and cemetery each week
chemical reactions. D. sent each week faithfully to the
cemetery flowers
23. The purpose of the United nations, 27. Because the first pair of pants did not fit
A properly, he asked for ____
broad speaking, is to maintain peace and A. another pants
B C B. others pants
security and to encourage respect for C. the others ones
D for D. another pair
human rights. 28. The committee has met and _____ A.
they have reached a decision
24. Of all the cereals, rice is the one _______ food B. it has formulated themselves some
for more people than any of the other grain opinions
crops. C. its decision was reached at
A. it provides D. it has reached a decision
B. that providing 29. Alfred Adams has not _________
C. provides A. lived lonelynessly times previous
D. that provides B. never before lived sole
25. Although Congressional representatives and C. ever lived alone before
D. before lived without the company
senators may serve an unlimited of his friends
30. John’s score on the test is the highest in the
number of term, the president is limited to class; ___________
A B two, for a total of
eight years.

128
A. he should study last nightfor striking an officer, the man

129
 B. he should have studied last nightB C
C. he must have studied last nightwill cry out in pain.
D. he must had to study last nightD
31. The main office of the factory can
A40. This table is not sturdy enough to support be found in Maple Street in New YorkA B
B C Da television, and that one probably isn’t
City.C
32. Because there are less members presentneither.
AD
tonight than there were last night,
B C
we must wait until the next meeting

to vote.
D
33. David is particularly fond of cooking,
A B
and he often cooks really delicious meals.
C D
34. The progress made in space travel
A B C
for the early 1960s is remarkable.
D

35. Sandra has not rarely missed a play

A B
or correct since she
C
was seventeen years old.
D
36. The governor has not decided
A B
how to deal with the new problems
C already.
D

37. There was a very interesting news

A B on the radio this morning about
C D the earthquake in Italy.

38. The professor had already given

the homework assignment when

A
he had remembered that Monday
B C
was a holiday.
D

39. Having been beaten by the police

A

130
 SECTION 3: VOCABULARY AND READING COMPREHENSION
Time: 45 Minutes in turn, is utilized by the plant to generate
60 Questions other forms of energy, such as the long chains
of plant cells or polymers that comprise the
Questions 1 through 9 are based on the cellular structures of starches or cellulose.
following reading Many intermediate steps are involved in the
production of a simple sugar or starch. At the
It has long been known that when the same time, a balance of gases is preserved in
green parts of plants are exposed to light the atmosphere by the process of
under suitable conditions of temperature and photosynthesis.
moisture, carbon dioxide is absorbed by the
plant from the atmospheric CO2, and oxygen 1. Which title best expresses the ideas in this
is released into the air. This exchange of passage?
gases in plants is the opposite of the process A. A chemical Equation
that occurs in respiration. In this plant B. The Process of Photosynthesis
process, which is called photosynthesis,
C. The parts of Vascular Plants
carbohydrates are synthesized in the presence
D. The Production of Sugar
of light from carbon dioxide and water by
2. The combination of carbon dioxide and water
specialized structures in the cytoplasm of
to form sugar result in an excess of
plant cells called chloroplasts. These
chloroplasts contain not only two types of A. water
light-trapping green chlorophyll but also a B. oxygen
vast array of protein substances called C. carbon
enzymes. In most plants, the water required D. chlorophyll
by the photosynthesis process is absorbed 3. Which process is the
from the soil by the roots and translocated opposite of photosynthesis?
through the xylem of the root and stem to the A. Decomposition
chlorophyll-laden leaves. Except for the B. Synthesization
usually small percentage used in respiration, C. Diffusion
the oxygen released in the process diffuses D. Respiration
out of the leaf into the atmosphere through 4. In photosynthesis, energy from the sun is
stomates. In simple terms, carbon dioxide is A. changed to chemical energy
the fuel, and oxygen is the product of the
B. conducted from the xylem to the
chemical reaction. For each molecule of
leaves of green plants
carbon dioxide used, one molecule of oxygen
C. not necessary to the process
is released. Here is a summary chemical
D. released one to one for each
equation for photosynthesis:
molecule of carbon dioxide used
6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2
5. The word stored in paragraph 2 is closest in
As a result of this process, radiant
meaning to
energy from the sun is stored as chemical
A. retained
energy. In turn, the chemical energy is used
to decompose carbon dioxide and water. The B. converted
products of their decomposition are C. discovered
recombined into a new compound, which D. specified
successively builds up into the more and 6. The word their in paragraph 2 refers to
more complex substances that comprise the A. radiant energy and
plant. These organic substances, that is, the chemical energy
sugars, starches, and cellulose, all belong to B. carbon dioxide and water
the class of organic molecules. In other C. products
words, the process of photosynthesis can be D. complex substances
understood as an enzyme-induced chemical 7. The word successively in paragraph 2 is
change from carbon dioxide and water into closest in meaning to
the simple sugar glucose. This carbohydrate,

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 A. with effort
B. in a sequence
C. slowly
D. carefully
8. Besides the manufacture of food for plants,
what is another benefit of photosynthesis?

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A. It produces solar energy.

133
 B. It diffuses additional carbon the fields of competition. Recipients in physics,
dioxide into the air. chemistry, and economics are selected by the
C. It maintains a balance of gases Royal Swedish Academy, whereas recipients in
in the atmosphere. peace are chosen by the Norwegian Nobel
D. It removes harmful gases from Committee appointed by
the air. Norway’s parliament. With the king of Sweden
9. Which of the following is NOT true of the officiating, the prizes are usually presented in
oxygen used in photosynthesis? Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of
A. Oxygen is absorbed by the Nobel’s death. The value, fame, and prestige of
roots. the
B. Oxygen is the Nobel Prizes have continued to grow. Today the
product of prize includes a medal, a diploma, and a cash
photosynthesis. award of about one million dollars.
C. Oxygen is used in respiration.
D. Oxygen is released into the 10. What does this passage mainly discuss?
atmosphere through the leaves. A. Alfred Bernhard Nobel
B. The Nobel Prizes
Questions 10 through 17 are based on the C. Great contributions to mankind
following reading D. Swedish philanthropy
11. Why were the prizes named for Alfred
Alfred Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish inventor Bernhard Nobel?
and philanthropist, bequeathed most of his vast A. He left money in his will to
fortune to a trust that he designated as a fund from establish a fund for the prizes.
which annual prizes could be awarded to the B. He won the first Nobel Prize for
individuals and organizations that had achieved his work in philanthropy.
through invention or discovery that which would
C. He is now living in Sweden.
have the greatest benefit to humanity in a
D. He serves as chairman of the
particular year. According to the legend, Nobel’s
committee to choose the
death had been erroneously reported in
recipients of the prizes.
newspaper, and the focus of the obituary was the
fact that Nobel had invented dynamite. He rewrote 12. The word will in paragraph 1 refers to
his will in 1895, thereby establishing, with the A. Nobel’s wishes
original amount of nine million dollars, the Nobel B. a legal document
Foundation as the legal owner and administering C. a future intention
agent of the funds, and instituting the prizes that D. a free choice
are named after him. Statutes to govern the 13. How often are the Nobel Prizes
awarding of the prizes were written, along with awarded?
guidelines for operating procedures. Five years A. Five times a year
after Nobel’ death, the first B. Once a year
five prizes, worth about forty thousand dollars C. Twice a year
each, were to be awarded. D. Once every two years
Originally the five classifications for 14. The word outstanding in paragraph 2
outstanding contributions designated in Nobel’s could best be replaced by
will included chemistry, physics, physiology or A. recent
medicine, literature, and international peace. B. unusual
These prizes have been administered continually
C. established
by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm since they
D. exceptional
were first awarded in 1901. In 1969, a sixth prize,
15. A Nobel Prize would NOT be given to
for accomplishments in the field of economics and
endowed by the Central Bank of Sweden, was A. an author who wrote a novel
added. Candidates for the prizes must be B. a doctor who
nominated in writing by February 1 of each year discovered a
by a qualified and recognized authority in each of vaccine

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 C. a composer who
wrote a symphony
D. a diplomat who negotiated a
peace settlement
16. What does the author mean by the
statement: These prizes have been
administered continually by the Nobel
Foundation in Stockholm since they
were first awarded in 1901?
A. The Nobel Foundation overseas
the management of the money
and the distribution of the
prizes.
B. The Nobel Foundation selects
the recipients of the prizes.

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C. The Nobel Foundation solicits

136
 applications and even ballets were introduced under the guise of
recommendations for the opera. Composers gave in to the demands of
prizes. singers, writing many operas that were little more
D. The Nobel Foundation than a succession of brilliant tricks for the voice,
recommends new prize designed to showcase the splendid voices of the
classifications. singers who had requested them. It was thus that
17. Why are the awards presented on complicated arias, recitatives, and duets evolved.
December 10? The aria, which is a long solo, may be compared
A. It is a tribute to the King of to a song in which the characters express their
Sweden. thoughts and feelings. The recitative, which is also
B. Alfred Bernhard Nobel died on a solo of sorts, is a recitation set to music, the
that day. purpose of which is to continue the story line. The
C. That date was established in duet is a musical piece written for two voices, a
Alfred Nobel’s will. musical device that may serve the function of
either an aria or a recitative within the opera.
D. The Central Bank of Sweden
administers the trust.
18. This passage is a summary of
Questions 18 through 26 are based on the A. opera in Italy
following reading B. the Camerata
C. the development of opera
Although stage plays have been set to D. Euridice
music since the area of the ancient Greeks, when 19. According to this passage, when did
the dramas of Sophocies and Aeschylus were modern opera begin?
accompanied by lyres and flutes, the usually A. In the time of the ancient
accepted date for beginning of opera as we know Greeks
it is 1600. As a part of the celebration of the B. In the fifteenth century
marriage of King Henry IV of France to the C. At the beginning of the
Italian aristocrat Maria de Medici, the Florentine sixteenth century
composer Jacopo Peri produced his famous D. At the beginning of the
Euridice, generally considered to be the first seventeenth century
opera. Following his example, a group of Italian 20. The word it in paragraph 1 refers to
musicians, poets, and noblemen called the
A. opera
Camerata began to revive the style of musical
B. date
story that had been used in Greek tragedy. The
Camerata took most of the plots for their operas C. era
from Greek and Roman history and mythology, D. music
beginning the process of creating an opera by 21. According to the author, what did Jacopo
writing a libretto or drama that could be used to Peri write?
establish the framework for the music. They called A. Greek tragedy
their compositions opera in musica or musical B. The first opera
works. It is from this phrase that the word “opera” C. The opera Maria de Medici
was borrowed and abbreviated. D. The opera The camerata
For several years, the center of opera was 22. The author suggests that Euridice was
Florence in northern Italy, but gradually, during produced
the baroque period, it spread throughout Italy. By A. in France
the late 1600s, operas were being written and B. originally by
performed in many places throughout Europe, Sophocles and
especially in England, France, and Germany. Aeschylus
However, for many years, the Italian opera was C. without much success
considered the ideal, and many non-Italian D. for the wedding of King Henry
composers continued to use Italian librettos. The IV 23. What
European form deemphasized the dramatic aspect was the Camerata?
of the Italian model. New orchestral effects and
A. A group of Greek musicians

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 B. Musicians who developed a
new musical drama based upon
Greek drama
C. A style of music not known in
Italy
D. The name given to the court of
King Henry IV
24. The word revive in paragraph 1 could
best be replaced by
A. appreciate

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B. resume C. modify

139
 D. investigate cycles, over a period of a eleven years. At the
25. The word plots in paragraph 1 is closest beginning of a cycle, the storms occur between 20
in meaning to and 40 degrees north and south of the equator on
A. locations the sun. As the cycle continues, some of the
B. instruments storms move closer to the equator. As the cycle
C. stories diminishes, the number the sunspots decreases to
D. inspiration a minimum and they cluster between 5 and 15
degrees north and south latitude.
26. From what did the term “opera” derive?
A. Greek and Roman history and Although there is no theory that completely
mythology explains the nature and function of sunspots,
several models show scientists’ attempts to relate
B. Non-Italian composers C. The
the phenomenon to magnetic field lines along the
Italian Phrase that means “musical
lines of longitude from the north and south poles
works”
of the sun.
D. The ideas of composer Jacopo
peri
27. What is the author’s main purpose in the
passage?
Questions 27 through 37 are based on the
following reading A. The propose a theory to explain
sunspots
According to the controversial sunspot B. To describe the
theory, great storms or eruptions on the surface of nature of sunspots
the sun hurl streams of solar particles into space C. To compare the umbra and the
and eventually into the atmosphere of our planet, penumbra in sunspots
causing shifts in the weather on the Earth and D. To argue for the existence of
interference with radio and television magnetic fields in sunspots
communications. 28. The word controversial in paragraph 1
A typical sunspot consists of a dark central is closest in meaning to
umbra, a word derived from the Latin word for A. widely acceptance
shadow, which is surrounded by a lighter B. open to debate
penumbra of light and dark threads extending out C. just introduced
from the center like the spokes of a wheel. D. very complicated
Actually, the sunspots are cooler than the rest of 29. Solar particles are hurled into space by
the photosphere, which may account for their A. undetermined causes
apparently darker color. Typically, the
B. disturbance of wind
temperature in a sunspot umbra is about 4000 K,
C. small rivers on the surface of
whereas the temperature in a penumbra registers
the sun
5500 K, and the granules outside the spot are 6000
K. D. changes in the
Earth’s
Sunspots range in size from tiny granules to
complex structures with areas stretching for atmosphere
billions of square mile. About 5 percent of all 30. The word particles in paragraph 1 refers
sunspots are large enough so that they can be seen to
from Earth without instruments; consequently, A. gas explosions in the
observations of sunspots have been recorded for atmosphere
thousands of years. B. light rays from the sun
Sunspots have been observed in C. liquid streams on the sun
arrangements of one to more than one hundred D. small pieces of matter from the
spots, but they tend to occur in pairs. There is also sun
a marked tendency for the two spots of a pair to 31. How can we describe matter from the sun
have opposite magnetic polarities. Furthermore, that enters the Earth’s atmosphere?
the strength of the magnetic field associated with A. Very small
any given sunspot is closely related to the spot’s B. Very hot
size. Sunspots have also been observed to occur in C. Very bright

140
 D. Very hard
32. What does the author mean by the
statement: Actually, the sunspots are
cooler than the rest of the
photosphere, which may account for
their apparently darker color?
A. Neither sunspots nor the
photosphere is hot.

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B. Sunspots in the photosphere do

142
 not have any color. the first hatchet and use of fire for heating and
C. The color of sunspots could be cooking were developed. As a result of the Ice
affected by their temperature. Age, which evolved about 1 million years into the
D. The size of a sunspot affects its Paleolithic Age, people were forced to seek shelter
temperature. in caves, wear clothing, and develop new tools.
33. The word they in paragraph 3 refers to During the Mesolithic Age (8000 to 6000
A. structures B.C.) people made crude pottery and the first fish
B. spots hooks, took dogs hunting, and developed a bow
C. miles and arrow, which was used until the fourteenth
century A.D.
D. granules
The Neolithic Age (6000 to 3000 B.C.)
34. The word consequently in paragraph 3
saw humankind domesticating sheep, goats, pigs,
could best be replaced by
and cattle, being less nomadic than in previous
A. as a result
eras, establishing permanent settlements, and
B. nevertheless
creating governments.
C. without doubt
D. in this way 38. Into how many periods was the Stone
35. In which configuration do sunspots Age divided?
usually occur? A. 2 B. 3 C. 4
A. In one spot of varying size D. 5
B. In a configuration of two spots 39. Which of the following was developed
C. In arrangements of one hundred earliest?
or more spots A. the fish hook
D. In group of several thousand B. the fist hatchet
spots C. the bow and arrow
D. pottery
36. How are sunspots explained?
40. Which of the following developments is
A. Sunspots appear to be related to
not related to the conditions of the Ice
magnetic fields on the Earth.
Age?
B. Sunspots may be related to
A. farming
magnetic fields that
B. clothing
follow longitudinal
C. living indoors
lines on the sun.
D. using fire 41. Which
C. Sunspots are explained by
period lasted longest?
storms that occur on the Earth.
A. Paleolithic
D. Sunspots have no theory or
B. Ice Age
model to explain them.
C. Mesolithic
37. The sunspot theory is A. not
D. Neolithic
considered very important
42. Which of the following periods saw
B. widely accepted
people develop a more communal form
C. subject to disagreement
of living?
D. relatively new
A. Paleolithic B. Ice Age
C. Mesolithic
Questions 38 through 43 are based on the
following reading D. Neolithic
43. The author states that the Stone Age was
The Stone Age was a period of history so named because
which began in approximately 2 million B.C. and A. it was very durable
lasted until 3000 B.C. Its name was derived from B. the tools and weapons were
the stone tools and weapons that modern scientists made of stone
found. This period was divided into the C. there was little vegetation
Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic Ages. D. the people lived in caves
During the first period, (2 million to 8000 B.C.)

143
DIRECTIONS D. You are to choose the one word or phrase that
best keeps the meaning of the original sentence if
In questions 44-60 each sentence has an it is substituted for the underlined word or phrase.
underlined word or phrase, Below each sentence Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of
are four other words or phrases, marked A, B, C, the question and fill in the space that corresponds
and to the letter you have chosen.

44. Plato’s teaching had a profound effect on

Aristotle.
A. depth
B. affection
C. affliction
D. influence
45. The superintendent was the principal
speaker at the school board meeting.
A. only
B. main
C. outstanding
D. strongest
46. The campers heard a strange rustling in
the trees.
A. stealing
B. pillaging
C. movement
D. fight
47. He was an exemplary prisoner despite
his past experience.
A. model
B. sample
C. honest
D. humble
48. The hotel manager became suspicious of
those people who were loitering in the
lobby.
A. bustling
B. sleeping
C. meddling
D. loafing
49. We decided to pay for the furniture on
the instalment plan.
A. cash and carry
B. piece by piece
C. monthly payment
D. credit card
50. Boys’ clubs do not deprive poor children
of the opportunity to participate in
sports.
A. deny
B. retract
C. improvise
D. dilute

144
REFERENCES

Michael A Pyle, M.A., Mary Ellen Munoz, Ph. D. CLIFFS. TOEFL Preparation Guide, Fourth Edition,
Singapore, 2006.
Pamela J. Sharpe, Ph.D. Barron’s, How to Prepare for The TOEFL TEST, 11th Edition, Binarupa Aksara,
Ciputat Indonesia, 2005.
Carol King, Nancy Stanley, BUILDING SKILLS FOR THE TOEFL, Binarupa Aksara, Jakarta, Indonesia,
2005.
Robby Lou, TOEFL Common Errors And Grammar Practice, Eplus Mobile English , Jakarta, 2007

Pearson Education, Inc. Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test “The Paper Test” Deborah
Phillips, United States of America, 2003

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