Modul TOEFL – English Medina 1

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STUCTURE AND
WRITTEN EXPRESSION
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UNIT 1
SUBJECTS, VERBS, and OBJECTS OF PREPOSITION

Skill I : SUBJECTS AND VERBS

You know that a sentence in English should have a subject and a verb. The most common types of
problems that you will encounter in structure question on the TOEFL test are related to subjects and
verbs: perhaps the sentence is missing either the subject or the verb or both, or perhaps the sentence has
an extra subject or verb.

Example 1 :

was ringing continuously for hours.

(A) Loudly
(B) In the morning
(C) The phone
(D) The bells
In this example , you should notice immediately that there is a verb was ringing, but there is no subject.
Answer (C) is the best answer because it is a singular subject that agrees with the singular verb was
ringing. Answer (A), Loudly and answer (B), in the morning, are not subcjects, so they are not correct.
Although answer (D), bells , could be a subject, it is not correct because bells is plural and it does not
agree with the singular verb was ringing.
Example 2 :
Newspapers every morning and every evening
(A) Delivery
(B) Are delivered
(C) On time
(D) Regularly
In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has a subject newspapers but that there
is no verb. Because answer (B), are delivered , is a verb, it is the best answer. Answer (A), (C), (D) are
not verbs, so they are not correct.

SUBJECTS AND VERBS

A sentence in English must have at least one subject an one verb. The first thing you should do as you
read a sentence in the structure section of the TOEFL test is to find the subject and the verb.
EXERCISE 1: Underline the subjects once and the verb twice in each of the following sentences. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)

1. My best friend always helpful with problems.

2. The bus schedule has changed since last week.

3. Accidentally dropped the glass on the floor.

4. The customer paying the clerk for the clothes.

5. The professor handed the syllabus to the students.

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6. Each day, I practiced the piano for hours.

7. The basketball player tossed the ball into the hoop.

8. The new student in the class is very talkative and friendly.

9. I walking with the children to school.

10 The whales headed south for the winter.

Skill 2: OBJECTS OF PREPOSITION

An object of preposition is a noun or a pronoun that comes after a preposition such as in, at, of, by,
across, throughout, to, behind, and on to form a prepositional phrase.

Ex: The trip (to the island) (on Saturday) will last (for three hours)

This sentence contains three subjects of preposition. Island is the object of preposition to; Saturday is the
object of preposition on; hours are the object of the preposition for: An object of a preposition can cause
confusion in the structure section of the TOEFL test because it can be mistaken for the subject of a
sentence.

Example :
To Mike, was a big surprise
(A) Really
(B) The party
(C) Funny
(D) When
In this example, you should look first for the subject and the verb. You should notice the verb was and
should also notice that there is no subject. Don't think that Mike is the subject; Mike is the object of the
preposition to, and one noun cannot be both a subject and an object at the same time. Because a subject
needed in this sentence. Answer (B) the party is the best answer. Answer (A),(C),(D) are not correct
because they cannot be subjects.

OBJECTS OF PREPOSITION
A preposition is followed by a noun or pronoun that is called an object of the preposition. If a word is an
object of a preposition, it is the subject.

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains one or more prepositional phrases. Underline
the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the preposition phrases that come before the verb. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
______1. The name (of the baby) (in the crib) is Jack.
2. By the next meeting of the class we need to turn in the papers.
3.The directions to the exercise on page twenty unclear.
4. Because of the heavy rain throughout the night, the walkways are muddy.
5. During the week eat lunch in the school cafeteria.
6. In the morning after the concert was tired.
7. In the summer, the trip to the mountains is our favorite trip.
8. In a box on the top shelf of the cabinet in the hallway of the house.
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9. With her purse in her hand ran through the door.

10. At 1:00 in the morning, the alarm clock on the table beside the bed rang.
EXERCISE (Skill 1-2): Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the prepositional phrases
that come before the verb. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
1. During the meeting in the office discussed the schedule.
2. The doctor gave the patient a prescription.
3. The tall evergreen trees along the road.
4. The watch in the jewelry box needs a new battery.
5. Pleasantly greets everyone in all the offices every morning.
6. In the office of the building across the street from the park on the corner.
7. The dishes in the sink really need to be washed as soon as possible.
8. In a moment of worry about the problem with the cash in the account.
9. The plane from New York circling the airport.

_____10. On a regular basis, the plants in the boxes under the window in the kitchen are watered and fed.

TOEFL EXERCISE (Skill 1-2 ): Choose the latter of the word or group of words that best completes the
sentence.
1. Mark Twain ______ the years after the Civil War the “ Gilded Age ‘
(A) Called
(B) Calling
(C) He called
(D) His calls
2. Early ______ toes instead of hooves on their feet.
(A) Horses
(B) Had horses
(C) Horses had
(D) Horses having
3. grow close to the ground in the short Arctic summer.
(A) Above tundra plants information back to Earth
(B) Tundra plants
(C) Tundra plants are found
(D) For tundra plants
4. In 1867, Alaska from the Russians for 7.2 million.
(A) Purchased
(B) To purchased the united states
(C) The United States’ purchase of
(D) The united states purchased
5. Between 1725 and 1750, New England witnessed an increase in the specialization of___
(A) Occupations
(B) Occupies flights
(C) They occupied
(D) It occupied them
6. The large carotid artery to the main parts of the brain.
(A) Carrying blood
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(B) Blood is carried

(C) Carries blood
(D) Blood carries
7. radio as the first practical system of wireless telegraphy.
(A) Marconi’s development
(B) The development by Marconi
(C) Developing Marconi
(D) Marconi developed
8. In 1975, the first successful space probe to beginning to send
(A) Venus
(B) Venus the
(C) Venus was
(D) Venus it was
9. The two biggest resort Arkansas United States are hot springs and Eureka Springs
(A) In
(B) Towns in
(C) Towns are
(D) Towns are in
10. NASA’s Lyndon B.Johnson space center control center for the Mercury,
Gemini, and Apollo space
(A) It was at the
(B) It was the
(C) Was the
(D) The

UNIT 2
PRESENT PARTICIPLES AND PAST PARTICIPLES

Skill 3: PRESENT PARTICIPLES

Present participles can cause confusion in the structure question on the TOEFL test because a present
participle can be either an adjective or a part of the verb. A present participle is the ing form of the verb.
It is of the verb when it is preceded by some form of the verb be.

The train is arriving at the station now.

VERB
In this sentence, arriving is part of the verb because it is accompanied by some of the verbs be.
The train arriving at the station now is an hour late.
ADJECTIVE

In this sentence, arriving is an adjective and not part of the verb because it is not accompanied by some
form of be. The verb in this sentence is is.

The following example shows how a present participle can be confused with the verb in structure question
on the TOEFL test.
Example
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The film _ appearing at the local theater is my favorite.

(A) Now
(B) Is
(C) It
(D) Was
In this example, if you look at only the first words of the sentence, it appears that film is the subject and
appearing is part of the verb. If you think that appearing is part of verb, you might choose answer (B), is,
or answer (D), was, to complete the verb. However, these two answers are incorrect-because appearing is
not part of the verb. You should recognize that appearing is a participial adjective rather than a verb
because there is another verb in the sentence (is). In this sentence, there is a complete subject (film) and a
complete verb (is), so this sentence does not need another subject or verb. The best answer to this
question is answer (A).
The following chart outlines the key information you should remember about present participles.

PRESENT PARTICIPLES.
A present participle is the –ing form of the verb. The present participle can be (I) part of the verb or (2)
an adjective. It is part of verb when it is accompanied by some form of the verb be. It is an adjective when
it is not accompanied by some form of the verb be.
EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences contains one or more present participles. Underline the
subjects once and the verb twice. Circle the present participles and label them as adjectives or verbs. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
_____1. The (crying) baby needs to be picked up
_ 2. The clothes are lying on the floor should go into the washing machine
_3. The waitress bringing the steaming soup to the waiting diners
_4. Most of the striking workers are walking the picket line
_5. For her birthday, the child is getting a talking doll
_6. The setting sun creating a rainbow of colors in the sky
_7. The ship is sailing to Mexico is leaving tonight
_8. The letters needing immediate answers are on the desk
_9. The boring class just ending a few minutes ago
_10. The fast-moving clouds are bringing freezing rain to the area
Skill 4 : PAST PARTICIPLES
Past participles can cause confusion in structure questions on the TOEFL test because a past participle can
be either an adjective or part of the verb. The past participle is the form of the verb that appears with have
or be. It often ends in –ed, but there are also many irregular past participles in English.
The mailman has left a letter in the mailbox
The classes were taught by professor smith
VERB
In this sentence, the past participle left is part of the verb because it is accompanied by has. In the second
sentence, the past participle taught is part of the verb because it is accompanied by were.

A past participle is an adjective when it is not accompanied by some form of be or have.

The letter left in the mailbox was for me
ADJECTIVE
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The classes taught by professor smith were very interesting

ADJECTIVE

In the first sentence , left is an adjective rather than a verb because it is not accompanied by a form of be
or have (and there is a verb, was , later in the sentence). In the second sentence, taught is an adjective
rather than a verb because it is not accompanied by a form of be or have (and there is a verb, were later in
the sentence).
The following example shows how a past participle can be confused with the verb in structure questions
on the TOEFL test.
Example :
The bread baked this morning smelled delicious
(A) Has
(B) Was
(C) It
(D) Just
In this example, if you look only at the first few words of the sentence, it appears that bread is the subject
and baked is either a complete verb or a past participle that needs a helping verb. But if you look further
in the sentence, you will see the verb smelled. You will then recognize that baked is a participial adjective
and is therefore not part of the verb. Answers (A) and (B) are incorrect because baked is an adjective and
does not need a helping verb such as has or was. Answers (C) is incorrect because there is no need for the
subject it. Answers (D) is the best answer to this question.
PAST PARTICIPLES
A past participle often ends in-ed, but there are also many irregular past participles. For many verbs,
including –ed verbs. The simple past and the past participle are the same and can be easily confused. The
–ed form of the verb can be (1) the simple past. (2) the past participle of a verb, or (3) an adjective.

EXERCISE 4 : Each of the following sentences contains one or more past participles.
Underline the subjects once and the verb twice. Circle the past participles and label them as adjectives or
verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
______1. The food is (served) in this restaurant is delicious
___2. The plane landed on the (deserted) runway
___3. The unexpected guests arrived just at dinner time
___4. The courses are listed in the catalog are required courses
___5. The teacher found the lost exam
___ 6. The small apartment very crowded and disorganized
___7. The photographs developed yesterday showed Sam and his friends
___ 8. The locked drawer contained the unworn jewels
___9. The tree was blown over in the storm was cut into logs
___10. The students registered in this course are listed on that sheet of paper
EXERCISE (Skills 3-4): Each of the following sentences contains one or more participles.
Underline the subject once and the verbs twice. Circle the participles and label them as adjectives or
verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
______1. Our hosts are serving drinks on the tiled patio.
___2. The tired woman talking a much-needed nap.
__ 3. The letters were sent on Monday arrived on Wednesday.
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__4. The winners deserved the big prize.

__5. The plants are growing in the garden need a lot of water.
__6. The shining stars lit up the darkened sky.
__7. The driver rapidly increased the speed of the racing car.
__8. The excited children trying to build a snowman in the falling snow.
__9. The students are completing the course will graduate in June.
__10. The dissatisfied customer is returning the broken toaster to the store.
TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 3-4): Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best completes
the sentence.
1. The first appeared during the last period of the dinosaurs’reign
(A) Flowers are plants
(B) Plants have flowers
(C) Plants flowers
(D) Flowering plants
2. The earliest medicines from plants of various sorts
(A) Obtaining
(B) They obtained
(C) Were obtained
(D) They were obtained
3. Simple sails were made from canvas over a frame
(A) A stretch
(B) Stretched
(C) Was stretched
(D) It was stretched
4. Pluto’s moon Charon in a slightly elliptical path around the planet
(A) Moving
(B) Is moving
(C) It was moving
(D) In its movement
5. Techniques of breath control form an essential part of any __ program to improve the
voice.
(A) It trains
(B) Train
(C) Trains
(D) Training
6. Robert E. Lee ____the confederate army to general grant in 1865 at the Appomattox
Courthouse.
(A) Surrendered
(B) He surrendered
(C) Surrendering
(D) Surrender
7. The pituitary gland, ___ the brain, releases hormones to control other glands
(A) Found below
(B) It is found below
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(C) Its foundation below

(D) Finds it self below
8. At around two years of age, many children regularly produce sentences three or four
words.
(A) Are containing
(B) Containing
(C) Contain
(D) Contains
9. Multinational companies it increasingly important to employ internationally acceptable
brand names.
(A) Finding
(B) Are finding
(C) They find
(D) They are finding
10. The cornea is located under the conjunctiva, on of the eye
(A) The part is exposed
(B) Exposed the part
(C) The exposed part
(D) Exposes the par

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skill 1-4): Choose the letter of the word or group of words the best
completes the sentence
1. First settled the Hawaiian Islands between A.D. 300 And 750
(A) The Polynesians
(B) The Polynesians arrived
(C) Because of the Polynesians
(D) It was the Polynesians
2. In 1006, a bright comet , in the sky attracted much attention
(A) Was appearing
(B) Appears
(C) It appeared
(D) Appearing
3. In some daguerreotype cameras, through a hole in the back of the box
(A) The object’s view
(B) The object was viewed
(C) From the view of the object
(D) Viewed the object
4. In the stone age, stone tools with other rock materials.
(A) Polishing
(B) They polished
(C) For polish
(D) Were polished
5. The first steamship to cross the Atlantic savannah, in 1819
(A) Was the
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(B) It was the

(C) The
(D) In it the
6. The Earth’s plates meet each other at cracks in the Earth faults
(A) Were called
(B) Calls
(C) Called
(D) It was called
7. The first plant-like organisms probably in the sea, perhaps three bilion years ago
(A) Life
(B) Living
(C) Lived
(D) It was living
8. In male pattern baldness, strongly influences the degree of hair loss
(A) Heredity
(B) Inherited
(C) Inherits
(D) Heredity has
9. In Watch the skies, Curtis Peebles attempt to explain America’s belief in flying saucers.
(A) Makes a fascinating
(B) Making a fascinating
(C) Fascination with making
(D) Fascination made a
10. The irregular coastline of a succession of bays and inlets, with the hook of the Cape Cod
peninsula in the southeast.
(A) Massachusetts
(B) Massachussetts is
(C) Massachusetts it is
(D) Massachusets on
UNIT 3
CONNECTORS

Skill 5 : COORDINATE CONNECTORS

Many sentences in English have more than one clause. (A clause is a group of words containing a subject
and a verb.) When you have two clauses in an English sentence, you must connect the two clauses
correctly. One way to connect two clauses is to use and, but, or so between the clauses.
The sun was shining, and the sky was blue
The sky was blue, but it was very cold
It may rain tonight, or it may be clear
It was raining outside, so I took my umbrella
In each of these examples, there are two clauses that are correctly joined with a coordinate connector-and,
but, or, so-and a comma (,)
Example:
I forgot my coat, I got very cold
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(A) Then
(B) So
(C) Later
(D) As a result
In this example, you should notice quickly that there are two clauses, I forgot my coat and I got very cold.
This sentence needs a connector to join the two clauses. Then, later, and as a result are not connectors, so
answers (A),(C), and (D) are not correct. The best answer is answer (B) because so can connect two
clauses in this manner.
COORDINATE CONNECTORS
And but or so
S V Coordinate connector S V
It was raining but Bill went out to play

EXERCISE 5: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects
once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct(C) or
incorrect(I)
1. The lawn needs water every day, or it will turn brown.
2. The book was not long, but it difficult to read
3. It was raining, so decided not to go camping
4. The material has been cut, and the pieces have been sewn together
5. The patient took all the medicine, he did not feel much better
6. The bill must be paid immediately, or the electricity will turned off
7. The furnace broke so the house got quite cold
8. The dress did not cost too much, but the quality it seemed excellent
______9. The leaves kept falling off the trees, and the boys kept raking them up, but the yard was still
covered
______10.The postman has already delivered the mail,so the letter is not going to arrive today, it
probably will arrive tomorrow
Skill 6: ADVERB CLAUSE CONNECTORS
Sentences with adverb clauses have two basic patterns in English. Study the clauses and connectors in the
following sentences:
He is tired because he has been working hard.
Because he has been working hard, he is tired.
In each of these examples, there are two clauses: he is tired and he has been working hard. The clause he
has been working hard is an adverb clause that is introduced with the connector because. In the first
example, the connector because comes in the middle of the sentence, and no comma (,) is used. In the
second example, the connector because comes at the beginning of the sentence. In this pattern, when the
connector comes at the beginning of the sentence, a comma (,) is required in the middle of the sentence.
Example
Arrived at the library, he started to work immediately.
(A) The student
(B) When
(C) He
(D) After the student
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In this example, you should recognize easily that the verb arrived needs a subject. There is also another
clause, he started to work immediately. If you choose answer (A) or answer (C), you will have a subject
for the verb arrived, but you will not have a connector to join the two clauses. Because you need a
connector to join two clauses, answers (A), and (C) are incorrect. Answer (B) is incorrect because there is
no subject for the verb arrived. Answer (D) is the best answer because there is a subject, student, for the
verb, arrived and there is a connector, after, to join the two clauses.

ADVERB TIME AND CAUSE CONNECTORS

TIME CAUSE CONDITION CONTRAST
After until before if although
As when since whether even though
Before while because though
Since while
S V Adverb connector S V
Matt felt good because he passed
Adverb connector S V S V
Because Matt passed he felt good

EXERCISE 6: Each of the following sentences contains more than once clause. Underline the subjects
once and the verb twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect
(I)
______1. (After) the plane circled the airport, it landed on the main runway
2. The registration process took many hours since the lines so long
3. This type of medicine can be helpful, it can also have some bad side effects
4. The waves were amazingly high when the storm hit the coastal town
5. We need to get a new car whether is on sale or not
6. Just as the bread came out of the oven, while a wonderful aroma filled the kitchen.
7. Everyone has spent time unpacking boxes since the family moved into the new house
8. Although the area is a desert many plants bloom there in the springtime
9. The drivers on the freeway drove slowly and carefully while the rain was falling heavily
because they did not want to have an accident
10. If you plan carefully before you take a trip will have a much better time because the small
details will not cause problems
EXERCISE (Skill 5-6): Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the
subjects once and the verb twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I)
1. The lawyer presented a strong case, but the client was still found guilty
2. After the children read some stories before they went to bed
3. The report needed to be completed, the workers stayed late every night for a week
4. If you do not turn on the lights, you will trip in the dark
5. A thick fog came rolling in, so planes unable to land
6. All of the shoes are on sale until the current stock is gone
7. The ship leaving the dock even though some passengers were not on board
8. The outline must be turned in to the teacher a week before the paper is due, and must approve it
9. Because the food was cold when it was served the diners sent it back to the kitchen
10. You should slow down while you are driving, or the police will pull your car over
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TOEFL EXERCISE (Skill-6)

1. A spacecraft is freed from friction launched into space
(A) It
(B) It is
(C) After is
(D) After it is
2. With their surroundings, or they hide in crevices for protection
(A) Lobster
(B) Lobster blend
(C) Lobster blending
(D) Because lobsters blend
3. a ball and socket joint, the elbow is a simple hinge joint
(A) While the shoulder
(B) While the shoulder is
(C) The shoulder is
(D) The shoulder
4. A car has several sections with moving parts, of those parts is essential
(A) Good lubrication
(B) Well lubricated
(C) And good lubrication
(D) And well lubricated
5. Bears cannot see well small eyes
(A) Bears have
(B) Because having
(C) Because they have
(D) Because of bears
6. At the Isthmus of Panama, so animals were able to migrate between North and South
America
(A) A land bridge existed
(B) When a land bridge existed
(C) A land bridge
(D) With a land bridge
7. Mostly made of granite, it also contains some human-made materials
(A) The empire state building
(B) The empire state building is
(C) Although the empire state building is
(D) Although the empire state building is built
8. Pressure differences make the eardrum vibrate the car
(A) Enters the sound waves
(B) As sound waves
(C) Sound waves enter
(D) As sound waves enter
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9. An optical microscope magnifies as much as 2,000 times, but an electron microscope

as much as a million times
(A) Magnifying
(B) It magnifies
(C) Can magnify
(D) Magnify it
10. If scientific estimates are accurate, with the earth about 20,000 years ago
(A) The canon diablo meteorite collided
(B) The collision of the Canon Diablo meteorite
(C) The Canon Diablo meteorite colliding
(D) Colliding the Canon Diablo meteorite
TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skill1-6)
1. Of the pueblo Indians centered on intensive agriculture
(A) The economic activity
(B) Because the economic activity
(C) The economy was active
(D) When the economic activity
2. In popular terminology, any long snowstorm with is called a blizzard
(A) The amount of wind is large
(B) A large amount of wind
(C) It is very windy
(D) Very windy
3. Nuclear power can be produced by fusion, produced by fission
(A) It can also be
(B) It can also
(C) And it can also be
(D) And it can also
4. , igneous rocks may be changed into gneisses
(A) The temperature is high
(B) If the temperature is high
(C) High temperatures
(D) If high temperatures
5. In 1905, Henry Flagler his plans to extend his Florida East Coast Railway out across the sea to
key west
(A) It was announced
(B) Announcement
(C)The announcement of
(D) Announced
6. The sound from a vibrating object will be high or low depending on the number of vibrations
(A) Comes
(B)It is coming
(C)Is coming
(D) Coming
7. During the late 1880s, urban streetcars were electrified through large motors
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(A) They used

(B) Used
(C) The use of
(D) When they used
8. Almost 274 square miles, but 96m percent of the park is underwater
(A) Although Biscayne national park encompasses
(B) Biscayne national park encompasses
(C) Biscayne national park encompassing
(D) Biscayne national park
9. Legislation in 1916 and 1917 gave the Wilson administration authority to intervene in the
national economy if it proved necessary
(A) It was passed
(B) Was passed
(C) Passed
(D) Passes
10. Because a family of birds set up housekeeping in Joel chandler harris’s mailbox when the birds were
in need of a place to stay, the Wrens Nest.
(A) The home was named
(B) So the home was named
(C) Naming the home
(D) The home’s name
UNIT 4
AGREEMENT

Skill 7: AGREEMENT AFTER PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

Subject/verb agreement is simple: If the subject of a sentence is singular, then the verb must be singular,
if the subject of the sentence is plural, then the verb must be plural. An -s on a verb usually indicates that
a verb is singular, while an-s on a noun usually indicates that the noun is plural. (Do not forget irregular
plurals of nouns, such as women, children, and people)
The dog barks at night
The dogs bark at night
In the first example, the singular subject dog requires a singular verb, barks. In the second example, the
plural subject dogs requires a plural verb, bark.
Sometimes prepositional phrases can come between the subject and the verb on the TOEFL test,
and this can cause confusion. If the object of the preposition is singular and the subject is plural, or if the
object of the preposition is plural and the subject is singular, there can be a problem in making the subject
and verb agree.
The door (To the rooms) are*locked.
Singular Plural
The doors(To the room) is *locked.
Plural Singular
In the first example, you might think that rooms is the subject because it comes directly in front of the
verb are. However, rooms is not the subject because it is the object of the preposition to. The subject of
the sentence is door, so the verb should be is. In the second example, you might think that rooms the
subject because it comes directly in front of the verb is. You should recognize in this example that room is
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not the subject because it is the object of the preposition to. Because the subject of the sentence is doors,
the verb should be are.
EXERCISE 7: Each of the following sentences has one or more preposition phrases between the subject
and verb. Put parentheses around the preposition phrases. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice.
Indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
______ 1. The subject (of the lectures) was quite interesting
2. The supplies (for the camping trip) needs to be packed
3. The chairs under the table in the dining room is quite comfortable
4. The players on the winning team in the competition put forth a lot of effort
5. The food for the guest at the party are on the long tables
6. The cost of the clothes was higher than I had expected
7. The rugs in the front rooms of the house are going to be washed today
8. The waiters and waitresses in this restaurant always serves the food efficiently
9. The lights in the corner of the room need to be kept on all night
10. The meeting of the members of the council begins at 3:00 in the afternoon

Skill 8 : AGREEMENT AFTER EXPRESSIONS OF QUANTITY

A particular agreement problem occurs when the subject is an expression of quantity like all, most, or
some followed by the preposition of in this situation, the subject(all, most, or some) can be singular or
plural, depending on what follows the preposition of
Most (of the meal) was delicious
Singular
Most (of the meals) were delicious
Plural
Most (of the food) was delicious
Uncountable
In this example, the subject most refers to the singular noun meal so the correct verb is therefore the
singular verb was. In the second example, the subject most refers to the plural noun meals, so the corret
verb is the plural verb were. In the third example, the subject most refers to the uncountable noun food, so
the correct verb is therefore the singular verb was. These sentences contain examples of the types of
problems that are common on the TOEFL test.
All (of the book) were* interesting
Half(of the students) is* late to class
In the first example, the plural verb were should be the singular verb was because the subject all refers to
the singular noun book. In the second example, the singular verb is should be the plural verb are because
the subject half refers to the plural noun students.
EXERCISE 8: Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the objects that the verbs agree
with. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
1. Half of the (Students) in the class arrive early
2. Some of the fruit are rotten.
3. All of the next chapter contains very important information.
4. Most of the people in the room is paying attention.
5. Part of the soup is left on the stove.
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6. Some of the movie were just too violent for me.

7. All of the details in the report needs to be checked.
8. Most of the money is needed to pay the bills.
9. The first half of the class consists of lecture and note-taking.
10. Some of the questions on the test was impossible to answer.
Skill 9: AGREMENT AFTER CERTAIN WORDS
Certain words in English are always grammatically singular, even though they might have plural
meanings.
Everybody in the theater are watching* the film attentively.
Even though we understand from this example that a lot of people are watching film Everybody is
singular and requires a singular verb. The plural verb are watching should be changed to the singular verb
is watching.

The following chart lists the grammatically singular words that have plural meanings.

SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT AFTER CERTAIN WORDS

These words of expressions are grammatically singular, so they take singular verbs:
anybody everybody nobody somebody each (+noun)
anyone everyone no one someone every (+noun)
anything everything nothing something

EXERCISE 9: Underline these words once and underline the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences
are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
I 1. Anybody are welcome at the party.
______ 2. No one here is afraid of skydiving.
______ 3. Everyone in the world needs love and respect.
______ 4. Someone have to clean up the house.
______ 5. Each plant in the garden appear healthy and strong.
______6. You should understand that anything is possible.
______ 7. Everything in the salad are good for you.
______ 8. Nobody in the class have completed the assignment on time.
______ 9. I am sure that every detail have been considered.
______ 10. Everybody know the rules, but somebody is not following them.
EXERCISE (Skill 7-9): Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences
are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
___ 1. The receptionist in the entryway to the offices is able to answer your questions.
___ 2. All the information in the documents are important.
___ 3. Anyone is one in the classes has to take the final exam.
___ 4. The coordinator of community services are arranging the program.
___ 5. Most of the car are covered with mud.
___ 6. Nothing more is going to be completed today.
___ 7. The drinks in the pitchers on the table in the ballroom is for everyone.
___ 8. Everybody were told to be here at 8.00, but somebody is not here.
___ 9. Some of the meetings at the conference are limited to ten participants.
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___ 10. The sauce on the vegetables in the yellow bowl taste really delicious.
TOEFL EXERCISE (Skill 7-9): Choose the letter of the underlined word or group words that is not
correct.
1. Nobody know when the process of glass-making was invited.
A B C D
2. Sugars like glucose is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
A B C D

3. Part of the electricity used in the United States today come from hydroelectric sources.
A B C D
4. The languages of the worlds presents a vast array of structural similarities and differences.
A B C D
5. The rise of multinationals have resulted in a great deal of legal ambiguity because multinationals
A B
can operate many jurisdictions.
C D
6. All of the east-west interstate highways in the United States has even numbers, while north-south
A B
interstate highways are odd-numbered.
C D
7. When a massive star in the large Magellanic Cloud exploded in 1987, a wave of neutrinos were
A B C
detected on Earth.
D
8. Some of agricultural practices used today is responsible for fostering desertification.
A B C D
9. Krakatoa is remembered as the volcano that put so much ash into the air that sunsets around the
A B
world was affected for two years afterward.
C D
TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skill 7-9): Choice the letter of the word or groups of words that best
completes the sentence.
1. _____ the earliest system of writing.
(A) The constitution of pictograms
(B) Pictograms in the constitution
(C) Constitute the pictograms
(D) Pictograms constitute
2. At temperatures __ absolute zero, substances process minimal energy.
(A) Approach
(B) Approaches
(C) Approaching
(D) They approach
3. Though sporadic interest in regional dialects__ for centuries, the first large-scale systematic
studies did not take place until the nineteenth century.
(A) Has existed
(B) It existed
(C) Has it existed
(D) Existing with it

Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.
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4. The waters of the Chattahoochee River fills Lake Lainer.

A B C D
5. The first set of false teeth similar to those in use today it was made in France in the 1780s.
A B C D
6. The term “Yankee” was originally a nickname for people from New England, but now
A
anyone from the United States are referred to as a Yankee.
B C D
7. A network of small arteries, mostly sandwiched between the skin and the underlying
A B
muscles, supply blood to the face and scalp.
C D
8. At the end of Revolution, most of the army units of the young nation was almost entirely
A B
disbanded, leaving a total national military force of eighty men in 1784.
C D

Unit 5
PARALLEL STRUCTURE
Skill 10: PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH COORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS
The job of the coordinate conjunctions (and, but, or) is to join together equal expressions. In other words,
what is on one side of these words must be parallel to what is on the other side These conjunctions can
join nouns, or verbs, or adjectives, or phrases, or clauses; they just must join together the same structures.
Here are examples of equal structures correctly joined by coordinate conjunctions:

He discussed the problem with the nurse and the doctor.

The professor was knowledgeable but boring.
She hikes, jogs, or rides her bicycle whenever she can.
There are meetings in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening.
You can do the work because you want to do it or because you have to do it

In the first example, two nouns are joined by the coordinate conjunction and: In the second example, two
adjectives are joined by the coordinate conjunction but. In the third example, three verbs are joined by the
coordinate conjunction or. In the fourth example, three phrases are joined by the coordinate conjunction
and In the last example. Two clauses are joined by the coordinate conjunction or.

The sentences that follow show the types of errors in parallel structure: that are common on the
TOEFL test.
The evening dress was beauty* but expensive.
The student reads each chapter, takes a lot of notes, and memories* the material.
In the first example, the coordinate conjunction but joins the noun beauty and the adjective expensive. The
adjective beautiful is needed in place of beauty. In the second example, the coordinate conjunction and
joins the verb reads, the verb takes, and the plural noun memories. The verb memorizes is needed in place
of memories*.

PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH COORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS

and
(same structure) but (same structure)
Or
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and
(same structure,) (same structure), but (same structure)
or

EXERCSE 10: Circle the word that indicates that the sentence should have parallel parts.

Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

I 1. The pastries in that shop are very expensive, but quite deliciously
______ 2. You can find some change to buy a paper in the drawer, on top of the dresser, or in the jar.
elegant
______ 3. The living room was decorated with expensive paintings and elegance lamps.
______ 4. He knew that the financial problems were serious, that the situation was not going to improve,
and that he needed to get a job. serious and need
______5. All day long during the trip to the mountains, they were skiing, sledding, or played in the snow.
______ 6. The car needs new tires but not a new engine.
______ 7. He stops working when he gets too tired to continue or when he has finished.
______ 8. To get to the office, you should go through this door, turn to the left, and continuation down the
hall
______ 9. For dessert we could serve lemon pie, fruit tarts, chocolate cake, or butter cookies.
______ 10. The sick child needs some medicine, some juice, and to rest.
Skill 11: PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH PAIRED CONJUNCTIONS
The paired conjunctions both ... and, either, or, neither … nor, and not only... but also require parallel
structures.
The lecture was both informative and enjoyable.
Either the history exam or the physics exam is on Tuesday.
The missing papers are neither on his desk nor in the file.
He visited not only his cousin but also his grandmother
The following is not parallel and must be corrected:
They want either to play tennis or golf*
It is not correct because to play tennis is not parallel to golf. It can be corrected in different ways.
They want either to play tennis or to play golf
They want to play either tennis or golf
When you are using these paired conjunctions, be sure that the correct parts are used together
The following are incorrect:
He lent me both some paper *or a pencil.
Either breakfast *nor lunch is included in the price.
These sentences are incorrect because the wrong parts of the paired conjunctions are used together. In the
first example, and should be used with both. In the second example, or should be used with either.

The following chart outlines the use of parallel structure with paired conjunctions

PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH PAIRED CONJUNCTIONS

Both and
Either (same structure) or (same structure)
Neither nor
Not only but also
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EXERCISE 11: Circle the words that indicate that the sentence should have parallel parts.
Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
I 1. He (either) lied (or) telling an unbelievable story.
______ 2. The music at the concert was neither well-played nor well-liked.
______ 3. He regularly studies both in the morning or in the evening.
______ 4. The play that we saw last night was not only rather delightful but also quite meaningful
______ 5. He married her neither for her ability to cook nor her ability to clean house
______ 6. The discussion was both exciting and interest.
______ 7. He withdrew all the money not only from the checking account but also from the savings
account.
______ 8. Neither the teacher or the students are ready to leave the classroom
______ 9. You can meet with me either in the next few minutes or at 4:00
______ 10. John is an adventurous person who enjoys not only skydiving but also goes parasailing
EXERCISE (Skills 10-11): Circle the word or words that indicate that the sentence should
have parallel parts. Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the sentences
are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
___ 1. The advertisements appeared in the newspaper and on the radio.
___ 2. She is trained as both an accountant and in nursing.
___ 3. We can take either my car or yours to the party.
___ 4. The coffee is too hot, too bitter, and to strength.
___ 5. He not only passed the test but also receiving the highest score in the class.
___ 6. Your ideas are neither more important or less important than the ideas of the others.
___ 7. The meeting lasted only an hour but still seeming too long.
___ 8. The novel was both emotional and description.
___ 9. Either the counselor or her secretary can help you with that problem.
___ 10. The leaves from the tree fell in the yard, in the pool, the driveway, and on the
sidewalk.
TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 10-11): Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of
words that is not correct.
1. Ballpoint pens are less versatile but more population than fountain pens.
A B C D
2. Riddles vary greatly in both grammatical and phonology form.
A B C D
3. Blood pressure is measured by feeling the pulse and apply a force to the arm.
A B C D
4. The Moon has no atmosphere, no air, and no watery.
A B C D
5. The first matches were too hard to ignite, a mess or too dangerously easy to ignite.
A B C D
6. A 1971 U.S. government policy not only put warnings on cigarette packs but
A B
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also banning television advertising of cigarettes.

C D
7. Demand, beauty, durability, rare. and perfection of cutting determine the
A B C
value of a gemstone.
D
8. The Harvard Yard, which was Harvard's original campus, is still a major
A B C
attraction for both students and visiting.
D
10. The liquid crystals in a liquid crystal display (LCD) affect the polarized light
A B C
so that it is either blocked and reflected by the segments of the display
D
TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1-11): Choose the letter of the word or group of
words that best completes the sentence.
1. Most cells in multi-celled organisms perform ___ functions
(A) specialize
(B) specialized
(C) they specialize
(D) specialization
2. The big island of Hawai, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, ___by five volcanoes.
(A) creation
(B) it was created
(C) creating
(D) was created
3. The Sun uses up over four million tons of hydrogen per second,___ still has enough
hydrogen to last for the next five billion years.
(A) it does not
(B) it
(C) but it
(D) to it
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.
4. Coal, petroleum, and natural gaseous are all fossil fuels.
A B C D
5. The mass of neutron stars generally range from one-tenth to twice the mass of
A B C D
the Sun.
6. Grasses grow in ways that help them to survive being nibbled, chilly, or dried.
A B C D

7. Most of Hemingway's novels glorifies heroic exploits such as bullfighting or boxing.

A B C D
8. Paleographers study ancient and medieval handwriting in order to establish not only its age and
A B C D
also its background.
9. The sounds produced by bullfrogs and toads vary greatly because each species
A B
have its own particular call.
C D
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UNIT 6
THE USE OF HAVE AND BE FORMS AND MODALS

Skill 12: THE USE OF HAVE

Whenever you see the verb have in any of its forms (have has, having, had), be sure that the verb that
follows it is in the past participle form.
We had complete the work.
They have went* to the market.
In the first example, complete should be the past participle completed because it is after had.
In the second example, went should be the past participle gone because it is after have.
The following chart outlines the use of verb forms after have.
VERB FORMS AFTER HAVE
HAVE + past participle
EXERCISE 12: Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with have. Underline the verbs
twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
I 1. We have already hearing the good news.
______ 2. She has ridden her bicycle to school every day.
______ 3. I have always believe you.
______ 4. He has find the missing car keys.
______ 5. They have put their money in a savings account.
______ 6. Their parents have allowed them to stay up late.
______ 7. She has never ran away from home before.
______ 8. Have you ever saw a ghost?
______ 9. They have taken three tests already this week.
______ 10. He has offer me a high-paying job.
Skill 13: PRESENT PARTICIPLES OR PAST PARTICIPLES AFTER BE
The verb be in any of its forms (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being) can be followed by another verb.
This verb should be in either the present participle or the past participle form.

They are turn on* all the lamps.

The office door is lock* in the evening

In the first example, turn on should be turning on because it is after are. In the second example, lock
should be locked because it is after is.

The following chart outlines the use of verb forms after be.
VERB FORMS AFTER BE.
BE + (1) present participle
(2) past participle
EXERCISE 13: Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with be. Underline the verbs
twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
I 1. She was study the textbooks all night long.
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______2. The pie was cut into six equal pieces.

______ 3. Today the teacher is allow the students to leave class a few minutes early.
______ 4. The class is teach every other semester.
______ 5. Tom is bringing some drinks to the party.
______ 6. The sick child was taken to see a doctor.
______ 7. The children are swim in the backyard pool.
______ 8. The diamond jewelry is always keep in a safe place.
______ 9. The teacher is preparing a difficult exam for the students.
______ 10. Dinner is served from 6:00 to 8:00.
Skill 14: BASE FORM VERBS AFTER MODALS
Whenever you see a modal such as will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, or must, you should
be sure that the verb that follows it is in the base form.
You must telling* her the truth.
The child may comes* in now.
In the first example, telling should be the base form tell because it follows must. In the second example,
comes should be the base form come because it follows may.
The following chart outlines the use of verb forms after modals.

VERBS FORMS AFTER MODALS

MODAL +base form of the verb (V1)

EXERCISE 14: Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with a modal. Underline the
verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
C 1. You should try to respond politely.
______ 2. Everyone must leaves the room immediately
______ 3. I could sat on the beach for hours.
______ 4. She will asking you many difficult questions.
______ 5. You can look at the book, but you cannot borrow it.
______ 6. He may lies to you because he is not very truthful.
______ 7. He knew that he would forgot the phone number.
______ 8. The weatherman said that it might snowing tonight.
______ 9. Perhaps we could bought a new car this year.
______ 10. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.
EXERCISE (Skills 12-14): Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with several parts.
Underline the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
______ 1. We have became good friends in the last year.
______ 2. Your name will be list in the new directory.
______ 3. The new movie is receive good reviews.
______ 4. She must have feel sorry about her bad behavior.
______ 5. They have always given their family many presents.
______ 6. We may be taking a vacation next week.
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______ 7. We could have taking a vacation last week.

______ 8. The package might had been deliver by an express mail service.
______ 9. I have not wrote very many letters to my friends.
______ 10. The car should not have be drive anymore yesterday.
TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 12-14): Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of
words that is not correct.
1. By the 1920s, many radio transmitters had been build
A B C D
2. Fish farming has rose in the United States in recent years.
A B C D

3. In areas of volcanic activity, beach sand may contains dark mineral and little quartz.
A B C D
4. Cro-Magnon man was names after the caves in southwest France where the first
A B
remaining were discovered.
C D
5. Lassie, the famous collie who made her first screen appearance in 1943, has always be played
A B C D
by a male dog.
6. A blue bigwig lizard stakes out a territory and will defending females within it
A B C
against courting males
D.
7. President George Washington was inaugurates on the steps of the Federal
A B C
Building in New York City.
D
8. By 1627, Plymouth had became a viable and growing community of fifty
A B C
families, twenty-two goats, fifteen cows, and more than fifty pigs.
D
9. Tobacco was the crop on which the eminence of Williamsburg and the
A B
prosperity of Virginia were base.
C D
10. Because there may be scores of genes in each suspect DNA region, scientists
A
must identifying and sequence the actual genes contributing to type I diabetes.
B C D
TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1-14): Choose the letter of the word or group of
words that best completes the sentence
1.______ the deepest valleys and canyons on the Earth.
(A) In the Pacific Ocean with
(B) In the Pacific Ocean
(C) The Pacific Ocean
(D) The Pacific Ocean has
2. In the United States, the participation of females in the labor force___ from 37 percent in
1965 to 51 percent in 1980.
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(A) it jumped
(B) jump
(C) jumping
(D) jumped
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.
3. Water stored behind a dam can used to drive turbines.
A B C D
4. Our universe may continue to expand as it gets colder, empty, and deader.
A B C D
5. Every form of matter in the world are made up of atoms.
A B C D
6. The lens and cornea are supply with nutrients and oxygen by the aqueous fluid
A B C D
7. Dodge City, laid out in 1872, owed both its prosperity and its famous to the bufallo in its early years
A B C D
8. By the time Noah Webster reached his mid-twenties, he had already publish an elementary speller
A B C D

UNIT 7
NOUNS AND PRONOUNS

Skill 15: SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS

A problem that is common in written expression questions on the TOEFL test is a singular noun used
where a plural noun is needed or a plural noun used where a singular noun is needed.

He just finished several book*

She studied each chapters*

In the first example, several indicates that the plural books is needed. In the second example, each
indicates that the singular chapter is needed.

In written expression questions on the TOEFL test, you should watch very carefully for keywords
such as each, every, a. and single that indicate that a noun should be singular.

You should also watch carefully for keywords such as many, several- and three that indicate that
a noun should be plural.

The following chart lists the keywords that indicate to you whether a noun should be singular or plural

KEYWORDS FOR SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS

For Singular Nouns Each every single one a
For Plural Nouns Both two many several various

EXERCISE 15: Each of the following sentences contains at least one keyword to tell you if a noun
should be singular or plural. Circle the keywords. Draw arrows to the nouns they describe. Then indicate
if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

I 1. She talked to (each) people in the room.

______ 2. There is not a single of food in the refrigerator

______ 3. You need two piece of identification to cash a check

______ 4. Both classes started on time.

______ 5. We took a new routes to the beach house.

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______ 6. He gave many different reasons for his actions.

______ 7. You must answer every questions on the test.

______ 8. She tried several times to call me

______ 9. He offered me only one glass of water.

______10. We had various kind of drinks with the meal.

Skill 16: COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

As the name implies, countable nouns are nouns that can be counted. Countable nouns can come in
quantities of one, or two, or a hundred, etc. The noun book is countable because you can have one book or
several books. Uncountable nouns, on the other hand, at nouns that cannot be counted because they come
in some indeterminate quantity or mass. A noun such as milk or happiness cannot be counted: you cannot
have one milk or two milk, and you cannot find one happiness or two happiness. Uncountable nouns are
often liquid items such as water, oil, or shampoo. Uncountable nouns can also refer to abstract ideas such
as sadness, fame, or hope.

It is important for you to recognize the difference between countable and uncountable nouns
when you come across such keywords as much and may.

They have taken much* trips recently.

There was not many* water in the pool.

In the first example, much is incorrect because trips is countable. This sentence should say many trips. In
the second example, many is incorrect because water is uncountable. This sentence should say much
water.
The following chart lists the keywords that indicate to you whether a noun is countable or
uncountable.
KEY WORDS FOR COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE WORDS
For Countable Nouns Many number few fewer
For Uncountable Nouns much amount little less

EXERCISE 16: Each of the following sentences contains at least one keyword to tell you if a noun is
countable or uncountable. Circle the keywords. Draw arrows to the nouns they describe. Then indicate if
the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)

C 1. She will visit in a few months.

______ 2. Many risk are unnecessary.

______ 3. You need to show a little kindness.

______ 4. You have a number of choice

______ 5. There was a large amount of apples in the bowl.

______ 6. We have fewer opportunities now.

______ 7. How much money is left?

______ 8. He caused less problems this time.

______ 9. They need a little times to finish their work.

______ 10. He visited many exotic places

EXERCISE (Skills 15-16): Each of the following sentences contains at least one keyword to tell you if a
noun is singular, plural, countable, or uncountable. Circle the keywords. Draw arrows to the nouns they
describe. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C)or incorrect (I).

_____ 1. She enjoys food from many culture.

_____ 2. He could not give me much good reasons

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_____ 3. Each owner must register his or her car.

_____ 4. They came up with a number of ideas

_____ 5. Various new law go into effect on the first of the year.

_____ 6. The car now uses less oil

_____ 7. The meal did not cost a single cents

_____ 8. You need to make fewer mistake.

_____ 9. You can take one course or both courses.

_____ 10. He only smokes a small amount of cigarettes.

TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 15-16): Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is
not correct.

1. Cone shells live in much different seas and feed mainly on small fish and worms.
A B C D
2. The leaves of the common sunflower are rough to the touch on both side.
A B C D
3. Hemoglobin enables the red blood cells to carry oxygen and small numbers of carbon dioxide.
A B C` D
4. Those with narcolepsy experience the uncontrollable desire to sleep, perhaps several time in
A B C
one day
D
5. Another great artists of the time and possibly the most gifted silversmith in the colonies was
A B C D
Paul Revere
6. Alzheimer’s disease afflicts two in ten person over the age of seventy in the United States
A B C D
7. The red cardinal spends many of its time feeding on the ground.
A B C D
8. In the 1920s, Tulsa had a higher number of millionaire than any other U.S. city
A B C D
9. Because Washington is a district and not a state, its residents have less rights than other citizens.
A B C D
10. Implosive consonants occur in many different language, but they are particularly common in
A B C D
American Indian and African languages.

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1-16): Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best
completes the sentence.

1. ___ the second most common metal in the Earth's crust, and it always occurs in combination with other
substances
(A) Iron

(B) Iron is

(C) With iron

(D) With iron is

2. In most parts of the globe, the ___ not exceed roughly 31 degrees centigrade.

(A) ocean surface

(B) ocean has a surface

C) ocean surface does

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(D) ocean has surfaced

Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

3. A single protein molecule may being composed of tens of thousands of atoms.

A B C D
4. Less plants grow in the poor taiga soils beneath the trees.
A B C D
5. Vast reserves of oil and gas is located in the Gulf of Mexico
A B C D

6. Helium is a colorless, odorless, taste element often used to inflate balloons.

A B C D
7. Some of the regulations that bind U.S, institutions allows foreign banks to package loans at
A B C
hard-to-beat interest rates.
D

8. In angioplasty, a catheter is thread through an artery and guided through the body to the
A B C
blocked area.
D
Skill 17: SUBJECT AND OBJECT PRONOUNSS

Pronouns are words such as he, she, or it that take the place of nouns. One common problem with
pronouns on the TOEFL test is that subject and object pronouns are confused, so you should be able to
recognize these two types of pronouns.

SUBJECT OBJECT
I Me
You You
She Her
He Him
It It
We Us
They Them
A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a verb. An object pronoun can be used as the object of a verb
or the object of a preposition. Compare the following two sentences.

Marie saw the film with Barry.

She saw it with him.

In the second sentence, the subject pronoun she is replacing the noun Marie. The object of the verb it is
replacing the noun film, and the object of the preposition him is replacing the noun Barry.

The following are examples of the types of subject or object pronoun errors that you might see on
the TOEFL test.

Me* and my friend are taking a trip

Our neighbors are going with you and I*

In the first example, the object pronoun me is incorrect because this pronoun serves as the subject of the
sentence. The object pronoun me should be changed to the subject pronoun I. It can be difficult to
recognize that me is the subject because the verb are has a double subject, me and my friend. In the
second example, the subject pronoun I is incorrect because his pronoun serves as the object of the
preposition with. The subject pronoun I should be changed to the object pronoun me. It can be difficult to
recognize that I is the object on the preposition with because the preposition with has two objects: the
correct object you and the incorrect object I.
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EXERCISE 17: Each of the following sentences contains at least one subject or object pronoun. Circle
the pronouns. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)

C 1. You should do it for her.

______ 2. They helped she with the work.

______ 3. Her and Bob came over to visit me.

______ 4. I brought it for you and them

______ 5. He opened the refrigerator and took some food from it.

______ 6. She lent it to you and I.

______ 7.She spent all the money on them.

______ 8. You forgot to give it to they.

______ 9. We offered she a place to stay.

______ 10. They watched us play with it.

Skill 18: POSSESSIVES

Possessive adjectives and pronouns both show who or what "owns" a noun. However, possessive
adjectives and possessive pronouns do not have the same function, and these two kinds of possessives can
be confused on the TOEFL test. A possessive adjective describes a noun: it must be accompanied by a
noun. A possessive pronoun takes the place of a noun: it cannot be accompanied by a noun.

Beth gave us her television.

ADJECTIVE

Beth gave us hers.

PRONOUN

Notice that in the first example the possessive adjective hers accompanied by the noun television. In the
second example, the possessive pronoun hers is not accompanied by a noun.

POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS

My Mine
Your Yours
His His
Her Hers
Its __
Our Ours
Their Theirs
Must be accompanied by a noun Cannot be accompanied by a noun
These examples show the types of errors that are possible with possessive adjectives and possessive
pronouns on the TOEFL test.

The students turned in theirs* papers.

I would like to borrow our*

In the first example, the possessive pronoun theirs is incorrect because it is accompanied by the noun
papers, and a possessive pronoun cannot be accompanied by a noun. The possessive adjective their is
needed in the first example. In the second example, the possessive adjective your is incorrect because it is
not accompanied by a noun, and a possessive adjective must be accompanied by a noun. The possessive
pronoun yours is needed in the second example.

EXERCISE 18: Each of the following sentences contains at least one possessive pronoun or adjective.
Circle the possessives in these sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I)
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I 1. She cut hers hair recently.

___ 2. We will take our car or theirs

___ 3. Please lend me yours notes from the history lecture

___ 4.1 like his ideas and hers.

___ 5. The tree fell on its side during the storm

___ 6. My desk is located near hers.

___ 7. Theirs suggestion was unrealistic

___ 8. Our appointment is just after your

___ 9. Your friends and my friends are coming to our party

___ 10. You don't have yours gloves with you, but I have mine.

Skill 19: PRONOUN REFERENCE

After you have checked that the subject and object pronouns and the possessives are used correctly, you
should also check each of these pronouns and possessives for agreement with its referent. The following
are examples of errors of this type that you might find on the TOEFL test

The cookies are for you, so please take it*

Each person has to sign their* application form.

In the first example, the singular pronoun it is incorrect because it refers to the plural noun cookies. This
pronoun should be replaced with the plural pronoun them. In the second example, the plural possessive
adjective their is incorrect because it refers to the singular each person. This adjective should be replaced
with the singular his or his or her. The following chart outlines what you should remember about
checking pronoun reference.

PRONOUN REFERENCE

1. Be sure that every pronoun and possessive agrees with the noun it refers to.
2. The noun that the pronoun refers to generally comes before the pronoun.

Exercise 19: Each of the following sentences contains at least one pronoun or possessive. Circle the
pronouns and possessives. Draw arrows to the nouns they refer to. Then indicate if the sentences are
correct (C) or incorrect (1).

I 1. If my friend calls, please ask them to call back later.

______ 2. I don’t like the idea because it is too costly.

______ 3. The tables at the restaurant are so large that it can seat twelve people.

______ 4. The soup needs more salt because he does not taste very good.

______ 5. The girls ran too fast, and she fell down.

______ 6. In the autumn, the tree lost its leaves.

______ 7. The windows were open, so I closed it.

______ 8. The travelers lost their way in the storm.

______ 9. The boy got the box, and he opened it carefully.

______ 10. The woman left their earings at home, so she wasn’t wearing them.

EXERCISE (SKILLS 17-19) : Each of the following sentences contains at least one pronoun or
possessive. Circle the pronouns or possessive. Circle the pronouns and possessive. Then indicate if the
sentences are correct (e) or incorrect (I).

______ 1. They sold the car to you and I.

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______ 2. Please tell your brother that I need to talk to him.

______ 3. The bicycle lost it front wheel.

______ 4. Martha was happy when her boss gave her a pay raise.

______ 5. Just between us, I am not sure if we can trust them.

______ 6. The mother talked to her son about his behavior.

______ 7. I told his the truth, but he didn’t believe me.

______ 8. You and she should look for they.

______ 9. The student left his notebooks in the class, so he went back to get it.

______ 10. If they don’t have their car, we will lend them ours.

TOEFL EXERCISE (skills 17-19): Chose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not
correct.

1. Animals like frogs have waterproof skin that prevents they from drying out quickly in air, sun, wind.
A B C
2. Because of its ability to survive close to human habitation, the Virginia deer has actually increased
A B C

their range and numbers.

D
3. John D. Rockefeller was the founder of the standard oil company, and he was the richest man in world
A B
at the time of her retirement.
C D
4. The aorta arches out of the heart, and then its moves down toward the lower body.
A B C D
5. Global average temperatures are now 6 degrees celcius warner than we were 100 years ago.
A B C D
6. During the civil war, Clara Barton became known as the “Angel of the battlefield” for hers fearless
A B C
care of wounded soldiers.
D
7. Our sun is medium-size star orbiting near the edge of a collection of stars that our call the Milky Way
A B C D
8. Francis Scott Key wrote the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” as they stood alone watching the
A B C D
British bombardment of Fort MCHenry.

9. Some scallops can open and close theirs valves and swim away rapidly when they are disturbed
A B C D
10. Pearl S. Buck began her first novel, East Wind, West Wind, in 1925, while her was travelling between
A B C
the United States and China.

UNIT 8
ADJECTIVES AND ADVERB

SKILL 20: ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS

Sometimes in written expression questions on the TOEFL test, adjectives are incorrectly used in place of
adverbs, or adverbs are incorrectly used in place of the adjectives. Adjectives and adverbs have very
different uses in sentences. Adjectives have only one job: they describe nouns or pronouns.
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the food is delicious
It is a delicious meal
ADJ. NOUN.
It is delicious
PRON. ADJ.

In the first example, the adjective describes the noun meal. In the second example, the adjective delicious
describes the pronoun it. Adverbs have three different uses. They can describe verbs, adjectives, or other
adverbs.
He writes letters quickly.
VERBS. ADV.
It is a quickly written letter.
ADV. ADJ. NOUN
It is an extremely quickly written letter.
ADV. ADV. ADJ. NOUN.

In the first example, the adverb quickly describes the verb writes. In the second example, the adverb
quickly describes the adjective written (which describes the noun letter). In the third example, the adverb
extremely describes the adverb quickly, which describes the adjective written (which describes the noun
letter).
The following are example of incorrect sentences as they might appear on the TOEFL test.
They were sealed at a comfortably*table.
ADV. NOUN
The child talked soft to her mother
VERB. ADJ.
We read an extreme*long story
ADJ. ADJ.
She speaks unbelievable*quickly.
ADj. ADV.
In the first example, the adverb comfortably is incorrect because the adjective comfortable is needed to
describe the noun table. In the second example, the adjective soft is incorrect because the adverb softly is
needed to describe the verb talked. In the third example, the adjective extremely is needed to describe the
adjective long. In the last example, the adjective unbelievable is incorrect because the adverb
unbelievably is needed to describe the adverb quickly.

EXERCISE 20: Each of the following sentences has at least on adjective or adverb. Circle the adjectives
and adverb, and label them. Draw arrows to the words they describe. Then indicate if the sentence are
correct (c) or incorrect (I).

______1. Her hair was an (unusually) color of red.

______2. The weather is really comfortable.
______3. We attended a poor planned conference.
______4. He talked slowly and carefully.
______5. The composition was careful prepared.
______6. She had an incredible story about her long trip.
______7. He sent me a quickly written note.
______8. The cat meowed sad.
______9. The children are hungry and tired.
______10. The lecturer spoke extremely loud.ly
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Skill 21 : ADJECTIVES AFTER LINKING VERBS

Generally an adverb rather than an adjective will come directly after a verb because the adverb is
describing the verb.

She spoke nicely.

VERB. ADV.
In this example, the verb spoke is followed by the adverb nicely. This adverb describes the verb spoke.
You should be sure to use an adjective rather than an adverb after a linking verb. Be careful,
however, because the adjective that goes with the linking verb does not always directly follow the linking
verb.
He seems unusually nice
SUBJ. ADV. ADJ.

In this example, the adjective nice, which describes the subject he, is itself described by the adverb
unusually. From this example, you should notice that is possible to have an adverb directly after a linking
verb, but only if the adverb describes an adjective that follows.

These sentences show the type of error with linking verbs that is common on the TOEFL test.

The test looks easily* to me.

Sally feels unbelievable* happy about the news.

In the first example, the linking verb looks should be followed by the adjective easy rather than the
adverb easily. In the second example, the linking verb feels is followed by the adjective happy. The
incorrect adjective unbelievable should be the adverb unbelievably because it describes the adjective
happy.

The following chart lists commonly used linking verbs and outlines the different uses of
adjectives and adverbs after regular verbs and linking verbs.

ADJECTIVE AND ADVERBS AFTER VERBS

(Subject) + (regular verb) + (adverb)

A regular verb is followed by an adverb. the adverb describes the verb.

(Subject) + (linking verb) + (adjective)

A linking verb is followed by an adjective. The adjective describes the subject.

(Subject) + (linking verb) + (adverb) + (adjective)

It is possible for a linking verb to be followed by an adjective. The adverb describes the
adjective, and the adjective describes the subject.

Linking verbs Appear feel seem

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Be look small
become prove taste

EXERCISE 21: Each of the following sentences contains at least one adjective or adverb. Circle the
adjectives and adverbs, and label them. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (c) or incorrect (I).

______ 1. Kathy looks (gorgeously) in that dress.

______ 2. The children have grown considerably.

______ 3. Steve walked rapid to the corner to catch the bus.

______ 4. The boy became sick with the flu.

______ 5. The mother closed the door careful.

______ 6. Tom appeared rather unhappily at what had happened.

______ 7. The choir members sang enthusiastically.

______ 8. The soup tastes too salty.

______ 9. The book seemed easily for the student.

______ 10. In the late afternoon, the sunset slows in the west.

EXERCISE (SKILL 20-21): Each of the following sentences contains at least one adjective or adverb.
Circle adjectives and adverbs, and label them. Draw arrows to the words they describe. Then indicate if
the sentences are correct (c) or incorrect (I).

____ 1. The chef prepared a delicately sauce

____ 2. Matthew feels terribly angry about the issue.

____ 3. The swimmer swam powerful across the pool.

____4. The receptionist answered the phone carefully.

____ 5. The dishes in the sink were dirty.

____ 6. The physics exam seemed quite simply to me.

____ 7. He behaved unbelievably rude.

____ 8. The burner toast did not taste very good.

____ 9. His decision was absolutely necessary.

____ 10. The job applicant dressed carefully for the important interview.

TOEFL EXERCISE (Skills 20-21): choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is
not correct.

1. Sounds quieter than 10 decibels are impossibly for the human ear to hear.
A B C D

2. Often the best farmland is next to a river that floods periodical.

A B C D

3. The planet mercury has a moderately elliptically orbit.

A B C D
4. An eighteen-want fluorescent bulb seems as brightly as a seventy-five-watt incandescent bulb.
A B C D
5. The telephone works by changing the voice’s sound waves into electrically signals.
A B C D
6. In the Northen United States, two European species of small white birch are extensive

as...as = he is as tall as his brother

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A B C
planted as ornamentals.
D
7. Fifty million Americans continue to smoke despite abundant evidence that smoking
A B
is extremely unhealthfuly.
C D
8. The U.S. Military Academy sits on scenic height overlooking a strategically bend in
A B C D
the Hudson river.
9. The Erie Canal became so succesfully at providing cheap transportation that it was
A B
grealty enlarged between 1835 and 1862.
C D
10. The Infra-red Astronomy Satelite (IRAS), launched in 1983, contained a special
A B
coded reflecting telescope that detected infrared rays.
C D

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCIESE (Skills 1-21): Choose the letter of the word or group of words that best
completes the sentence.

1. On December 17, 1903, the flyer__ near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina Wright as a pilot.
a. Took of
b. It took of
c. Taking off
d. Took it off
2. Cornets are relatively small celestial bodies __ up chiefly of dirt and icy materials.
a. Make
b. Made
c. They make
d. Make them
3. Researchers have long debated about __ moon titan contains hydrocarbon oceans or lakes.
a. Saturn’s
b. Whether it is Saturn's
c. Whether it is Saturn's
d. Whether Saturn’s is a

Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

4. The abrasively action of the wind wears away softer layers of rock.
A B C D
5. There are two way of making a gas condense: cooling it or putting it under pressure.
A B C D
6. Research has discovered that the applicattion of bright light can sometimes be uses to
A B C
overcome jet lag.
D

7. Salmon migrations may include having to jump up waterfalls, swim up rapids, or

A B
climbing fish ladders at dams.
C D
8. If a strike is called in violation of an existing contract between labor and management,
A B C
its a wildcat strike.
D
9. Snapping turtles are easily recognized because of the large head, the long tail, and the
A B C
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shell that seems insufficiently to protect the body.

D
10. The long string of genes making up a chromosome have been likened to a string of pearls.
A B C D
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LISTENING COMPREHENSION
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UNIT 1
DIALOG WITH SOUND CONFUSION

Some of the items in Part A involve a confusion between words that have similar sounds. Here's how they
work: one of the speakers uses a word or phrase that sounds like a word or phrase in one or more of the
answer choices. If you don't hear the word clearly, you might incorrectly choose an option with a sound-
alike word or phrase.

Hint: If an answer choice contains a word that sounds like a word in the spoken sentence, that choice is
probably wrong. For example, if you hear the word spell and read the word spill in an answer choice, you
can eliminate that choice.
When you're taking Part A during an actual exam, you can use the context of the dialogs to help you solve
problems with sound confusion. If you hear and understand all of the dialogs, you won't have much
trouble eliminating choices involving sound-alike words. However, if you only understand part of a
dialog or if you "miss-hear" one or two words, you may easily choose an incorrect answer.
Exercise 2.1
Focus: Discriminating between sound-alike words in dialogs and answer choices.
Directions: Listen to the dialogs. Decide which of the two choices, (A) or (B), best answers the question,
and mark the appropriate blank, The first one is done as an example.
Now start the audio.
1. (A)____Get in a different lane.
(B)____ Stand in another line.
2. (A)____Go down the slide
(B)____Play on the sled.
3. (A)____Put them in a file.
(B)____Throw them in a pile
4. (A)____He can't shut his suitcase.
(B)____His suitcase doesn't fit in the closet
5. (A)____She made bread from whole wheat
(B)____She baked some white bread.
6. (A)____Brenda is tape-ing it
(B)____Brenda is typing it.
7. (A)____Emily bought new clothes.
(B)____Emily recently moved.
8. (A)____Its taste has improved.
(B)____ It tastes slightly bitter.
9. (A)____How much the ticket cost.
(B)____What Ellen might win.
10.(A)____lt's been chipped.
(B)____ There's a ship inside it.
11.(A)____He tripped in the aisle
(B)____ He slipped in some oil.
12.(A)____For its fast horses.
(B)____For its natural resources.
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13. (A)___Thinking about the decision.

(B)___Arguing about the issue.
14. (A)___The color is too bright.
(B)___It doesn't fit around the neck.
15. (A)____Wrote his name on the paper.
(B)____Told his students to write a paper

Unit 2
DIALOGS WITH HOMONYMS AND WORDS WITH MULTIPLE MEANINGS

Two words are homonyms if they have the same pronunciation but are spelled differently and have
different meanings. The words flour and flower, bare and bear are homonyms. In some items in Part A,
one or more incorrect answer choices refer to a homonym of a word that is used on the audio, as in the
example below.
The dialogs may also contain words with multiple meanings. In these items, one or two of the answer
choices refer to another definition of a word as it is used in the dialog
Exercise 1
Focus: Using the context of dialogs to identify homonyms.
Directions: Listen to the dialogs. Decide which of the pair of homonyms appears in the dialogs and mark
the appropriate answer, (A) or (B). The first one is done as an example.
Now start the audio.
1.____(A) presence ___(B) presents
2.____(A) overdue ___ (B) overdo
3.____(A) pain ___ (B) pane
4. ____(A) where ___ (B) wear
5. ___(A) fined ___ (B) find
6.____(A) right ___ (B) write
7.___(A) board ___ (B) bored
8.___(A) brakes ___(B) breaks
9.___(A) sail ___(B) sale
10.___(A) site ___(B) sight
11.___(A) rose ___ (B) rows
12.___(A) aloud ___ (B) allowed

UNIT 3

DIALOGS WITH IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

On many TOEFL exams, up to half the dialogs in Part A contain idiomatic expressions. Many of the

idiomatic expressions are two-or three-word verbs, such as call off and look out for. To answer this kind

of question, the context of the sentence will help you understand the expression, even if you're unfamiliar

with it.
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Exercise:1
Focus: Recognizing synonyms for idiomatic expressions.
Directions: Listen to the spoken statements. Each contains an idiomatic or figurative expression which is
written out. First decide which of the two choices best answers the question and mark the appropriate
answer, (A) or (B). Then underline the phrase in the correct answer that has the same meaning as the
idiom. If necessary, rewind the audio and listen to the exercise again. The first one has been done as an
example.
Now start the audio.
1.get into hot water
____(A) She was in trouble
____(B) She took a warm bath.
2. run into
____(A) He met Caroline unexpectedly at the coffee shop.
____(B) Caroline and I jogged to the coffee shop
3. hit it off
____(A) He and Chuck argued as soon as they met
____(B) He and Chuck quickly became friends.
4. a piece of cake
____(A) The exam was simple.
____(B) She had a snack after the test.
5. at the drop of a hat
____(A) He can't leave until he finds his hat.
____(B) He's ready to leave immediately
6. on edge
____(A) He walks back and forth when he's nervous
____(B)He likes to walk along the edge.
7 under the weather
____(A) She didn't want to practice because of the bad weather
____(B) She hasn't there because she felt a little sick
8. Take after
____(A) He 1ooks like his grandfather
____(B) He takes care of his grandfather
9. for good
____(A) He doesn't want the professor to quit teaching permanently
____(B) He hopes Professor Holmes has a good reason for quitting
10. give a hand with
____(A) Hand her the box.
____(B) Help her carry the box.
11. stone’s throw from
____(A) he likes to throw rocks in the park
____(B) he lives close to the park.
12. not think much of
____(A) she didn’t consider it.
____(B) she didn’t like it.
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UNIT 4
Dialogs Involving Agreement, Disagreement,

Suggestions, Invitations, Offers, and Requests

To answer questions about some of the dialogs in Part A, it is necessary to understand if the second

speaker agrees or disagrees with the first speaker's ideas or proposals There are many ways to express

agreement and disagreement:

Agreement
So do l. Me too.
Neither do 1. I don't either.*
Who wouldn't?
Isn't he/she/it though!
(Didn't he/wasn't she!hasn't it though!) I’ll second that.
I’ll say! You can say that again.
Is!Has!Was it ever! You bet!
I couldn't agree with you more. I feel the same way you do about it.
These two expressions show agreement with a negative statement:
I don't really like my schedule this term.
I don't either. OR Neither do I.
Disagreement
I don't think so. That's not what I think.
That's not the way I see it. Not really.
I can't say I agree. I couldn't agree with you less.
I'm afraid I don't agree
Not necessarily. Probably not
I'm not so sure I'm afraid not.
There are, of course, other expressions that show agreement and disagreement. Some are practiced in the
exercise.
Exercise 1
Focus: listening to dialogs that involve agreement and disagreement, and answering questions
about them.
Directions: Listen to the following dialogs. Decide which choice-CA), (B), or CC)-best answers the
question and mark the appropriate answer. The first one is done as an example
Now start the audio.
1. ____(A) He prefers taking a final exam.
____(B) He thinks an exam takes too much time.
____(C) He'd rather write a research paper
2. ____(A) It was diffīcult, but she understood it
____(B) It wasn't very useful.
____(C) It's probably easier than the other chapters.
3. ____(A) He completely disagrees with it.
____(B) He doesn't believe the university will accept it.
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____(C) He thinks it's a good one.

4. ____(A) She doesn't think that Jack wrote it.
____(B) She thinks it had too many details.
____(C) She found it well-written
5. ____(A) He thinks it's a good day for bike riding, too
____(B) He doesn't agree with the woman's opinion of the weather
____(C) He didn't hear what the woman said
6. ____(A) Arthur wasn't doing well in the class.
____(B) She's not sure why Arthur dropped the class
____(C) She believes Arthur dropped the class for no reason
7. ____(A) It might work.
____(B) It's very impractical.
____(C) It's unnecessary
8. ____(A) He didn't understand it.
____(B) It made him angry
____(C) He agreed with it
9. ___(A) She's never been there during final exam week
___(B) It's crowded because students will be taking exams soon.
____(C) It's not crowded now, but it soon will be
10 ___(A) He likes the costumes Madelyn made
____(B) He wouldn't recommend the play
____(C) He doesn't think the costumes are attractive.
11. ___(A) lt was very happy.
____(B) It was exciting
____ (C) lt was unhappy
12 ____(A) She thinks Pamela is right
____(B) She thinks the regulations are fair
____(C) She disagrees with the nan's opinion
A) Suggestions
These are pieces of advice that one speaker gives another. In most dialogs, the first speaker poses a
problem and the second speaker suggests a possible solution to that problem. In some dialogs, the first
speaker makes a suggestion, and the second speaker responds to that suggestion positively or negatively.

Making Suggestions
Why don't you/ we Why not Have you ever thought of
You/We might want to You?We could always Maybe you/we could
Try What about What if you/we
ifI were you IfI were in your shoes You/We should
Shouldn't you/we How about.
Positive Responses
Why not! Good idea By all means!
That's an idea. Sounds good to me. Thanks, I'll give that a try.
Why didn't I think of that? That's worth a try
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Negative Responses
I don't think so. I already thought of that.
I don't believe so. I don't think that will work
Don't look at me!
Invitations
These are requests for someone to come somewhere or to take part in some activity. The first speaker may
invite the second speaker to do something and the second speaker responds, or the second speaker may
invite the first speaker to do something.
Making Invitations
Shall we Would you like to
Would you care to Would you be able to
Want to Let's
Do you want to
Can you Could you
Positive Responses
Yes, let's. Sure, Thanks
Sounds good. All right, I’d love to
Id like that. What a great idea!
Sure. Thanks for inviting me If you want me to
Don't mind if l do.
Negative Responses
I'm sorry, but…. I’d like to, but.
I'd love to, but Thanks a lot, but
That sounds nice, but I’ll Pass
Thanks for the invitation, but I don't think I'll be able to make it this time
C) Offers
These are proposals to help someone or allow someone to do something. Either speaker in the dialog may
make an offer.
Making Offers
Let me Shall I
Would you like me to Do you want me to
Can 1 May I
Should I Could I
Positive Responses
That would be nice. Yes, please.
Please do Sure, thanks
Negative Responses
I don't think so. I'm afraid not
That won't be necessary. Thanks anyway
Please don't.
D) Requests
To make a request is to ask someone to do something, or to ask for help or information
Making Requests
Would you Could you/l.
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Do you mind if Would you mind if

Will you May I...
Positive Responses
I’d be glad to. I’d be delighted
Sure thing Certainly
Why not? If you want to.
If you'd like You bet
Not at all.
Of course not
Negative Responses
Sorry, but I'm afraid not
I’d like to, but I wish I could, but
Actually, I do/would I'm afraid I do/would
As a matter of fact, I do/would
Exercise
Focus: Listening to dialogs involving suggestions, invitations, offers, and requests, and answering
questions about them
Directions: Listen to the following dialogs, Decide which choice- (A), (B), or (C)- best answers
the question about the dialogs, and mark the appropriate answer. The first one is done as an example.
Now start the audio
1. ___( A) He would like a cigarette
___ (B) The Woman can smoke if she likes.
___(C) He doesn't want the woman to smoke.
2. ___(A) The man wears it quite often
___(B) It needs to be cleaned.
___(C) The man should wear it.
3. ___(A) Make more popcorn.
___(B) Go to another theater.
___(C) Buy some popcorn.
4. ___(A) She could plan the trip.
___(B) She may not feel well.
___(C) She can go on the class trip.
5. ___(A) He doesn't want more coffee.
___(B) He doesn't want to use his credit card.
___ (C) He'd like to make coffee.
6. ___(A) She doesn't think it's warm.
___(B) She wants the window closed.
___(C) She'll open the window herself
7. ___(A) The soup is more expensive than sandwiches.
___(B) She doesn't know what kind of soup there is.
___(C) The man might enjoy some soup.
8.___(A) The kitchen also needs cleaning
___(B) The living room doesn't have to be cleaned.
___(C) The man shouldn't do the cleaning.
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9. ___(A) Go with her to the registrar's office.

___(B) Help her find her way to the registrar's office.
___(C) Tell her where to get her own map.
10. ___(A) Work on their chemistry homework.
___(B) Have breakfast.
___(C) Stop studying for a little while.
11.____(A) Buy a new toaster.
____(B) Replace her old shoes
____(C) Have repairs done.
12. ____(A) He'd like her to go away.
____ (B) She can read his magazine.
____(C) He hasn't finished reading
13. ___(A) Get an antique desk.
___ (B) Buy a new computer
____(C) Sit down and get to work
14. ___(A) He's already passed the test
____(B) He doesn't like to study at the library
____(C) He doesn't plan to study tonight.
15. ____(A) He hasn't seen the letters
_____ (B) He doesn't know the right answers
____ (C)He doesn't want to respond to the letters
16. ___(A) She wants to go even though it's raining
___ (B)She can't come to lunch today
____ (C) She'll pay for their lunch

UNIT 5
Dialogs Involving Contradictions,
Assumptions, and Questions
A) Contradictions
These involve the second speaker correcting what the first speaker says, as in the samples below.
B) Assumptions
These are the beliefs that one speaker has until he or she receives information from a second speaker. You
will generally hear dialogs involving assumptions near the end of PartA. These questions are considered
difficult, but once you understand how they work and practice answering them, you should fünd them no
more difficult than any other type of question. In this type of dialog, the first speaker makes a statement.
The second speaker is surprised because the first statement contradicts what he or she believes to be true.
The second speaker's response often begins with the word "Oh" and ends with the phrase".. after all." The
answer to assumption questions is the reverse of what the second speaker thinks, and so what is true
according to the first speaker is not the correct choice.
C) Questions
The second speaker in a dialog sometimes asks about what the first speaker says. The third speaker then
asks what the second speaker wants to know.
Exercise 8
Focus: Answering questions about dialogs involving contradictions, assumptions, and questions
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Directions: Listen to the following dialogs. Decide which one of the answer choices-(A), (B), or (C-Hs
correct, and mark the appropriate answer. The first one is done as an example.
Now start the audio.
1. ___(A) Ginny is definitely coming to dinner
___(B) Ginny likes fish better than chicken
___ (C) Ginny likes chicken.
2. ___(A) She had already moved
____(B) She hadn't found a new apartment yet
____(C)She'd already made an appointment,
3. ____(A) What the man's name is
____(B) Who told the may to see the dean
____(C) Who the dean is
4.____(A) He wants to take part in the election
____(B) He's not interested in running for office
____(C) He wants to get more facts from the president
5.____(A) She couldn't type very fast
____(B) She had already finished the final draft
____(C) She hadn't completed the research.
6.____(A) He doesn't really like horseback riding.
____(B) He rides horses whenever possible
____(C) He doesn't talk about riding very much.
7.____(A) When his insurance agent called.
_____(B) What his insurance agent wanted.
_____(C) What time he should return the call.
8.____(A) He was working full time.
____(B) He was eating in the cafeteria.
____(C) He didn't want a job.
9.____(A) When they returned.
____(B) How long their hike was.
____(C) Where they hiked.
10___(A) He thinks the clothes are expensive.
___(B) He doesn't think the clothes are very nice.
___(C) He thinks the woman is being unreasonable.
11.___(A) Where the meeting will be held.
___(B) When the meeting will start.
____(C) Where the recreation center will be built.
12. ___(A) Joy did not want to study abroad.
____(B) The overseas program had been canceled.
____ (C) Joy would study overseas sooner than next year.
13. ___(A) If the party was at Ben's house.
____(B) What time the party ended.
____ (C) If the man enjoyed the party.
14. ___(A) All of Ted's answers were incorrect.
____(B) Most of the problems were done correctly.
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____ (C) Ted doesn't have to solve the problems.

15. ____(A) How she got to the grocery store.
____(B) Why she went to the grocery store.
____(C) How much she paid for groceries
16.___(A) Robin's brother didn't help her get a job.
___(B) Robin didn't get a job.
___(C) Robin was able to help her brother
17. ___(A) The flashlight had needed batteries.
___(B) There had been some other problem with the flashlight
___(C) The woman hadn't changed the batteries.
18. ___(A) Professor Brennon surely won't lead the seminar
___(B) Professor Brennon's permission is not required.
___(C) The woman doesn't need to take the seminar
19. ___(A) Why Steve is in the Pacific Northwest
___ (B) How long Steve has been traveling
___(C) When Steve will return from his trip
20. ___(A) It hadn't been released yet.
___(B) It wouldn't be very good
___(C) It can no longer be considered new

UNIT 6
LISTENING TO LONGER DIALOG

ANTICIPATING QUESTIONS
When you are previewing the items in Part B, you should try to anticipate what the questions will be by
the form of the answer choices. You usually won't be able to guess exactly what the question will be, but
you can guess what type of question will be asked. For example, if the four answer choices are the names
of places, a "Where... "question will be asked; if the answer choices are times of day or dates, you will
hear a "When.. "question. If you have some idea of what the question will be, you can focus your
listening during the talks. You can also get a good idea of the situation in which the conversation is taking
place by previewing the items Remember: The introductory comments at the beginning of the
conversation tell you which items to review.
Exercise
Focus: Guessing the questions that will be asked about an extended conversation and the situation in
which the conversation takes place by previewing answer choices.
Directions: Look over the answer choices below. First, try to guess the general type of question that will
be asked about each item. Then look at the list of questions after each group of items and match the letter
of the appropriate question with the item. Then answer the question about the overall topic of the
conversation. The first one is done as an example There 1s no audio material for this exercise.
Conversation 1
1. (A) A grade the student received
(B) A story about a dance recital
(C) The need for correct spelling
(D) The role of a reporter
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Answer: b
2.(A) Business
(B) Architecture
(C) Journalism
(D) Dance
Answer:
3. (A) She submitted it too late
(9) It was too long
(C) Some important details were omitted
(D) Almost every word was misspelled
Answer:
4.(A) Rewrite the story
(B) Buy a better dictionary
(C) Go to more dance recitals.
(D) Get a job as a reporter
Answer:
Questions for Conversation1
a) For what class did the man do the assignment?
b) What is the main topic of this conversation?
c) What does the man advise the woman to do?
d) What problem does the man mention in connection with the story?
Situation Question: Conversation 1
Which of the following best describes the situation in which the first conversation probably
takes place?
____(A) One student is telling another a story about a dance.
____(B) A professor is criticizing a student's story about a dance performance
____(C) An instructor is teaching a student a new dance.
____(D) One student is suggesting ways in which the other student can improve her spelling.
Conversation 2
5. (A) He doesn't get enough exercise.
(B) He's nervous about an important test.
(C) He's spending too much time at the Recreation Center.
(D) He doesn't know how to swim.
Answer:
6. (A) Across campus from the Student Center building
(B) South of the stadium.
(C) On the north side of campus.
(D) Between the Student Center and the stadium.
Answer:
7.(A) Sign up for some classes at the Recreation Center.
(B) Spend more time studying for exams.
(C) Take a break from his studies
(D) Take a bus to the Recreation Center
Answer:
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8.(A) Just before the beginning of the semester.

(B) During mid-term exams
(C) Near the end of the semester.
(D) Just after the end of the semester.
Answer:
Questions for Conversation 2
a) Where is the Recreation Center?
b) What does the woman suggest the man do?
c) What problem does the man complain about
d) At what point in the semester does this conversation take place?
Situation Question Conversation 2
Which of the following best describes the situation in which the conversation probably takes place?
___(A) one student recommends that another get some exercise in order to relax during exams.
___(B) two students discuss their plans for a vacation.
___(C) A physical education instructor suggests that a student register for classes in her department.
___(D) A student explains to a visitor to campus how to get to the stadium.
Conversation 3
9. (A) At an art gallery.
(B) At an art museum.
(C) In an artist’s studio.
(D) In a special room in the library.
Answer:
10. (A) Paintings.
(B) Sculptures.
(C) Book covers.
(D) Photographs.
Answer:
11. (A) A story in a newspaper.
(B) An article in an art magazine.
(C) A class she attended.
(D) A show she saw on television.
Answer:
12. (A) An art historian and a student.
(B) Two students.
(C) Two visitors to a museum.
(D) A tour guide and a tourist.
Answer:
13. (A) Primitive.
(B) Live-sized.
(C) Realistic.
(D) Stylized.
Answer:
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Questions for conversations 3.

a) Who is taking part in this conversation?

b) How would the woman probably describe the works of art that she saw?
c) What was the source of the woman’s information?
d) Where did the exhibit take place?
e) What kind of art are the speakers discussing?

Situation Question: Conversation 3

Which of the following best describes the situation in which the conversation probably takes place’
____(A) One speaker describes to the other her techniques for painting pictures.
____(B) The woman tells the man about a recent book she read.
____(C) An art expert gives some advice to the other speaker about becoming an artist.
____(D) One speaker tells the other about some art she saw at an exhibit
ANSWERING OVERVIEW QUESTIONS
After each extended conversation in part B, there are four to five questions. Usually the first and
sometimes the last question are overview questions. To answer these questions, you need an
understanding of the whole conversation rather than of any specific point.

Overview Questions for the Extended Conversations

 What is the main topic of this conversation?
 What are these people primarily discussing?
 Where does this conversation take place?
 When does this conversation take place?
 What is the relationship between the speakers?
 What is man’s/woman’s occupation?
 What is one speaker’s attitude toward the other speaker?

The main topic questions must correctly summarize the conversation. incorrect answers for these
questions are too general, too specific, or incorrect according to the conversation.

Although these questions require an overall understanding of the conversations, the firs few sentences
often “set the scene.” In other words, the opening lines of the talk establish the time, place, and main
topic. Read the opening lines of the extended conversation given below:

MI: (Answering phone) Hello?

FI: Hi, Rod, this is Rita-I’m in your nine o’clock class. I missed class because of a cold, and I was
wondering if I could borrow your notes.

MI: I don’t know if you could read my notes-I have terrible handwriting. But I can tell you what
happened. Professor Phillips went other the material in chapter 4, about different types of stars in our
galaxy. And she talked about what the mid-term-I really need to do well on it.

From this portion of a conversation, we learn that

‘ .. both of the speakers are students
‘ .. they are probably taking a course in astronomy
‘ .. the class is about halfway over (because they are taking mid-term exams)
‘ .. the rest of the talk will probably deal with the material that will be on the examination
Not all conversations begin with so much detail. However, it is important to concentrate on the opening
lines to learn this kind of information.

Exercise
Focus: Listening to the opening lines of extended conversations, and answering overview questions about
the topics, setting, and speakers.
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Directions: Listen to the conversation and the question about them. Then mark the answer choice-(A),
(B), or (C)-that correctly completes the sentences. The first one is done as an example.

Now start the audio.

1.___(A) Methods of predicting earthquakes.

___(B) Ways to improve the man’s presentation.

___(C) The many new uses of computer graphics.

2.___(A) Statistics.

____(B) Computer science.

____(C) Geology.

3.___(A) A language teacher and a student.

____(B) A dean and a teacher.

____(C) A teacher and an assistant.

4.___(A) The language of the deaf.

____(B) Methods of teaching german.

____(C) Communication networks.

5.___(A) Professor Quinn’s approach to teaching.

_____(B) The process of getting a student identification card.

_____(C) Procedures for checking out reserve material.

6.___(A) At a university library.

___(B) In a psychology class.

___(C) In a laboratory.

7.___(A) To ask for a job.

____(B) To get some advice.

____(C) To discuss medical research.

8.___(A) Academic advisor.

____(B) Physician.

____(C) Administrator.

9.___(A) Helpful.

____(B) Discouraging

____(C) Inconsiderate.

10.___(A) The art of raising dogs.

_____(B) A softball game.

_____(C) A dogsled race.

11.____(A) An archaeologist

_____(B) An anthropologist.

_____(C) A university student.

12.___(A) Their plans for the coming school year.

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_____(B) Tina’s volunteer position

_____(C) Tina’s trip to Europe.

13.___(A) A clerk at a bookstore.

_____(B) A librarian.

_____(C) A publisher’s sales officer.

14.___(A) Before the spring term begins.

_____(B) In the middle of the spring term.

_____(C) After the spring term ends.

15.___(A) In Nicholson Hall.

______(B) In the Graduate Admissions office.

_____(C) In the Financial Aid Office.

16.__(A) Requirements for graduate admission.

_____(B) Directions to another office.

_____(C) The woman’s need for a scholarship.

ANSWERING DETAIL QUESTIONS

Most of the questions in park B are detail questions that require an understanding of specific points in the
conversation. A majority of these questions are factual questions, asking what, where, when why, and
how much. To answer the question, you need to listen carefully.

Other questions are inference questions. As previously explained, the answers to inference
questions are not directly stated, but are suggested by information in the lecture. Many of these questions
begin, “What do the speakers imply about …” or “What can be inferred from the conversation about …”

Remember that the order of detail question follows the order of the conversation. In other words,
the first detail question will be about something mentioned early in the conversation while the last one is
about something mentioned near the end of the conversation.

If anything in the conversation is emphasized, it will probably be asked about. In other words, if
something one speaker says is repeated by the second speaker, or if one speaker talks about something in
an emphatic tone of voice, there will probably be a question about that information, as in this section of a
conversation:

MI: My project for my film-making class took me six weeks to finish.

FI: Six weeks! I can hardly believe it. Doesn't the teacher realize you have other classes to?

You can be fairly sure that there will be a question such as this: “ How long did the man’s project take to
complete?”

1. Exercise

Focus: Answering detail and inference questions based on specific points in short portions of extended
conversations.

Directions: You will hear three extended conversations, each one divided into several short portions.
After each portion, three will be a number of questions based on that part of the talk. Mark the best
answer choice-(A), (B), or (C)-for each question. The first one is done as an example.

Now start the audio.

1.___(A) A doctor.

____(B) A newspaper.
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____(C) A magazine.

2.___(A) It’s to tiring.

____(B) It can cause injuries.

____(C) It’s not demanding enough.

3.___(A) Downhill skiing.

_____(B) Jogging

_____(C) Cross-country skiing.

4.___(A) It doesn't require much snow.

_____(B) It is a recently developed sport.

_____(C) It can be done in flat areas.

5.___(A) Use a cross-country ski machine.

_____(B) Travel to ski resorts

____(C) Take up jogging.

6.___(A) The expense.

____(B) The weather conditions.

____(C) The danger.

7.___(A) He stayed up most of the night.

____(B) He’s been studying all morning.

____(C) He took an exam last night

8.___(A) It was an improvement.

____(B) It was disappointing.

____(C) It was unfair.

9.___(A) Undergraduate students.

___(B) Teachers.

____(C) Graduate students

10.___(A) She learned how to do research.

____(B) She was prepared for her sociology test.

____(C) She learned teaching techniques.

11.__(A) Basic scientific research.

____(B) Business management.

____(C) Test-taking skills

12.__(A) In the library.

_____(B) In the physics Tower.

_____(C) In Staunton hall.

13.___(A) Study for his next exam.

____(B) Go to the study skills center

____(C) Get some sleep

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14.__(A) To buy something at an auction.

____(B) To pay for employees’ salaries.

____(C) To improve their broadcasts

15.__(A) Apply for a job at the station

_____(B) Donate his services for the station’s auction

_____(C) Direct the construction of a new tower

16.___(A) She must work on her own research project.

_____(B) She has to help her parents

_____(C) She must study for exams.

17.___(A) They seldom attend auctions.

_____(B) They might bid on the man’s services.

_____(C) They use the library often.

Exercise

Focus: Answering detail and inference questions based on specific points in complete extended
conversations.

Directions: You will hear four extended conversations. After each conversation, there will be a number
of questions based on it. Mark the best answer choice-(A), (B), or (C)-for each question.

The first one is done as an example.

Now start the audio.

66 section 1: Guide to listening comprehension

1.___(A) North of Los Angeles.

_____(B) Between Los Angeles and San Diego.

_____(C) East of San Diego.

2.____(A) They are A type of insect.

_____(B) They are a kind of fish.

_____(C) They are a type of bird.

3.____(A) In march

______(B) In early summer.

______(C) In October.

4.____(A) About 200 miles.

_____(B) About 1,000 miles.

_____(C) About 7,000 miles.

5.___(A) The swallow’s arrival.

_____(B) The parade.

_____(C) The swallow’s departure

6.____(A) Only during the first week of classes.

_____(B) Whenever students ask for them.

_____(C) Only in the afternoon

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7.____(A) A tour guide.

_____(B) A classroom

_____(C) A map.

8.____(A) In the Science Building.

_____(B) In the Student Center Building.

_____(C) In the University Recreation Center.

9.____(A) A test in a composition class.

_____(B) A road test.

_____(C) The written test for her driver’s license.

10.__(A) He drove too fast.

____(B) He couldn’t park well.

____(C) He made an improper turn.

11.___(A) Drive her to the test site.

_____(B) Help her get ready for the road test.

_____(C) Sell her a car.

12.___(A) It doesn’t belong to her.

_____(B) She’s not a licensed driver.

_____(C) It isn’t running right.

UNIT 7
LISTENING TO MINI-TALKS

ANTICIPATING QUESTIONS ABOUT MINI-TALKS

As in the other two parts of the listening comprehension section, you should preview the items in part C
and try to anticipate what the questions will be by the form of the answer choices. You may not be able to
guess exactly what the questions will be, but you can guess what type of question will be asked. For
example, If the four answer choices are the manes of places, a “Where…” question will be asked; if the
answer choices are times of day or dates, you will hear a “When …” question.

If you have some idea of what the question will be, you can focus your listening during the talks.

ANSWERING OVERVIEW QUESTIONS ABOUT MINI-TALKS

After each talk in part C, there are three or four questions. Usually, the first question is an overview
question. To answer this type of question, you need an understanding of the whole talk rather than of any
specific point.
Overview questions for the mini-talks

 What is the main idea/main topic of the lecture?

 What is the purpose of this talk?
 Where was this lecture given?
 When was this talk given?
 In what course was this lecture given?
 What is the speaker's occupation?
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 Who is the audience for this talk?

Main idea, main topic, and main point questions must correctly summarize the talk. Incorrect answers for
these questions are usually too general, too specific, or incorrect according to the lecture.
Although these questions require an overall understanding of the talks, the first few sentencesoften “set
the scene.” In other words, the opening lines of the talk frequently establish the time, place, and main
topic. Read the opening lines of the Mini-talk given below:

Good morning, everyone. As you probably know, this class is a continuation of a course that began the
last term. Last term we focused on American writers of the nineteenth century. Today we’ll begin our
study of twentieth-century novelists with a look at Ernest Hemingway.
From this introduction, we know that

‘ .. the speaker is a teacher

‘ .. the audience is a group of students
‘ .. the course is in American literature
‘ .. the talk will concern Ernest Hemingway
Not all talks will begin with so much detail. However, it is important to concentrate on the opening lines
to learn this kind of information.
Exercise
Focus: listening to the opening lines of Mini-Talks and answering overview questions about the main
ideas, speakers and audiences, settings, and so on.
Direction: listen to the introductions and the questions about them. Then mark the answer choice-(A), (B),
or (C)-that correctly completes the sentence. The first one is done as an example.
Now start the audio,
1.___(A) A teacher.
____(B) A tour guide.
____(C) A photographer
2.___(A) A description of the wildlife preserve.
____(B) Advice about outdoor photography.
____(C) The scientific classification of buffaloes.
3.___(A) To explain the traditions of handball
_____(B) To give information about the therules of tennis.
_____(C) To discuss the rules of handball.
4.____(A) At the end of a tournament.
_____(B) Before an exhibition game.
_____(C) During a game.
5.____(A) Factory workers.
_____(B) Visitors to a factory.
_____(C) Management trainees.
6.___(A) The process of canning soft drinks.
_____(B) Management-labor teamwork.
_____(C) The life cycle of plants.
7.____(A) The physical rewards of dancing.
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______(B) The importance of the program to the university.

______(C) The disadvantages of being in the program.
8._____(A) Director of a dance program.
______(B) Professor of psychology.
______(C) Athletics coach.
9._____(A) A host at a party.
_______(B) The president of a society
_______(C) The captain of a ship.
10._____(A) The role of the state historical society.
_______(B) The history of New England.
______(C) The story of some shipwrecks.
11.____(A) Compasition.
_______(B) Fine arts
_______(C) Architecture
12.____(A) The use of blueprints.
_______(B) Methods of organization.
_______(C) Editing papers.
13.____(A) Experienced skiers.
______(B) Ski instructors.
______(C) Beginning skiers.
14.___(A) The fundamentals of skiing.
______(B) Championship skiers.
______(C) The development of sky resorts.
15._____(A) Law.
_____(B) Economics.
_____ (C) Classical languages.
16. _____ (A) A few weeks after the beginning of class.
_____ (B) In the first class meeting.
_____ (C) During the final exam.
17. _____ (A) On a boat.
_____ (B) At an aquarium.
_____ (C) On a plane.
18. _____ (A) The habits of whales.
_____ (B) Types of whales.
_____ (C) Efforts to protect whales.
19. _____ (A) Students who own bicycles.
_____ (B) New members of the campus police force.
_____ (C) Pedestrians concerned about safety.
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20_____ (A) To describe some recent accidents.

_____ (B) To introduce a new program.
_____ (C) To provide safety and security hints.
ANSWERING DETAIL. QUESTIONS ABOUT MINI-TALKS
Most of the questions about Part C talks are detail questions that ask about specific points in the talk. The
majority of these questions are factual questions, asking about facts, reasons, places,or dates mentioned
by the speaker. This type of question often begins, “According to the speaker,...”incorrect answers are
often mentioned at some point in the talk but are not appropriate answer to the questions as asked.

You are not permitted to take written notes while listening to the lecture.

A Few questions about the Part C talks are inference questions. Many of these questions begin,

“What does the speaker imply about...” or “What can be inferred from the lecture about...”

As in Part B, if a speaker emphasizes a point in the lecture by going back to it or repeating it, there will
probably be a question about it.

M:...Now, in the days of the California Gold Rush, the journey by ship from the East Coast to San
Francisco took about six months. Can you imagine that-gold-seekers spent six months at sea just getting
to California!
There will almost certainly be a question about how long it took to get from the East Coast to San
Francisco during the Gold Rush.
Exercise 16.1
Focus: Answering detail and inference questions based on specific points in Part C talks.
Directions: You will hear three talks, each one divided into several short portions. After each portion,
there will be a number of questions based on that part of the talk. Mark the best answer choice-(A).
(B), or (C)-for each question. The first one is done as an example.
Now start the audio.
Talk A
1. _____ (A) It covers some difficult topics.
_____ (B) It's unlike other biology courses.
_____ (C) It has never been offered by this department.
2. _____ (A) By visiting a coral reef.
_____ (B) By going to the library.
_____ (C) By going to a farm.
3. _____ (A) Diving.
_____ (B) Photography.
_____ (C) Biology
4. _____ (A) As harmful.
_____ (B) As easily damaged.
_____ (C) As frightening.
5. _____ (A) Transportation.
_____ (B) Housing.
_____ (C) Basic equipment.
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6. _____ (A) Traveling by ship.

_____ (B) Trying to get financial aid.
_____ (C) Applying to another university.
Talk B
7. _____ (A) They have such impressive appetites.
_____ (B) They sometimes walk on two legs.
_____ (C) They frequently attack people.
8. _____ (A) They will eat anything except plants.
_____ (B) They eat only honey.
_____ (C) They aren't limited to a few types of food.
9. _____ (A) Five feet.
_____ (B) Ten feet.
_____ (C) Fifteen feet.
10. _____ (A) In Alaska.
_____ (B) In Yellowstone National Park.
_____ (C) All over the United States.
11. _____ (A) The Kodiak bear.
_____ (B) The grizzly bear.
_____ (C) The black bear.
12. _____ (A) They are sometimes not as friendly as they seem.
_____ (B) They are much more dangerous than grizzly bears.
_____ (C) They look dangerous but are usually friendly.
Talk C
13. _____ (A) In the 1950s.
_____ (B) In the 1970s.
_____ (C) In the 1990s.
14. _____ (A) They fly off into deep space
_____ (B) They remain in orbit forever.
_____ (C) They burn up in the atmosphere.
15. _____ (A) Three to four hundred.
_____ (B) Eight thousand.
_____ (C) Half a million.
16. _____ (A) They are too small.
_____ (B) They are too far away.
_____ (C) They are moving too fast.
17. _____ (A) A large booster rocket.
_____ (B) A piece of metal the size of an aspirin.
_____ (C) A tiny fleck of paint
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18_____ (A) Their high speed.

_____ (B) Their jagged shape.
_____ (C) Their tremendous size.
19._____ (A) An aspirin
_____ (B) A piece of debris.
_____ (C)A model of the debris collector.
20. _____ (A) They detect the debris.
_____ (B) They store the debris
_____ (C) They collect the debris.
21. _____ (A) It has already been tested on Earth.
_____ (B) It has not been built yet.
_____ (C) It has already been used on a spacecraft.
Exercise
Focus: Answering detail questions about complete Part C talks

Directions: You will hear a number of Part C Mini-Talks. After each talk, there will be a number

of questions based on that part of the talk. Mark the best answer choice-(A), (B), or (C)-for each question.
The first one is done as an example.

Now start the audio.

1. _____ (A) Two years.

_____ (B) Three years.

_____ (C) Five years.

2. _____ (A) Student fees.

_____ (B) Room-and-board charges at the dormitory

_____ (C) Student insurance rates.

3. _____ (A) lts tuition rates are going up faster than the ones at Hambleton University
_____ (B) It has the highest tuition rates in the state.
_____ (C) ts tuition rates are still lower than those at Hambleton University
4. _____ (A) An executive on the Student Council.
_____ (B) A member of the Board of Regents.
_____ (C)A spokesperson for the administration.
5. _____ (A) A new dormitory will not be built.
_____ (B) The proposal to increase student services will not be adopted
_____ (C) The tuition will not be raised.
6. _____ (A) A starfish.
_____ (B) A salamander.
_____ (C) A mammal.
7. _____ (A) A snake sheds its skin and grows a new one.
_____ (B) An insect grows a new limb.
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_____ (C) A baby gets its first set of teeth.

8. _____ (A) Embryonic cells.
_____ (B) Specialized cells.
_____ (C) Nerve cells.
9. _____ (A) To treat diseases among animals.
_____ (B) To learn to speed up the process among lower animals.
_____ (C) To apply what they learn to human medicine.
10. _____ (A) Before the Revolutionary War.
_____ (B) During the Revolutionary War.
_____ (C) After American independence.
11_____ (A) His military service.
_____ (B) His political philosophy.
_____ (C) His dictionary.
12_____ (A) T-H-E-A-T-R-E instead of T-H-E-A-T-E-R
_____ (B) L-A-B-O-U-R instead of L-A-B-O-R.
_____ (C) N-I-F instead of K-N-I-F-E
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READING COMPREHENSION
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UNIT 1
MAIN IDEA

Almost every reading passage on the paper TOEFL test or computer TOEFL test will have multiple
choice question about the main idea of a passage. Such a question may be worded in a variety of ways;
you may; for example, be asked to identify the topic, subject, title, primary idea, or main idea. These
questions are all really asking what primary point the author is trying to get across in the passage. Since
the TOEFL passages are generally written in a traditionally organized manner, it is relatively easy to find
the main ideas by studying the topic sentences, which are most probably found at the beginning of each
paragraph.

If a passage consists of only one paragraph, you should study the beginning of that paragraph to
determine the main idea. Look at a multiple-choice example from the paper TOEFL test that asks about
the topic of passage with one paragraph.

Example:

The passage :

Basketball was invented in 1891 by a physical education Instructor in Springfield. Massachusetts,

by the name of James Naismith. Became of the terrible weather in winter, his physical education students
were indoors rather than outdoors. They really did not like the idea of boring, repetitive exercises arid
preferred the excitement and challenge of a game. Naismith figured out a team sport that could be played
indoors on a gymnasium floor, that involved a jot of running. That kept all team members involved and
that did not allow the tacking and physical contact of American style football.

The question:

What is the topic of this passage?

(A) The life of James Naismith

(B) The history of sports
(C) Physical education and exercise
(D) The origin of basketball

The first sentence of this passage states that basketball was invented, so the invention of basketball
probably the topic. A quick check of the rest of the sentences in the passage confirms that the topic is, in
fact, the beginnings of the sport basketball. Now you should check each of the answers to determine
which one comes closest to the topic that you have determined. Answer (A) mentions James Naismith but
not basketball, so it is not the topic. Answer (B) is too general; it mentions sport but does not mention
basketball. Answer (C) is also too general; it mentions physical education but does not mention
basketball. The best answer, therefore, answers (D): the origin of basketball means that the way that
basketball was invented is going to be discussed.

If a passage consists of more than one paragraph, you should study the beginning of each
paragraph to determine the main idea. Look at a multiple-choice example that asks about the title of
passage with more than one paragraph.

Example:

Early maps of the North American continent showed a massive river that began in the Rocky
Mountains, flowed into the Great Salt Lake, and from there continued westward the Pacific Ocean. This
river named the Buenaventura River. On some maps rivaled the great Mississippi River. As late as the
middle of the nineteenth century, this river was Still on maps and explorers were still searching for it.

This mythical river, of course, does not exist, though there are several possible theories about how
it came to be on maps. Perhaps an early mapmaker hypothesized that such a river probably existed, then
this hypothesized river was copied from the map to map. Perhaps, instead, a smaller river was actually
seen, and its path from the Rockies to the Pacific was assumed.

Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?
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a. Early Maps of North America

b. A Non-Existent River on Maps.
c. A Comparison of Two Rivers
d. Rivers in Mythology
This question asks you about the best title for the passage. In a passage with more than one paragraph,
you should be sure to read the first sentence of each paragraph to determine the subject, topic, title, or
main idea. In this example, the first sentence of the first paragraph states that early maps of the North
American continent showed a massive river, and the first sentence of the second paragraph states that this
mythical river, of course, does not exist. if you look only at the first paragraph, you might choose the first
answer, but this answer does not mention that the river does not exist. The third answer is incorrect
because a comparison of the Buenaventura and Mississippi Rivers is only one small detail in the first
paragraph. The last answer is incorrect because this passage is not about mythology. The best answer to
this question is the second answer; the first paragraph says that the river is on maps, and the second
paragraph says that the river... does not exist, which means that it is non-existent.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

what is the topic of the passage?

what is the subject of the passage?
on both paper and what is the main idea of the passage?
HOW TO IDENTITY THE computer tests
what is the author's main point in the passage?
QUSTION
what is the author primaryly concerned?
which of the following would be the best title?
on computer test
click on the paragraph that...
only
WHERE TO FIND THE The answer to this type of question can generally be determined by
ANSWER looking at the first sentence of each paragraph
1. Read the first line of each paragraph
2. look for a common theme or idea in the first lines
HOW TO ANSWER THE 3. Pass your eyes quickly over the rest of the passage to check that you
QUESTION have really found the thopic sentence(s)
4. eliminate any definitely wrong anwers and choose the best answer
from the remaining choices

Exercise 1

PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-2)

Most of the ice on the Earth, close to 90 percent of it, is covering continent Antarctica. It does not snow
very much in Antarctica, but whatever snow does fall remains and grows deeper and deeper. In some
areas of Antarctica, the ice has perhaps been around for as much as a million years and now is more than
two miles deep.

1. The main idea of the passage is that

(A) the Earth is a cold planet
(B) most of the Earth's ice is found in Antarctica
(C) it snows more in Antarctica than in any other place on the Earth
D) Antarctica is only two miles wide but is 90 percent ice
2. The best title for the passage is
(A) Snowfall in Antarctica
(B) The Icy Earth
(C) The Cold, Cold Snow
D) The Causes of Antarctica's lce Pack
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UNIT 2
STATED DETAIL QUESTION

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 the 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
expresses the same idea as what is written in the passage, but the words are not exactly the same The
questions that test stated details are generally multiple-choice questions.
Example:
The passage:
Flutes have been around for quite some time. in all sorts of shapes and sizes and made from a variety of
materials. The oldest known flutes are about 20,000 years old; they were made from hollowed-out bones
with holes cut in them In addition to bone, older flutes were often constructed from bamboo or hollowed-
out wood.
Today's flutes are generally made of metal, and in addition to the holes, they have a complicated
system of keys, levers, and pads. The instrument belonging to well-known flutist James Galway is not just
made of any metal, it is made of gold.
The question:
1. According to the passage, the oldest flutes
(A) had holes cut in them
(B) were made of metal
(C) were made 200.000 years ago
(D) had a complicated set of levers and pads
2. The passage indicates that James Galway's flute is made of
(A) bones
(B) bamboo
(C) wood
(D) gold
Since this question is about James Galway's flute, 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 the
instrument belonging to well-known flutist James Galway is not just made of any metal, it is made of
gold. The last answer is the best answer.

STATED DETAIL QUESTION

According to the passage...
On both paper and It is stated in the passage..
HOW TO IDENTITY THE computer tests The passage indicates that...
QUESTION Which of the following is true...?
On computer test
Click on the paragraph that...
only
WHERE TO FIND THE
The answer to those questions are found in order in the passage
ANSWER
1. Choose a keyword in the question
HOW TO ANSWER THE
QUESTION 2. Skim in the appropriate part of the passage for the keyword or idea
3. Read the sentence that contains the keyword od idea carefully
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4. eliminate any definitely wrong answers and choose the best answer
from the remaining choices
Exercise 1
PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-2)

Many parts of the southwestern United States would become deserts again without the waters of the
Colorado River. A system of thousands of miles of canals, hundreds of miles of tunnels and aqueducts,
and numerous dams and reservoirs bring Colorado River water to the area. The Imperial Valley in
southern California is an example of such a place, it is a vast and productive agricultural area that was
once a desert. Today, 2,000 miles of canals irrigate the fertile land and keep it productive.

1. Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a way that Colorado River water gets
to the Southwest?
(A) By truck
(B) In bottles
(C) In wells
(D) Through canals
2. According to the passage, the imperial Valley
(A) is a desert today
(B) is located in Colorado
(C) produces a lot of agricultural goods
(D) does not require irrigation

UNIT 3
UNSTATED DETAILS

You will sometimes be asked in the reading section 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.

You should note that there are two kinds of answers to this type of question: (1) there are three
true answers and one that is not mentioned in the passage, or (2) there are three true answers and one that
is not true according to the passage. Look at a multiple-choice example from the paper TOEFL that asks
you to find the one answer that is not mentioned.

Example

The passage:

The Florida Keys are a beautiful chain of almost 1,000 coral and limestone islands. These islands form an
arç that heads first southwest and then west from the mainland. The U.S. Highway I, called the Overseas
Highway, connects the main islands in the chain. On this highway. It is necessary to cross forty-two
bridges over the ocean to cover the 159 miles from Miami, on the mainland. to Key West. the farthest
island on the high way and the Southernmost city in the united states.

The question:

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about the Florida keys?

(a) the Florida Keys are a chain of Islands.
(b) the Florida keys contain coral and limestone.
(c) the Florida Keys are in the shape of an arc.
(d) the Florida keys are not all inhabited.

This question asks for the one answers that is not mentioned about the Florida keys. The passage
states that Florida keys are a chain (answer A) with coral land limestone (answer B) in the shape of an arc
(answers C), so these answers are not correct. The best answer is therefore answer (D). The passage does
not mention whether or not the keys are all on inhabited.
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”UNSTATED’’ DETAIL QUESTION

HOW TO On both paper Which of the following is not stated…?
IDENTIFY THE and computer test Which of the following is not mentioned…?
QUESTION Which of the following is not discussed…?

All of the following are true except…

WHERE TO The answer to this question is found in order in the passage.
FIND THE
ANSWER

HOW TO 1. Choose a keyword in the question.

ANSWER THE 2. Scan the appropriate place in the passage for the keyword (or
QUESTION related idea).
3. Read the sentence that contains the keyword or idea carefully.
4. Look for answers that are definitely true according to the passage.
5. Choose the answer that is not true or not discussed in the passage.

Exercise 3
In the 1960s, a space trave was becoming such of much discussion. Pan American airlines began
receiving some fairly unusual requests for flight information. People began making requests to be on the
first flight that pan Am made to the Moon.
On a whim, Pan Am started waiting list for the first flight to the moon, similar requests have come
to Pan Am over the years, and pan Am fast responded by adding the names of there questers to the list.
Unfortunately for Pan Am, the original company is no longer in business, and it never got to the
Moon, However, when it went out of business, it had a waiting list of more than 90,000 names for its first
lunar flight.

1. All of the following arc mentioned about pan American airlines, EXCEPT, that
(A) It started business in the 1960s
(B) It received a request for its first hit to the Moon
(C) It kept some people on a long waiting list
(D) It went out of business

2. Which of the following is NOT true about pan Am’s Moon flights?
(A) People asked Pan Am about its nights to the Moon
(B) Pan Am kept a waiting list for ist Moon flights
(C) Pan Am never really made any Moon flights
(D) Pan Am’s waiting list had only a few names on it
(E)

UNIT4
IMPLIED DETAIL QUESTION

Implied detail questions may be found on the TOEFL test. In this type of question, you will be asked to
answer a multiple-choice question about reading passage by drawing a conclusion from a specific detail
or details in the passage. Question of this type of domain the world implied, inferred, likely, or probably
to let you know that the answer to the question a not directly stated. In the 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. Look multiple-choice
examples of an implied detail question from the TOEFL test.

Example

The passage:

The number of rings in a tree can be used to determine how old a tree really is. Each year a tree produces
a ring that is composed of one light-colored wide band and is produced during the spring and early
summer when free stem cells grow rapidly and become larger. The narrower band is produced in fall and
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early winter when cell growth is much slower and cells do not get very large. No cells are produced
during the harsh winter and summer months.

The question:

1. It is implied in the passage that if a tree has 100 wide bands and 100 narrow bands. Then it is
(A) a century-old
(B) two centuries old
(C) fifty years old
(D) two hundred old

This question asks about the age of a tree with 100 wide bands and narrow bands. The passage
does not tell the age of a tree with 100 wide and narrow bands, but it does indicate that one ... Wideband
and one ... Narrowband is produced each year. From this, you can draw the conclusion that a tree with
100 and narrow band is 100 years, or a Century, old. The best answer to this question is therefore answer
(A).

2. It can be inferred from the passage that cells do not grow

(A) when the tree is ill
(B) during extreme heat or cold
(C) when it rains too much
(D) If there are more light-colored bands than dark-colored bands

This question asks when Calls do not grow. The passage indicates that no cells are produced during
the harsh Winter and Summer months. From this, you can draw the conclusion that cells do not grow
during the extreme heat of summer or the extremely cold of winter. The second answer is, therefore, the
best answer, so you should click on the second answer to this question.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about timplied detail
question:

”UNSTATED’’ DETAIL QUESTION

HOW TO On both paper it is implied in the passage that…

IDENTIFY THE and computer it can be inferred from the passage that…
QUESTION tests, it is mast likely that…
what probably happened…?

WHERE TO The answer to these questions is generally found in order in the passage.
FIND THE
ANSWER
HOW TO 1. Choose a keyword in the question.
ANSWER THE 2. Scan the passage for the keyword (or related idea).
QUESTION 3. Carefully read the sentence that contains the keyword.
4. Look for anwers that could be true, according to the sentence.
EXERCISE 4:

PASSAGE ONE (questions 1-3)

Until 1996, the Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world, with more than a hundred stories. It is
located in Chicago, whose nickname is the Windy City. The combination of a very tall building in a city
with such weather conditions leads to a lot of swaying in the breeze.

On a windy day, the top of the building can move back and forth as much as three feet every few
seconds. The inside doors at the top of the building open and close and water in sinks sloshes back and
forth.

1. The Sears tower is probably

(A) as tall as the Empire State building
(B) no longer the tallest building in the world
(C) taller than any other building
(D) still the highest building in the world
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2. It can be inferred from the passage that Chicago

(A) has moderate weather
(B) is generally warm
(C) has humid weather
(D) usually has a lot of wind

3. It is implied in the passage that the upper-level doors in the Sears tower open and close because
(A) The building was poorly constructed
(B) People go in and out so often
(C) The building moves in the wind
(D) Thereiswater in thesinks

UNIT 5
VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT QUESTION

On the TOEFL test, you may be asked to determine the meaning of a difficult word or expression that you
do not know. In this case, the passage often gives you a clear indication of what the word or expression
means. Look at a multiple-choice example from the paper TOEFL test of a vocabulary word that is
explained in the context.

Example :

……………. Professor Richmond’s hobby is philately. The professor has been quite interested in
collecting stamps for a number of years.

The question:

1. The word “philately. In line 1 could best replaced by

(A) a philanthropic attitude (C) stamp collection
(B) a common profession (D) teaching classes

In this question, you are asked to choose an expression to replace philately. You are not expected to
know the meaning of the word philately. Instead, you should understand from the context that if the
professor is interested in collection stamps, then philately is most likely stamps collecting. Answer ( C )
is, therefore, the best answer to this question.

2. Look at the word geranium in the passage. A geranium is most likely which of the following?
(A) A sofa (C) A fish
(B) A chair (D) A plant

In this question, you are asked to determine the meaning of the word geranium. You are not
expected to know the meaning of the word geranium. Instead, you should understand from the context
that if the geranium is growing in a pot, then it is probably a plant. The last answer is the best answer, so
you should click on the last answer to this question.

VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT QUESTIONS

HOW TO IDENTIFY On bach paper and What is the meaning of “X” in line Y?
THE QUESTIONS computer tests The word “X” in line Y could best be replaced
by…
On computer test only Look at the word X in paragraph Y. Click on
another word that is close in meaning to X.
Click on the word in paragraph Y that could best
be replaced by…
WHERE TO FIND Information to help you understand the meaning of vocabulary words can
THE ANSWER often be found in the context surrounding the word.

HOW TO ANSWER 1. Find the word in the passage

THE QUESTION 2. Read the sentence that contains the word carefully
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3. Look for context clues to help you understand the meaning.

4. Choose the answer that the context indicates
TOEFL EXERCISE 5: Study each of the passages and choose the best answers to the questions that
follow.

PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-5)

When babies are born, they always have blue eyes. This is because the melanin, the
pigment that colors the eyes, is not on the surface. Of the iris. Instead, it is within the creases of
the iris. Because there is little melanin on the surface of the iris, the eyes appear blue.
Line
(5) After a few months, the melanin moves to the surface of the iris. It is the amount of
melanin on the surface that determines a person’s permanent eye color; so it is at this point that a
baby’s eyes develop the color they will have for a lifetime.

1. The word “pigment’ in line 2 is closest in meaning to

(A) Skin
(B) Muscle
(C) Tissue
(D) Colo
2. Look at the word surface in paragraph 1. This word is closest in meaning to
(A) Top
(B) Inside
(C) Back
(D) Bottom

3. The word “permanent” in line 6could best be replaced by

(E) Changeable
(F) Lasting
(G) Dark
(H) Possible
4. Look at the word “point” in paragraph2. This word could best be replaced by
(A) Dot
(B) Era
(C) Time
(D) Place

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (skills 1-5): study each of the passages and choose the best answers to the
questions that follow.

PASSAGE ONE (questions 1-9)

Geographically, California's diversity is breathtaking, and the state’s coastline from northern to
South is no exception. Measuring 840 miles in length, the coast consists of the rugged cliffs of the coast
ranges in the north and wide Sandy beaches in the south. Along the coastline, there are two major harbors,
one in the north at San Fransisco and the other in the south as San Diego. Near Humboldt and Monterey
are smaller natural ports.

1. The topic of this passage is

(A) How the state of California is divided into North and South
(B) The variations in California’s coastal geography
(C) The breathtaking beauty of California
(D) The exceptions in coastal geography

2. Look at the word harbors in the passage. Which word in the passage is close in meaning to harbors?

3. It is implied in the passage that northern California

(A) Has more beaches than southern California
(B) Has some type of coastline as southern California
(C) Has fewer major harbors than southern California
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(D) Has a different coastline from southern California

4. The word “breathtaking” in line I probably means

(A) Breathing
(B) Amazing southern California
(C) Stolen
(D) Usual

5. According to the passage, what measures 840 miles in length? California?

(A) The California coastline
(B) The Coast Ranger
(C) The rugged cliffs
(D) The exceptional part of northern California

6. The Coast Ranges are probably

(A) Flat, sandy areas on the coast of California
(B) Found in southern California
(C) A series of mountains
(D) Hundreds of miles north of the cliffs

7. According to the passage, where are the major harbors located in California?
(A) In San Diego
(B) Only in northern California
(C) Near Humboldt and Monterey
(D) In the north and in the south

8. In line 5, “natural ports” are

(A) Not human-mode
(B) Always small in size
(C) Evenly shaped
(D) Constructed of natural-materials

9. Which of the following geographical features is NOT mentioned in the passage?

(A) Cliffs
(B) Canyons
(C) Beaches
(D) Harbors

PASSAGE TWO (questions 10-17)

Among some groups of people, cats have a reputation as rather silly animals that are always getting
themselves stuck in trees. Cats have often been known to become frightened of something, to run up a
tree and then to cry sadly until they are rescued.
There is, in reality, a reasonable explanation for this type of behavior, and it has to do with the
shape of the cat’s claws are hooked in a direction that Makes climbing up a tree a rather easy task.
However, when it comes to climbing back down the tree, these claws are not very helpful.
Thus, if you happen to see a meowing cat stuck in a tree, have some sympathy for the cat. The cat
managed to get up in the tree quite easily, but the shape of its claws make it quite impossible for the cat
too. Climb down with some ease.

10. The idea of the passage is that

(A) cat’s really are silly animals
(B) cats have a good reason for their behavior
(C) cats enjoy climbing trees
(D) cats’ sharp claws are unnecessary for survival

11. According to the passage, a cat CANNOT

(A) climb up a tree
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(B) gets tuck in a tree

(C) cry easily
(D) climb down easily

12. The passage indicates that some people think that cats are silly because the cats
(A)have funny-looking claws
(B) frighten other cats
(C) climb trees and cannot get down
(D) are unable to rescue other cats

13. Which word in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ”saved”?

14. The expression“in reality” in line 4 could best be replaced by

(A) in contrast
(B) in fact
(C) in agreement
(D) in all probability

15. It is implied in the passage that, if a cat tries to climb down a tree, it will
(A) be able to do it easily
(B) move very quickly
(C) cry to other cats
(D) perhaps fall

16. Look at the world hooked in paragraph 2. This world is closest in meaning to
(A) curved
(B) straightened
(C) sharpened
(D) shortened

17. The world “helpful” in line 7 could best be replaced by

(A) friendly
(B) useful
(C) nice
(D) sincere

PASSAGE THERE (questions 18-26)

In the 1890s, the bicycle became quite popular in the United States as the new “safety” bicycle
replaced the older Penny-farthing bicycles. On the Penny-farthing bicycles, one wheel was much larger
than the other, and these bicycles were not very stable; they were always falling over. On the new
“safety” bicycles, both wheels were equal in size, and they were much easier to control.

Many women also enjoyed these new “safety” bicycles, but they had to take measures to deal with
their clothing while riding bicycles. The fashion at the time was for long, full skirts that did not go well
with bicycles. Some women put the lead weight in their skirts to keep their skirts from blowing up. Other
women changed from long skirts to bloomers, which were long, full, wide pants, but some people felt that
bloomers were inappropriate for women to wear; in fact, some newspapers and magazines of the day
criticized the new bicycle fashion as a danger to ladies morals.

18.the passage in is mainly about

(A) the popularity of safety bicycles, even among woman
(B) the differences between safety and Penny-farthing bicycles
(C) women’s fashions in the nineteenth century
(D) the lack of stability of the Penny-farthing bicycles

19. The word “stable” in line 3 is closest in meaning to

(A) dangerous
(B) expensive
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(C) big
(D) steady

20. Which of the following in NOT true about the safety bicycle?
(A) It had equal wheels.
(B) It was fairly simple to control.
(C) It preceded the Penny-farthing bicycles
(D) It becomes popular in the 1890s.

21. Which word in paragraph I that could best be replaced by “handle”?

22. Look at the word measures in paragraph 2. This word could best be replaced by
(A) Counts
(B) Number
(C) Steps
(D) Problem

23. The passage indicates that it was fashionable in the 1890s for woman to wear
(A) Long skirts
(B) Short pants
(C) Small hats
(D) Men’s clothing

24. it is implied in the passage that lead is

(A) Heavy
(B) Soft
(C) Delicate
(D) Light

25. In line 10, “bloomers” are

(A) Shirts
(B) Skirts
(C) Hats
(D) Pants

26. it is implied in the passage that newspapers expressed the opinion that woman
(A) Should wear bloomers
(B) Should not ride bicycles
(C) Should not wear long, full skirts
(D) Should always follow the fashion

UNIT 6
“WHERE” QUESTION

Sometimes the final question accompanying a reading passage (or one paragraph of a passage) on the
TOEFL test will ask you to determine where in the passage a piece of information is found. On the paper
test, there will be a multiple-choice question that asks where certain information is found. The answer
choices will list possible locations for that information.
Example:
The words “capital” and “capitol” are confused in spelling and in meaning by a lot of
people who try to use them. Both their spellings and their meanings are quite closely related. A
Line “capital” is the location of the center of government. While a “capitol” is the actual building
(5) where the government officials meet. Thus in the United States, for example, the Capitol is
located in Washington D.C., which is the capital city of the United States.
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The question:
Where in the passage does the author define the word “capital”?
(A) Lines 1-2
(B) Lines 4-5
(C) Line 6
(D) Line 8

To answer this question, you should skim for the word capital and then look for its meaning. A capital is
the location of the center of government, and this definition is given in the fourth and fifth lines. Answer
(B) is, therefore, the best answer to this question.

QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE IN THE PASSAGE

HOW TO IDENTIFY On paper test Where in the passage…?
THE QUESTION only
On computer Click on the sentence indicates…
test only
WHERE TO FIND On paper test The answer can be in any of the lines listed in the answers to
THE ANSWER only the question
On computer This answer will be one of the sentences in the
test only paragraph listed in the questions
HOW TO ANSWER 1. Choose a keyword or idea in the question
THE QUESTION` 2. Skim the appropriate part(s) of the passage looking for the keyword
or idea.
3. Choose the answer that contains the key word or idea.
TOEFL EXERCISE 6
PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-2)
A geyser occurs when rainwater seeps into the ground and volcanic magma beneath the
surface heats it. The rainwater then turns into steam. The pressurized steam rises to the surface
and bursts out as a geyser.
Line Yellowstone National Park has more geysers than all of the rest of the world together the
(5) most famous of these geysers is Old Faithful, which erupts in a high are of steam about an hour.

There have not been any volcanic eruptions in the Yellowstone area for 70,000 years
however, the existence of the geysers is proof that the area is volcanically active.

1. Where in the passage does the author mention what heats the water in a geyser?
(A) Lines 1-2
(B) Line 4
(C) Lines 5-6
(D) Line 7

2. Where in the passage docs the author state how long it has been since a volcano erupted at
Yellowstone?
(A) Line 2
(B) Line 4
(C) Lines 5-6
(D) Lines 7-8

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1-6): Study each of the passage and choose the best answers to the
questions that follow.
PASSAGE TWO (Questions 1-10)
REM(rapid eye movement) sleep is a type of sleep that is important to humans. This type
of sleep generally occurs four or five times during one night of sleep. The duration of each of
these occurrences ranges from five minutes to forty minutes. The period of REM sleep becomes
longer and as the night progresses.
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Line Physical changes occur in the body to show that a person has transitioned from
NREM(non-rapid eye movement) sleep to REM sleep. Breathing becomes faster, the heart rate
(5)
increases, and, as the name implies, the eyes begin to move quickly.
Accompanying these physical changes in the body is a very important characteristic of
REM sleep. It is during REM sleep that dreams occur.

1. The subject of this passage is

(A) The human need for REM sleep
(B) Physical changes in the human body
(C) The characteristics of REM sleep
(D) Why people sleep

2. The “N” in NREM probably stands for which of the following words?
(A) Nine
(B) Non
(C) Name
(D) Night

3. According to the passage, how often does REM sleep occur in one night?
(A) Once
(B) Twice
(C) Four or five times
(D) Forty times

4. According to the passage, all of the following occur during REM sleep EXCEPT that
(A) The rate of breathing increases
(B) The heart rate speeds up
(C) The eyes remain steady
(D) Dreams take place

5. A REM sleep period of forty minutes would most likely be which period of REM sleep?
(A) The first period
(B) The second period
(C) The third period
(D) The fourth period

6. The word “Accompanying” in line 8 could best be replaced by which of the following?
(A) Along with
(B) In spite of
(C) To contrast to
(D) Because of

7. The word “progresses” in line 4 is closest in meaning to

(A) Continues
(B) Darkens number
(C) Bits
(D) Sleeps

8. Which line in the passage does the author mention the occurrences per night of REM sleep?

9. Look at the word transitioned in paragraph 2. This word could best be replaced by
(A) Breathed
(B) Increased
(C) Fallen
(D) Moved

10. Where in the passage does the author discuss the length of periods of REM sleep?
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PASSAGE TWO (Questions 11-20)

In the 1930s, Chester F. Carlos was working in the patents department of a large
electronics firm in New York City. One of the major problems in this work was the length of
time and expense involved in getting patents copied; patens were lengthy legal documents, and
Line the only ways to get them copied were to take them to a typist or to take them to a photographer.
(5) Either way of copying patents took a lot of time and cost a lot of money.

He came up with the idea for a machine that would copy documents quickly and
efficiently. He researched the idea in the library and then worked over a three-year period on
developing a machine that used light, an electrostatically charged plate, and powder to duplicate
(10) images on paper. The result of this work was a machine that produced the first xerographic copy
on October 22, 1938. He named the process “Xerox” which means “dry writing”.

Carlson felt that he had a good idea, one that would be extremely helpful in the business
world. He tried to sell his idea to a number of large corporations, but they were not terribly
(15) interested in his machine. A few years later he sold the process to a small family-owned
company. This small company grew into the giant Xerox corporation, and both Carlson and
Xerox became rather wealthy in the process

11. This passage is mainly about

(A) Carlson’s job in a patent office
(B) Now the Xerox machine works
(C) Carlson’s success in business
(D) The development of the Xerox machine

12. Carlson most likely began work on the machine in

(A) 1930
(B) 1935
(C) 1938
(D) 1941

13. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a problem that Carlson encountered in getting patents
copied?
(A) The time needed for copying
(B) The expense of the copying
(C) The length of the patents
(D) Dependability of photographer

14. The passage indicates that the large corporations that Carlson tried to sell his process to
(A) Were family owned
(B) Were nonprofit institutions
(C) Helped to develop the process
(D) Did not want to buy his machine

15. The word “expense” in line 3 is closest in meaning to

(A) Cost
(B) Difficulty
(C) Legality
(D) Payment

16. The word “giant” in the line 15 could best be replaced by

(A) Monster
(B) Tiny
(C) Familiar
(D) Huge

17. Which word in paragraph 2 is the closest meaning to “looked” for information about”.
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18. Where in the passage does the author indicate what a patent is?
(A) Lines 1-2
(B) Line 3
(C) Lines 6-7
(D) Lines 9-10

19. The following are components of Carlson’s machine EXCEPT

(A) A light
(B) A charged plate
(C) Powder
(D) A typewriter