TOEFL ( Test of English as a Foreign Language )

The TOEFL test measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to

communicate in English in the college or university classroom. Test scores are used in the
admissions process at more than 7,500 academic institutions throughout the world. In some
countries the TOEFL is used to assess a person’s knowledge of English for job purposes
within that country.
There are five language skills – listening, structure, written expression, vocabulary,
and reading – are tested on TOEFL. They are tested in three separate sections.

Timetable for the TOEFL

Total time : 120 minutes
Section 1 Listening comprehension : 50 questions
( 40 minutes )  Short conversations
 Longer conversations
 Talks
Section 2 Structure and Written Expression : 40 questions
( 25 minutes )  Incomplete sentences
 Sentence correction
Section 3 Reading Comprehension 50 questions
( 55 minutes )  Vocabulary
 Reading comprehension

STRATEGIES FOR TOEFL

Strategies for listening Part A
 Draw conclusions about who, what, where, when, how.
 Focus on the second line of the conversation.
 As you listen on the second line of the conversation, focus on key word.
 If you only understood a few words or ideas in the second line, choose the answer
that contains a restatement of those words or ideas.
 If you did not understand anything at all in the second line of the conversation,
choose the answer that sounds the most different from what you heard.
 Never choose of the answer because it sounds like what you heard in the
conversation.
 There are 30 questions in this part. Never leave any answers blank.
Strategies for Listening part B and C :
 Preview the answers, anticipate the topics of the conversation, and anticipate the
questions.
 Listen carefully to the first line of the conversation because it often contains the
main idea, subject or topic of the conversation.
 As you listen, draw conclusions about the situation of the conversation : who is
talking, where the conversation takes place, when it takes place.
 As you listen, follow along with the answers in your test book and try to
determine the correct answer.
 You should guess even if you are not sure.
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 Strategies for structure and error identification

Step 1 : First look briefly at the answer choices and guess the testing point. If the
answer choices are short, make a quick guess about what the sentence needs. For
instance, if the answers are all like this.
(A) Came
(B) Coming
(C) Has come
(D) Will come
Think : These answer choices are all verbs, so the sentence must need a verb. Think
about the verb tense while reading the sentence.

But, if the answer choices are all long, like this :

(A) Not only is much of the history unwritten

(B) Although much of the history that is unwritten
(C) It is as much the unwritten history
(D) Much of the history is unwritten
Think : These answer choices are too long to read quickly. Read the sentence first.

Step 2 : Read the sentence, simplify it if possible and look for clues. Look at the
phrases in the sentence, especially if you don’t know all the words and if the sentence
is long. Sometimes you need to understand only part of the sentence in order to
complete it. Look for words and phrases that go together.

The scale of this 1,264-mile coastline is _______ imposing that much of it is difficult
to comprehend close up.
(A) As
(B) such
(C) So
(D) like
Think : The words that go together are “ …..so imposing that ….”

Step 3 : Identify the answer and check it by reading the sentence again. Simplify it if
you can. For the above sentence you can check and simplify by reading :
Xx xxx xx xxx xx xxx coastline is so imposing that much of it is difficult xx xxx .

Error identification
Step 1: Read the sentence, focusing on the underlined words.
Step 2: Guess the testing point and choose the answer.
Step 3: Reread the sentence to check; simplify it if you can.

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For all Structure questions, check by thinking back over the list of frequent testing
points. Ask yourself the following :
- Does the main subject agree with the main verb ?
- Are the adverbs, adjectives and verbs in the right form ?
- Are the words written in parallel construction ?
- Is the verb tense correct ?

Strategies for the reading comprehension questions:

 Skim the reading passage to determine the main idea and the overall
organization of ideas in the passage. You do not need to understand every
detail in each passage to answer the questions correctly.
 Look ahead at the question to determine what types of questions you must
answer. Each type of question is answered in a different way.
 Find the section of the passage that deals with each question.
 For main idea questions, look at the first line of each paragraph.
 For directly and indirectly answered detail questions, choose a key word
in the question, and skim for that key word (or related idea) in order in
the passage.
 For vocabulary questions, the question will tell you where the word is
located in the passage.
 For overall review questions, the answers are found anywhere in the
passage.
 Read the part of the passage that contains the answer carefully. The answer will
probably be in the same sentence (or one sentence before or after) the key word
or idea.
 There are 50 questions in this part. Never leave any answers blank.

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 SECTION 1

LISTENING
COMPREHENSION

In this chapter, you will have an opportunity to practice your ability to understand spoken
English. There are three different types of Practice Exercises, with special directions for
each type.

Part A – Short Conversations

Directions: In part A you will hear short conversations between two people. After
each conversation, you will hear a question about the conversation. The conversations
and questions will not be repeated. After you hear a question, read the four possible
answer in your test book and choose the best answer. Then, on your answer sheet,
find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of
the answer you have chosen.

EXERCISE 1 : Remembering Details From Direct Information

In some short conversations in Part A of the listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to remember details that are directly stated.

1. (A) He is tired. . (B) He wanted to secure it for her.

(B) He is drunk. (C) His job was to check everyone’s
(C) He is thirsty. belongings.
(D) He is busy. (D) He was looking for a standard size.

2. (A) She wants to pay by check.

(B) She prefers to use a credit card.
(C) She has cash. 5. (A) Study with her.
(D) She will need a loan. (B) Help her on the test.
(C) Take a break
3. (A) He was too short. (D) Lend her his notebook.
(B) She didn’t know him very well.
(C) The expensive gift made her
uncomfortable.
(D) The man never gave her gifts.

4. (A) He thought she was a thief.

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 EXERCISE 2 : Selecting From Similar Alternatives
In some short conversations in Part A of the listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to select the correct detail from among several similar alternatives, all of
which have been mentioned in different contexts in the conversation.

1. (A) They are brothers.

(B) They are good friends. 4. (A) To buy the computer at a discount
(C) They are cousins. store.
(D) They are classmates. (B) To put an ad in the newspaper for a
computer.
2. (A) That the man live with Frank and (C) To go to a computer store to buy the
Geoff. computer.
(B) That the man ask Geoff to be his (D) To buy the computer at the university
roommate. as part of a special offer.
(C) That the man and Steve be roommates.
(D) That the man share a room with Frank.
5. (A) She didn’t pay her fees.
3. (A) She earned an A. (B) She didn’t register for the class.
(B) She received a B. (C) She didn’t attend the class.
(C) Her grade was C. (D) She didn’t have her name on the
(D) She got a D or F. roster.

EXERCISE 3 : Understanding Changes of Opinion

In some short conversations in Part A of the listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to identify the speaker’s final choice or decision after a change of opinion.

1.(A) She will get a ride with the man. 2. (A) She would like eggs and potatoes.
(B) She will ride the airport shuttle. (B) She wants eggs and pancakes.
(C) She will drive her car. (C) She wants to eat potato pancakes.
(D) She will rent a car. (D) Pancakes is what she would like to eat.

3. (A) The man bought one box of cookies. 4. (A) The number is 6-9-1
(B) The man ordered four boxes of (B) The area code is 1-9-6.
cookies. (C) 9-1-6 is the area code.
(C) He purchased five boxes of cookies. (D) 6-1-9 is the correct number
(D) He did not order any cookies this year.
5. (A) She will pay five cents per page.
(B) The price is ten cents a copy.
(C) She owes fifteen cents per copy.
(D) Twenty cents per page is the price.
EXERCISE 4 : Recognizing the Meaning of Idioms
 In some short conversations in Part A of the listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to paraphrase idiomatic expressions.
1. (A) She does not think that the man is serious.
(B) She thinks that the man is going to take her to Florida.
(C) She thinks that the man has a good idea.
(D) She thinks that the man does not have any money.

2. (A) That she needs one more semester.

(B) That she needs a hundred dollars.
(C) That the increase will be difficult for her.
(D) That the paper is not dependable.

3. (A) He has left the lecture.

(B) He has used his last piece of paper.
(C) He has said goodbye to the woman.
(D) He has finished giving the lecture.

4. (A) He feels that the test was fair.

(B) He agrees with the woman about the test.
(C) He does not want the woman to tease him about the test.
(D) He is not worried about the test.

5. (A) That the man does not pay attention.

(B) That the man is very honest.
(C) That the man has gone away.
(D) That the man needs to repeat.

EXERCISE 5 : Solving Computations in Conversations

In some short conversations in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, you will
be asked to perform simple mathematical computations like adding, subtracting,
multiplying, or dividing. In other conversations, you will only need to listen for the answer.

1. (A) The man’s mileage is half that of the woman.

(B) The woman’s mileage is the same as that of the man.
(C) The woman’s mileage is twice that of the man.
(D) The man’s mileage is twice that of the woman.

2. (A) At 10:00. (B) At 9:00.

 (C) At 9:15. (B) Twenty-five dollars.
(D) At 9:30. (C) Forty dollars.
(D) Fifty dollars.
3. (A) The man will pay ten dollars.
(B) The man will pay twenty dollars. 5. (A) He will pay $65.
(C) The man will pay thirty dollars. (B) He will pay $10.00.
(D) The man will pay forty dollars. (C) He will pay $9.55
(D) He will not pay for the call.
4. (A) Twenty dollars.

EXERCISE 6 : Drawing Conclusions About the Place

In some short conversations in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to draw conclusions about where the conversation is taking place. Words and
phrases in the conversation will provide information for your conclusions.

1. (A) In a bakery. 3. (A) At a wedding.

(B) In a restaurant. (B) On a honeymoon.
(C) In a bank. (C) In Florida.
(D) On a farm. (D) At an airport.

2. (A) In a dentist’s office. 4. (A) In a laundry.

(B) In a drugstore. (B) In an elevator.
(C) In a dress shop. (C) In a library.
(D) In a restaurant. (D) In a bakery.

5. (A) At a hospital.
(B) At a political convention.
(C) At a graduation.
(D) At a funeral.

EXERCISE 7 : Drawing Conclusions About Feelings and Emotions.

In some short conversations in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to draw conclusions about the feelings or emotions expressed by the
speakers. Words and phrases as well as the tone of voice of speakers in the conversation
will provide information for your conclusions.
 EXERCISE 8 : Making Predictions About the Future
In some short conversations in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to make predictions about the future activities of the speakers. Your
prediction should be based on evidence in the conversation from which you can draw a
logical conclusion.

1.(A) He will probably leave. 3.(A) Call London about the charges.
(B) He will probably order the size orange (B) Accept the charges for the call.
juice they have. (C) Refuse the call from London.
(C) He will probably not have any orange (D) Charge the call to someone in London.
juice.
(D) He will probably have orange juice
instead of hot tea. 4.(A) Ask the woman to make a copy for him.
(B) Go across the street to make a copy.
2.(A) Go to the kitchen to study. (C) Ask the woman for directions to the
(B) Go to her chemistry class. building.
(C) Go to the library to look for her book. (D) Take his copies to the other building.
(D) Go to the table to eat.
5.(A) Join the club.
(B) Pay five dollars for a video.
(C) Rent ten videos.
(D) Go tom the video store.

EXERCISE 9 : Drawing Conclusions From Implied Information

In some short conversations in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to draw general conclusions about the speakers or the situation. Words and
phrases and the tone of voice of speakers in the conversation will provide information for
your conclusions.
1.(A) That he will not use the book.
(B) That he will use the book in the library for two hours.
(C) That he will check the book out before closing.
(D) That he will reserve the book.

2.(A) That the woman cannot get a soda.

(B) That he will go downstairs to get the woman a soda.
(C) That the woman should go downstairs to get a soda.
(D) That he does not know where to get a soda.

3.(A) She thought she had applied to the right school.

(B) She attends an American university now.
(C) She does not have to take the TOEFL.
(D) She graduated from an American high school.

4.(A) That the woman was in line for a long time.

(B) That the man was in line longer than the woman.
(C) That the man registered quickly.
(D) That the woman did not register.

5.(A) He prefers staying at home because he doesn’t like to travel.

(B) He prefers taking a plane because the bus is too slow.
(C) He prefers taking a bus because the plane makes him nervous.
(D) He prefers traveling with the woman.
Part B – Extended Conversations
Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear longer conversations. After each
conversation, you will be asked several questions. The conversations and questions will
not be repeated.

After you hear a question, read the four possible answers in your test book and choose
the best answer. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in
the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.
 EXERCISE 12 : Understanding and Interpreting Conversations Between
Friends
In some extended conversations in part B of the Listening Comprehension Section,
you will be asked to recall information exchanged in conversations on different topics
among friends in a variety of settings.

Conversation One

1. (A) The man’s graduation. 3. (A) Patient.

(B) The couple’s engagement. (B) Surprised.
(C) The man smoking. (C) Worried.
(D) The man’s stress. (D) Irritated.

2. (A) That the man rethink their plans. 4. (A) That she has stopped smoking.
(B) That the man see a family doctor. (B) That she does not want to get
(C) That the man see a psychiatrist. married.
(D) That the man concentrate on his (C) That she has asked the man to quit
studies. smoking many times.
(D) That she is not in love with the man.

EXERCISE 13 : Understanding and Interpreting Conversations With Service

Personnel
In some extended conversations in part B of the Listening Comprehension Section,
you will be asked to recall information exchanged in conversations with service personnel
from stores, restaurants, airports, and other settings where services are performed.

Conversation One

1.(A) The man wants to obtain an international driver’s license that he can use both in the
U.S and in his country.
(B) The man wants to take a driver’s test to get an Arizona driver’s license.
(C) The man wants to know whether he can use his international driver’s license in
Arizona.
(D) The man wants to fill out an application for an Arizona driver’s license.

2.(A) Show his student ID and pay ten dollars.

(B) Use his international driver’s license.
(C) Take a driver’s test and apply for a limited license.
(D) Show proof of temporary residence.
3. (A) Less than one year.
(B) Four years.
(C) Five years.
(D) Ten years.

4.(A) Fill out an application.

(B) Go back to the university to get his ID.
(C) Go to see his friend.
(D) Take a written exam and an eye exam.

EXERCISE 14 : Understanding and Interpreting Conversations With University

Personnel
In some extended conversations in part B of the Listening Comprehension Section,
you will be asked to recall information exchanged in conversations with personnel in
offices on a university campus.

Conversation One

1.(A) A sick friend.

(B) A math class. 3.(A) Young.
(C) School policy. (B) Purcell.
(D) The man’s test. (C) Raleigh.
(D) Kelly.
2.(A) Because it is against the law.
(B) Because the man is not a member 4.(A) Call his friend.
of Terry’s family. (B) Go to the office to get his test.
(C) Because the woman can not find the (C) Send the woman a letter.
test. (D) Take the test later.
(D) Because Terry was too sick to take
the test.

EXERCISE 15 : Understanding and Interpreting

Conversations With University Professors
In some extended conversations in part B of the Listening Comprehension Section,
you will be asked to recall information exchanged in conversations with university
professors in their offices or classrooms.
Conversation One
1. (A) The man’s last appointment.
(B) Professor Irwin’s office hours.
(C) Student advisement during registration.
(D) The man’s health problems.
2. (A) Tuesday at two o’clock.
(B) Thursday at two o’clock.
(C) This afternoon at three o’clock.
(D) Now.

3. (A) He should have made an appointment.

(B) He should have called to cancel his appointment.
(C) He should have come for his appointment.
(D) He should have stayed at home until he was well.

4. (A) Uninterested.
(B) Apologetic.
(C) Sick.
(D) Annoyed.

EXERCISE 16 : Understanding Class Discussions

In some conversations in part B of the Listening Comprehension Section, you
will be asked to understand class discussions similar to the conversations that might be
heard in a college classroom. Be sure to listen for each person’s opinion. It will help
you to practice listening to movies and programs in English at the theater or on TV.
Remember, it will help you even more if you don’t watch the screen while you listen.
Conversation One

1.(A) To discuss the results of the lab experiment.

(B) To answer Bob’s question about the lab experiment.
(C) To explain the method of collection by water displacement.
(D) To prepare the students to do the lab experiment.

2.(A) Magnesium.
(B) Limestone.
(C) Carbon.
(D) Water.

3.(A) The hydrochloric acid broke the carbon bonds in the carbon dioxide.
(B) The magnesium oxide broke the carbon-oxygen bonds in the carbon dioxide.
(C) The burning magnesium broke the carbon-oxygen bonds in the carbon dioxide.
(D) The gas collection method broke the carbon-oxygen bonds in the carbon dioxide.

4.(A) That Bob does not get along with his lab partner.
(B) That the students performed the experiment correctly.
(C) That the student had problems, and could not complete the lab experiment.
(D) That there was a fire in the lab during the experiment.
 Part C-Mini Talks
Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear several e talks. After each talk,
you will hear some questions. The talks and questions will not be repeated.

After you hear a question, read the four possible answer in your test book and
choose the best answer. Then, on your answers sheet, find the number of the
questions and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you
have chosen.

EXERCISE 18 : Understanding Announcements and Advertisements

In some mini talks in part C of the Listening Comprehension Sections, you will be
asked to understand announcements of services or events and advertisements of products
or opinions. Be sure to listen for the topic, date, time, and sponsor of the announcement or
advertisement. It will help you to practice listening to announcements and advertisements
in English on radio and TV.

Mini Talk One

1.(A) To encourage correspondence by mail.

(B) To persuade people to use Southern Telephone Company.
(C) To help callers save money.
(D) To inform the public about direct dialing

2.(A) After five o’clock in the morning.

(B) After eleven o’clock in the morning.
(C) After five o’clock in the evening.
(D) After eleven o’clock at night.

3.(A) $2.17.
(B) $2.70.
(C) $2.07.
(D) $2.77.

4.(A) Dial of operator.

(B) Check the phone book for the overseas operator’s number so that he can help you.
(C) Check the phone book for overseas area codes so that you can dial direct.
(D) Call the Southern Telephone Company.

5.(A) Daytime calls do not require an operator.

(B) Daytime calls have the most expensive rates.
(C) It is not very common to make calls during the day.
(D) Daytime calls are limited to ten minutes.
Mini Talk Two

1. (A) To inform the public about a new air service.

(B) To advertise for Charlotte’s finest restaurants.
(C) To recommend large airplanes.
(D) To encourage the use of travel agents.

2. (A) Appalachian Airlines is very large.

(B) Appalachian Airlines is comfortable.
(C) Appalachian Airlines is faster.
(D) Appalachian Airlines is new.

3. (A) Only in the morning.

(B) Only in the afternoon.
(C) Only on Thursday.
(D) Every morning and afternoon.

4. (A) 800-565-7000.
(B) 800-575-7000.
(C) 800-565-6000.
(D) 800-575-6000.

5. (A) Travel agents in Atlanta.

(B) Residents of the Charlotte area.
(C) Employees of Appalachian Airlines.
(D) Travelers to Florida.
 SECTION 2

STRUCTURE
AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

Problems with verbs

A verb is a word or phrase that expresses action or condition. A verb can be classified as
transitive or intransitive according to whether it requires a complement; it can be classified
further according to the kind of complement it requires, including not only nouns,
pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs, but also –ing forms or infinitives.

1. The sound of the dryer ____ my concentration.

(A) bother
(B) bothers
(C) bothered
(D) bothering

2. The prettiest girl in our class ____ long brown hair and brown eyes.
(A) has
(B) have
(C) is having
(D) haved

3. _______ that he rest for a few days.

(A) Al’s doctor insists
(B) Al’s doctor insisting
(C) Al’s doctor insists on
(D) Al’s doctor

4. We wish that you _____ such a lot of work, because we know that you would have
enjoyed the party.
(A) Hadn’t had
(B) Hadn’t
(C) Didn’t have had
(D) Hadn’t have

5. The team really looks good tonight because the coach had them ____ every night this
week.
(A) practice
(B) to practice
(C) practiced
(D) the practice
6. His English teacher recommends that he _____ a regular degree program.
(A) begin
(B) begins
(C) will begin
(D) is beginning

7. If a food label indicates that a food is mostly carbohydrate, it does not mean ____ is a
good food to eat.
(A) and it
(B) and
(C) that it
(D) when

8. One of the least effective ways of storing information is learning ____ it.
(A)how repeat
(B)to repeat
(C)repeating
(D)repeat

9. Strauss finished ___ two of his published compositions before his tenth birthday.
(A)written
(B)to write
(C)write
(D) writing

10. The brakes need _____

(A) adjusted
(B) to adjustment
(C) to adjust
(D) adjusting

11. Tommy had his big brother ___ his shoes for him.
(A) to tie
(B) tie
(C) tied
(D) tying

12. Let’s go out for dinner, _____?

(A) will we
(B) don’t we
(C) shall we
(D) are we
13. My husband lived at home before we were married, and so _____.
(A) did I
(B) had I
(C) I had
(D) I did

14. I wish that we ____ with my brother when he flies to England next week.
(A) could go
(B) had gone
(C) will go
(D) are going

15. Please ___ photocopies of documents.

(A) not to submit
(B) do not submit
(C) no submit
(D) not submit

Problems with pronouns

A pronoun is a word that can be used instead of a noun, usually to avoid repeating the
noun. A pronoun may be singular or plural; masculine, feminine, or neuter; and first,
second, or third person to agree with the noun to which it refers. A pronoun may be used as
the subject of a sentence or a clause or as the object of a sentence, a clause, or a
preposition. In English, pronouns are also used to express possessives and reflexives.
1. Our host family always invites my roommate and _____ to their house on Sundays.
(A) me
(B) my
(C) I
(D) mine

2. Because they usually receive the same score on standardized examinations, there is often
disagreement as to _____ is the better student, Bob or Helen.
(A) who
(B) which
(C) whom
(D) whose

3. We don’t understand why you object to _____with us.

(A) his come
(B) his self coming
(C) his coming
(D) he comes

4. A few of ____ are planning to drive to Florida during spring break.

(A) We girls
(B) Us girls
(C) Girls we
(D) girls

5. I always ask my sister and _____ for advice.

(A) her
(B) she
(C) hers
(D) herself

6. The first people to live in _____ Hawaii were the Polynesians, who sailed there in large
canoes from other Pacific Islands about 2,000 years ago.
(A) now where is
(B) what is now
(C) it is now
(D) now this is

7. I would like to leave a message for ___ if I may.

(A) they
(B) them
(C) their
(D) theirs
8. If you had told us earlier ____ he was, we could have introduced him at the meeting.
(A) who
(B) which
(C) whom
(D) whoever

9. The two of the notebooks ____ Tom had lost on the bus were returned to the main desk
at his dormitory.
(A) what
(B) who
(C) which
(D) whose

10. I really appreciate ____ to help me, but I am sure that I will be able to manage
by myself.
(A) you to offer
(B) your offering
(C) that you offer
(D) that you are offering

Problems with nouns

A noun is a word that names persons, objects, and ideas. There are two basic classification
of noun in English : count nouns and non count nouns. Count nouns are those that can be
made plural by –s, -es, or an irregular form. They are used in agreement with either
singular or plural verbs. Noun count nouns are those that cannot be made plural in these
ways. They are used in agreement with singular verbs. It is necessary to know whether a
noun is count or non count to maintain verb agreement and to choose to correct adjective
modifiers.

1. A desert receives less than twenty-five _____of rainfall every year.

(A) centimeter
(B) a centimeter
(C) centimeters
(D) of centimeters

2. I hope I can save _____ for weekdays.

(A) a few dollar
(B) a few dollars
(C) a lot of dollars
(D) a little moneys
3. The assignment for Monday was to read _____ in your textbooks.
(A) chapter tenth
(B) the chapter ten
(C) chapter the tenth
(D) the tenth chapter

4. John F. Kennedy was ____ of the United States.

(A) the thirty-five president
(B) the thirty-fifth president
(C) the president thirty-fifth
(D) President the thirty-five

Problems with modifiers

A modifier can be an adjective or an adjectival phrase that describes a noun or an –ing
form. A modifier can also be an adverb or an adverbial phrase that adds information about
the verb, adjective, or another verb. Adjectives do not change form to agree with the nouns
or –ing forms that they describe, but some adjectives are used only with count nouns and
others are used only with non count nouns.

1. This drink tastes a little _____ to me.

(A) strongly
(B) so strong
(C) strong
(D) too much strong
2. They listened _____ while the examiner gave them the directions for Part I.
(A) attentive
(B) attentively
(C) attentiveness
(D) attention
3. I don’t understand how John could have made ____ in judgment.
(A) such big mistake
(B) such a big mistake
(C) so a big mistake
(D) so big mistake
4. You can give a receipt if you want to, but your word is _____ for me.
(A) enough good
(B) good as enough
(C) good enough
(D) good than enough
5. Jacobson’s is one of the most expensive _____ in the city.
(A) department store
(B) departments stores
(C) departments store
(D) department stores

6. We used to go skiing in Michigan every winter, but I haven’t gone _____

the past five seasons.
(A) from
(B) for
(C) to
(D) since

7. My sister has a _____baby.

(A) two-months-old
(B) two-month-olds
(C) two-months-olds
(D) two-month-old

8. I like these dishes, but_____ is a little too small.

(A) the tea cup
(B) the cup of tea
(C) the tea’s cup
(D) the cup for the tea

9. If the cab arrives ____, you will miss your flight.

(A) lately
(B) lateness
(C) more later
(D) late

10. Could you please tell me the ____ for Biology 457 and Chemistry 610 ?
(A) rooms numbers
(B) rooms number
(C) room’s number
(D) room numbers
 Problems with comparatives
A comparative can be a word or phrase that expresses similarity or difference. A
comparative can also be a word ending like –er or –est that expresses a degree of
comparison with adjectives and adverbs.
1. ____ the worse I seem to feel.
(A) When I take more medicine
(B) The more medicine I take
(C) Taking more of the medicine
(D) More medicine taken

2. We’re going to Florida as soon as ___ taking our final exams.

(A) we’re finish
(B) we’ll finish
(C) we’d finish
(D) we finish

3. Mary’s job is ____ Bill’s.

(A) hard
(B) as hard
(C) as hard as
(D) harder as

4. The works of Picasso were quite ______ during various periods of his artistic life.
(A) differ
(B) different
(C) different from
(D) different than

5. They are ____ my other neighbors.

(A) more friendlier than
(B) friendlier than
(C) friendlier as
(D) friendlier than

6. The new soap is not much ____ the others that I have tried.
(A) different
(B) different than
(C) different from
(D) different that
7. Although she is very popular, she is not _____ her sister.
(A) pretty as
(B) as pretty
(C) prettier than
(D) more pretty than

8. The tuition at an American university runs ____ six thousand dollars a semester.
(A) so high as
(B) as high to
(C) as high as
(D) as high than

9. ___ I get to know her, the more I like her.

(A) For more
(B) More
(C) The more
(D) The most

10. Ms. Jones isn’t as nice ____ Ms. Smith.

(A) as
(B) for
(C) like
(D) to

Problems with Connectors

A connector is a word or phrase that joins words, phrases, or clauses. A connector
expresses relationships between the words, phrases, and clauses that it joins. Some
common relationships are cause and result, contradiction. Substitution, addition,
exception, example, and purpose.

1. I didn’t hear ____when he gave us the assignment.

(A) what the professor says
(B) that the professor says
(C) what the professor said
(D) which the professor says

2. We were both pleased ___ honored to be guests of the president.

(A) also
(B) and
(C) alike
(D) as
3. Betty moved from the dormitory ___the noise.
(A) because
(B) cause
(C) because of
(D) caused from

4. James plays not only on the basketball squad ___.

(A) But on the baseball team
(B) but on the baseball team also
(C) also on the baseball team
(D) but also on the baseball team

Problems with Adverbs and Adverb-Related Structures

1. After only six months in the United States, Jack understood everyone _____.
(A) perfect
(B) with perfect
(C) perfectly
(D) perfectively

2. Helen types ____ and ____

(A) fast and efficient
(B) fast and efficiently
(C) fastly and efficiently
(D) with fast and very efficient

3. Penguins, the most highly specialized of all aquatic birds, may live ____ twenty years.
(A) before
(B) since
(C) for
(D) from

4. Memorial day, a holiday set aside to remember those who have died, is usually
celebrated on ___.
(A) thirtieth May
(B) the thirtieth May
(C) May thirty
(D) the thirtieth of May
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

Problem with point of view

Point of view is the relationship between the verb in the main clause of a sentence and
other verbs, or between the verbs in a sentence and the adverbs that express time.

1. This year designers are showing very bright colors and styles that were worn closer
A B
to the body than those shown last year.
C D
2. Everyone who saw Star Wars said that it is one of the best science fiction
A B C
movies that had ever been released.
D
3. Before he retired last April, Mr. Thompson is working as foreign student advisor
A B
for thirty years at Community College.
C D
4. The secretary thought that she will have to wait until tomorrow to send the letters
A B
because the mail had already gone, but her boss suggested that she take them
C D
to the post office instead.

5. Dew usually disappeared by seven o’clock in the morning when the sun comes up.
A B C D
6. Although there are approximately 120 intensive language institutes in the United States
A B C
in 1970, there are more than three time as many now.
D
7. On October 19,1781, Cornwallis surrenders his army to General Washington, a gesture
A B C
that signaled the end of the Revolutionary War.
D
8. When he tried to make a reservation, he found that the hotel that he wants was
A B
completely filled because of a convention.
C D
9. It is an accepted custom for guests to take their gifts to the wedding reception when
A B C
the couple invited them to attend.
D
26
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

10. Cartographers did not make an accurate map because the political situation in

in the area changes so rapidly that they were not able to draw
A B C
the boundaries correctly.
D

Problem with agreement

Agreement is the relationship between a subject and verb or between a pronoun and noun,
or between a pronoun. To agree, a subject and verb must both be singular or both be plural.
To agree, a pronoun and the noun or pronoun to which it refers must both be singular and
both be masculine or feminine or neuter.

1. What happened at Kent State in 1970 were the result of the president’s order
A B C
to invade Cambodia.
D
2. The governor, with his wife and children, are at home watching the election
A B C
returns on television.
D
3. Both a term paper and a final exam is required for Chemistry 320.
A B C D
4. Benjamin Franklin strongly objected to the eagle’s being chosen as the national bird
A B
because of their predatory nature.
C D
5. It is surprising that there were not a serious objection to their changing
A B C
the regulation for the chess tournament without consulting the officials.
D
6. Everyone who takes the examination will receive their score reports in six weeks.
A B C D
7. The popularity of soccer in the United States were increased significantly by
A B
the playing of the World Cup in cities throughout the country in 1994.
C D

27
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

8. Buenos Aires is one of the world capitals that are noted for its busy harbor.
A B C D
9. In order to grow well, the Blue Spruce, like other pine trees, require a temperature climate.
A B C D
10. Although the body has been reduced in size by eighteen inches, there have been
A B C D
little change in the engine of the new models.

Problem with Introductory Verbal Modifiers

Introductory Verbal Modifiers are –ing forms, participles, and infinitives. A phrase with an
introductory verbal modifier occurs at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a
comma. The subject modified by an introductory verbal modifiers must follow the comma.
If the correct subject does not follow the comma, then the meaning of the sentence is
changed. Often the changed meaning is not logical.

1. A competitive sport, gymnasts perform before officials who must use their judgment
A B
along with their knowledge of the rules to determine the relative skill of each
C D
participant.

2. While researching the problem of violence crime, the Senate committee’s discovery
A
that handguns were used to commit 64 percent of all murders in the United States.
B C D
3. Having hit more home runs than any other player in the history of baseball,
A B C
Hank Aaron’s record is famous.
D
4. After cooking in the microwave oven for five minutes, one should put most meat
A B C
dishes on a platter to cool.
D
5. To prevent cavities, dental floss should be used daily after brushing one’s teeth.
A B C D
6. By migrating to a warmer climate every fall, survival is assured for another year.
A B C D

28
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

Problem with parallel structure

Parallel structure is the use of the same grammatical structures for related ideas of equal
importance. Related ideas of equal importance often occur in the form of a list. Sometimes
related ideas of equal importance are connected by conjunctions, such as and, but, and or.

1. Air travel is fast, safe, and it is convenient.

A B C D
2. To control quality and making decisions about production are among the many
A B C D
responsibilities of an industrial engineer.

3. The six main parts of a business letter are the address, the inside address,
A B C
the salutation, the body, the closing, and signing your name.
D
4. A new product should be judged not by the promises made in commercials and
A B
advertisements, but also by the results demonstrated in actual use.
C D
5. In order to become a law, a bill must be passed not only by the Senate but also
A B C
the House of Representative.
D
6. Tom is the best candidate for the position because he understands the project,
A B
knows the University, and who works very hard.
C D
7. To read literature and being introduced to a different culture are two excellent
A B C
reasons for studying a foreign language.
D
8. We solved the problem by using a computer rather than to do it all by hand.
A B C D

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TOEFL Try Out LPIA

Problem with redundancy

Redundancy is the unnecessary repetition of words and phrases.

1. Blood plasma it is the transportation system for all of the widely separated organs
A B C

in the human body.

D
2. International law is made up of the rules and customs that they deal with the
A B C
relationships between different nations and the citizens of different nations.
D
3. Little House on the Prairie, a successful television program, was adapted from

a series of books by a young pioneer woman whose life was similar to that of
A B C
the character called by name Laura.
D
4. Charles Schuls he made the first drawing of the famous cartoon strip Peanuts
A B C
thirty years ago.
D
5. The entry is more perfect than that of the other contestant.
A B C D
6. World hunger it is one of the most urgent problems that we face today.
A B C D

Problem with Word Choice

Word choice is the selection of words that express the exact meaning of an idea.
Sometimes it is necessary to make a choice between words that are very similar in
appearance but very different in meaning.

1. Mr. Davis had to sell his business because he made some unwise investments
A B C
and went broke.
D

30
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

2. After trying without success to talk with them, Mr. Brown lost his patience and
A B C
gave them their walking papers.
D
3. Most therapists agree that it is not a good idea for patients to lay in bed
A B C
without exercising.
D
4. The condition of menkind has been improved by recent technological advances.
A B C D
5. Bored of his jobs, he made an appointment to see an advisor at the counseling center.
A B C D
6. In some states, the law allows drivers to turn right at a red light, but in other states,
A B
the law does not leave them to do it.
C D

Problem with Structure

Structure is the correct use of verbs, pronouns, nouns, modifiers, comparatives, and
connectors.

1. The colonel wanted to retreat, but the general insisted that he continue do
A B C
everything necessary in order to win the battle.
D
2. There are not many people which adapt to a new culture without feeling
A B C D
some disorientation at first.

3. Miss Smith returned home quite lately that night to find that someone
A B C
had broken into her garage and stolen her car.
D
4. It was her who suggested that he go to New York in order to get a direct flight.
A B C D
5. The modern science knows to assist women who are unable to give birth
A B
to babies by normal means is one of the miracles of the twentieth century.
C D

31
 TOEFL Try Out LPIA

6. Although she seems to be very mature, Ann is much younger as the other girls
A B C D
in her class.

SECTION 3

READING COMPREHENSION

Text 1
After you decided what kind of car you want, which options you need, and how
much you can afford to spend, you should shop at several dealerships. Buying a car is one
of the few purchases that you will make in the United States that allows for negotiation.
In the case of cars, new and used, the sticker price posted on the window is not fixed, and
the car dealer will expect you to bargain. It has been estimated that fewer than 20 percent
of all new car buyers end up paying an amount even close to the list price.
To save the most money, use the following strategies when you negotiate. In the
first place, don’t mention that you have a car to trade in until you have agreed on a price
for the car you want to buy. If the salespersons know in advance, they may quote you a
high price for the trade-in, but the price of the new car may be adjusted to include the
added amount. In addition, buy a car that is already on the dealer’s lot instead of ordering a
car.
(13) The dealer has to pay insurance and finance charges for every car in the inventory
and is usually willing to sell one for less money in order to reduce the overhead expenses.
Furthermore, try to buy your new car at the end the year, just before the next year’s models
arrive in the fall. Dealers are usually glad to move these cars off their lots to make room
for the new models. If you can’t wait until fall to buy your car, at least wait until the end of
the month, when the dealer is trying to reach a set sales quota in order to earn a bonus from
(19) the manufacturer.
Finally, don’t mention to the car dealer that you intend to pay cash or use a bank for
financing until the deal is closed. Some dealers will offer a lower price if they believe that
they will have the opportunity to arrange the financing and collect a commission.

32
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

1. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this passage?

(A) To complain about car dealers
(B) To offer advice to prospective car buyers
(C) To sell new cars
(D) To explain how to finance a car

2. According to the author, when should a buyer purchase a new car?

(A) In December
(B) In the fall
(C) Near the first of the month
(D) At the end of the week

3. The author recommends all of the following strategies for getting

the best price on a new car EXCEPT_____
(A) Negotiating a lower price than the one that appears on the stickers
(B) Not telling the dealer that you have a car to trade in
(C) Financing the new car at the dealership
(D) Buying a car that is on the dealer’s lot instead of ordering one

4. The word “inventory” in line 13 could best be replaced by ____

(A) The cars that the dealer has to sell
(B) The cars that the dealer has old
(C) The cars that the dealer must sell every month
(D) The cars that the dealer will order

5.The word “one” in line 13 could best be replaced by _____

(A) insurance
(B) you
(C) a car
(D) the dealer

6. It can be inferred from the passage that _____

(A) Negotiating a price for most purchases is not common
in the United States
(B) Car dealers in the United States are not honest
(C) New cars are very expensive in the United States
(D) Most shoppers have a car to trade in.
 TOEFL Try Out LPIA

Text 2
In-state residents at State University pay one-fifth the amount in tuition fees that out-
of-state residents are required to pay. This is true because State University is supported by
state funds contributed in part by the taxpayers who reside in the state.
The legal residence status of all students is determined at the time of their enrollment
in State University and may not be changed unless the circumstances change. For example,
a nonresident minor whose parents establish legal residence in the state or a nonresident
adult who established legal residence in the state and maintains it for twelve months may
petition for a change of status.
Personnel attached to military bases in the state are not eligible for legal residence
(10) status until they have lived the state for one year. Foreign nationals who have entered the
United States legally and hold green resident alien cards may be eligible for in-state status
twelve months after the card has been issued provided that they have documenting
evidence that they have lived in the state for twelve consecutive months. Acceptable
evidence includes either a statement from the telephone company indicating that they have
had a telephone in their name at the place of residence for one year or a statement from an
employer that they have lived and worked in the state for one year. Purchase and
ownership of property in the state or tax records indicating payment in the previous year
will not be acceptable proof.
Students who have reason to believe that they have been classified incorrectly and are
thus paying higher tuition fees may submit their cases in writing for review by the
registrar.

1. With which of the following topics is the passage primarily concerned?

(A) Residency requirements for students
(B) Green cards for resident aliens
(C) Acceptable evidence for resident status
(D) Tuition restrictions for military personnel

2. Why do residents of other states pay higher tuition at State University?

(A) Because they do not have green resident alien cards
(B) Because they do not pay taxes in the state
(C) Because they do not own homes in the state
(D) Because they have not been classified correctly
 TOEFL Try Out LPIA

3. The author mentions all of the following options as evidence of residence in state
EXCEPT
(A) a statement from the telephone company
(B) a statement from an employer
(C) documentation of twelve consecutive months in the state
(D) a tax record

4. The word “consecutive” in line 13 is closest in meaning to

(A) complete
(B) continuous
(C) acceptable
(D) documented

5. The word “it” in line 7 refers to

(A) residence
(B) state
(C) change
(D) status

6. It can be inferred from the passage that an out of state resident pays
(A) five times the amount that an in-state resident pays
(B) twenty percent more than an in-state resident pays
(C) one-fifth the amount that an in state resident pays
(D) twice as much as an in-state resident pays

Text 3
William Lyon Mackenzie King was a Canadian statesmen and leader of the Liberal
Party who held the office of prime minister for a total of twenty-one years, longer than any
public servant in the history of Canada. His father was a prominent judge, and his mother
the daughter of William Lyon Mackenzie, leader of the rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada.
Greatly influenced by his famous grandfather, King was determined to serve his country in
the role of reformer. After graduation from the University of Toronto with a degree in
economics, he studied sociology and labor relations at Harvard and Chicago University. He
served his fellow Canadians in many appointed and elected offices, including among them
a seat in the parliament, before being elected prime minister in 1921. his three terms of
(10) office were marked by compromise, and he was often criticized for procrastination.
Nevertheless, he earned 5the respect of most Canadians for his political astuteness and
what one biographer, John Moir of the University of Toronto, has called his “essential
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

Canadianness ”. According to Moir, King’s methods may have been frustrating to some,
but he was able to maintain unity and extend Canadian autonomy while acting within a
difficult federal system.

1. What is the author’s main point?

(A) King made a valuable contribution to Canada
(B) King’s methods were frustrating to many Canadians.
(C) King came from a prominent Canadian family.
(D) King held many positions in government.

2. According to biographer John Moir, why was King admired?

(A) for his procrastination
(B) for his willingness to compromise
(C) for his ability to deal with frustration
(D) for his Canadian persona

3. The author mentions all of the following universities as institutions where King studied
EXCEPT
(A) Harvard University
(B) University of Upper Canada
(C) Chicago University
(D) University of Toronto

4. The word “autonomy” in line 14 could best be replaced by ___

(A) independence
(B) culture
(C) friendship
(D) conscientiousness

5. The word “them” in line 8 refers to ____

(A) terms
(B) Canadians
(C) relations
(D) offices
 TOEFL Try Out LPIA

6. It can be inferred from the passage that William Lyon Mackenzie King was___
(A) Proud of his family
(B) Not popular with the voters
(C) Not well educated
(D) Not willing to delay his judgment

Text 4
Humanity’s primal efforts to systematize the concept of size, shape, and
number are usually regarded as the earliest mathematics. However, the concept of
number and the counting process developed so long before the time of recorded
history (there is archaeological evidence that counting was employed by humans as
far back as 50.000 years ago) that manner of this development is largely conjectural.
Imagining how it probably came about is not difficult. The argument that humans,
even in prehistoric times, had some number sense, at least to the extent of
recognizing the concepts of more and less when some objects were added to or
taken away from a small group, seems fair, for studies have shown that some
(10) animals possess such a sense.
With the gradual evolution of society, simple counting became imperative. A
tribe had to know how many members it had and how many enemies, and a
shepherd needed to know if the flock of sheep was decreasing in size. Probably the
earliest way of keeping a count was by some simple tally method, employing the
principle of one-to-one correspondence. In keeping a count of sheep, for example,
one finger per sheep could be turned under. Counts could also be maintained by
making scratches in the dirt or on a stone, by cutting notches in a piece of wood, or
by tying knots in a string.
Then, perhaps later, an assortment of vocal sounds was developed as a word
(20) tally against the number of objects in a small group. And still later, with the
refinement of writing, a set of signs was devised to stand for these numbers. Such an
imagined development is supported by reports of anthropologists in their studies of
present-day societies that are thought to be similar to those of early humans.

1. What does the passage mainly discuss?

(A)The efforts of early humans to care for herds of animals
(B) The development of writing
(C) The beginnings of mathematics
(D) Similarities in number sense between humans and animals
TOEFL Try Out LPIA

2. The word “conjectural” in line 5 is closest in meaning to ___

(A) complex
(B) based on guessing
(C) unbelievable
(D) supported by careful research

3. Why does the author mention animals in line 10 ?

(A) To support a theory about the behavior of early humans
(B) To identify activities that are distinctly human
(C) To illustrate the limits of a historical record of human development
(D) To establish that early humans kept domesticated animals

4. The word “it” in line 12 refers to ___

(A) evolution
(B) counting
(C) tribe
(D) shepherd

5. What is the basic principle of the tally method describe in the second paragraph?
(A) The count is recorded permanently.
(B) Calculations provide the total count.
(C) Large quantities are represented by symbols.
(D) Each marker represent a single object.

6. The word “employing” in line 14 is closest in meaning to ___

(A) using
(B) paying
(C) focusing
(D) hiring