Modul Bahasa Inggris 1

Part 2
PBT
TOEFL COURSE

RPS:
LISTENING 2-15
STRUCTURE 1-
14
READING 1-12
 LISTENING

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to predict the answer to the question “Where does the
conversation probably take place?” by learning the circumstances.

Brief explanation:
The question “Where does the conversation probably take place?” often appears on Part A of the
Listening Comprehension Section. This question is considered the easiest question. Therefore, make
sure that you get the answers right if you have to do this kind of question. Learn the following
answer choices.

All answer choices above indicate names of places. Therefore, you may guess that the question must
be "Where does the conversation probably take place? The strategy you can use is to link those
places with the possible vocabularies and expressions used in the conversation to choose the correct
answer choice. Learn the following table.

Learn the example of TOEFL test.

Exercise 1.2 Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. At the office
b. At the campus
c. At the restaurant
d. At the department store
2. Question 2
a. In campus
b. In the hospital
c. In the laboratory
d. In the pharmacy
3. Question 3
a. In the laboratory
b. In a class
c. At the computer storeAt the computer store
d. In the hospital
4. Question 4
a. In a supermarket
b. In a market
c. In a fire department
d. In a campground
5. Question 5
a. At the library
b. At the research center
c. In class
d. At the dentist's

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about who the speaker probably is
or who the speakers probably are.
Brief explanation:

In Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, the question about "who" often appears in the
TOEFL test. The questions can be phrased in some ways as follows:

 Who is the woman?

 Who is probably the man?
 Who are the speakers?
 Who is the man in the conversation?
 Who will the woman meet after the discussion?

Learn the following answer choices in the TOEFL test.

(A) a student and a professor

(B) a doctor and a patient

(C) a tenant and home owner

(D) a library clerk and a student

This kind of question is also believed to be one of the easiest questions. Like the previous strategy,
you can link the jobs of the people in the answer choices with the possible vocabularies and
expressions used in the conversation.

Learn the following table.

Exercise 3.1 Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. A party caterer.
b. A shoe repairperson.
c. A salesclerk in a shoe store.
d. A salesclerk in a gadget store.
2. Question 2
a. A pharmacist
b. A dentist.
c. A teacher.
d. A doctor.
3. Question 3
a. A pilot.
b. A flight attendant.
c. A police officer
d. An air traffic controller.
4. Question 4
a. A delivery man
b. A famous chef.
c. A waiter in a restaurant.
d. A barista in a café
5. Question 5
a. A store clerk.
b. A bank teller.
c. an accountant.
d. A waitress.
About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to answer the question in listening Part A which asks what the
speakers are talking about.
Brief explanation:
This question about the topic the speakers are talking about can be phrased in some ways:

 What are they mainly talking about?

 What are the speakers discussing?

In the answer choices, you will find the noun phrases with 2- 4 words which indicate the topic of the
conversation.

The strategy you can apply is to anticipate the topic in the conversation by paying attention to the
key words in the answer choices. Hence, you can focus on what you are going to listen to in the
recording. The underlined words are some key words from the answer choices.

(A) school assignment

(B) their majors in university.
(C) state university
(D) sociology in social science

Now learn the example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:

(Woman): I'm Carla. Nice to meet you. I study biology here. What are you majoring in?
(Man): Sociology. I'm in the faculty of social and political science. It discusses more about patterns of
social relationships, social interaction, and culture.
(Narrator) What are they talking about?

You will read:

(A) school assignment
(B) their majors in university
(C) state university
(D) sociology in social and political science

Exercise 4.1 Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. Looking for an apartment
b. Finding the best department on campus.
c. Compartment in the train
 d. expensive tuition fee
2. Question 2
a. A reputable university
b. Decisions to take economics and business department.
c. Research projects
d. Reasons to go to the university
3. Question 3
a. Credit payments
b. Number of credit cards
c. Number of credits this semesterdits this semester
d. Contractual agreement
4. Question 4
a. Noisy house
b. Final exams
c. Studying in the library
d. borrowing books from the library
5. Question 5
a. Best basketball team
b. State championships
c. Online games
d. Basketball game

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to answer the questions in Part A of Comprehension Listening
Section which ask what the speaker probably does next.
Brief explanation:
The question about what the speaker is going to do next can be phrased in some questions as
follows:

 What will the man probably do next?

 What will the woman probably do next?

 What does the man suggest the woman do next?

In the answer choices, you notice that all answer choices start with "to infinitive", which shows an
activity the man or the woman probably does next.
(A) to buy a novel in the bookstore
(B) to attend his math class
(C) to have dinner in the new café
(D) to close the bookstore

The strategy you can apply is to find keywords from the answer choices and connect with what you
hear in the recording. The underlined words are some key words you should pay attention to when
listening to the conversation in the recording.
(A) to buy a novel in the bookstore
(B) to attend his math class
(C) to have dinner in the new café

(D) to close the bookstore

Learn the example of the TOEFL test.

You will hear:
(Woman) : Hi Peter. I'm thinking of having dinner in the new cafe in front of campus. Would you like
to go with me?
(Man): I'm afraid, I can't. I'm in a hurry to get to the bookstore before it closes.

(Narrator) What will the man probably do next?

You will read:
(A) to buy a novel in the bookstore
(B) to attend his psychology class
(C) to have dinner in the new café
(D) to close the bookstore

Exercise 5.1 Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. meet the professor
b. make a call
c. discuss the research paper
d. wait for the professor
2. Question 2
a. Walk to the student center
b. Go to the student center with the man
c. Cross the street to wait for the different bus
d. take a taxi to the student center
3. Question 3
a. drive with the man
b. contact the highway patrol
c. call her boyfriend to pick her up
d. drive her car carefully
4. Question 4
a. Buy a scanner
b. Go downstairs to Room 5B
c. Scan the picture in Room 5B
d. Go downstairs and use the scanner
5. Question 5
a. Go to the café for a drink
b. Go to campus for a class
c. Go to the café to book a table
d. Go to the campus café to look for her cellphone

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to choose the correct answer choices by learning the question
which asks about meanings.

Brief explanation:

The questions about meanings can be phrased in some ways as follows:

 What does the man/woman mean?

 What does the man/woman imply?

 What can be inferred from the man/woman?

 What can be concluded about the man/woman?

Keep in your mind that the answer choices to this type of question are always indicated by the use of
a sentence (The sentence contains a subject and a verb.) The strategy that you can use is to focus on
the second line expressed by the second speaker. The answer to this question is, however, not
directly stated in the conversation. Therefore, you have to make an inference about the conversation.
Look at the following example of TOEFL test:

You will hear:

(woman) Mark, I have a problem with my accounting homework. Could you help me with it?
(man) I'm afraid, I can't. I'm busy myself. I'm completing my research paper. I have to hand it in
tomorrow at 10.
(narrator) What does the man imply?

You will read:

(A) He is busy doing his homework.

(B) He can't help her with her homework.
(C) He's afraid of his research paper
(D) He'll help her to hand it her research paper

Exercise 6.1: Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. She hasn‟t seen Peter the whole day.
b. Peter was not sure about his class assignment.
c. Peter was in the library a short time ago.
d. Peter is surely in the campus café.
2. Question 2
a. She has a problem with her eyes.
b. She thought the play was amazing.
c. The play was absolutely boring.
d. She needs to see the optician.
3. Question 3
a. He was fortunate to receive financial support for his studies.
b. He did not get the fee at the college.
c. He is a smart scholar at the college.
d. He will try to apply for the scholarship.
4. Question 4
a. She would go to the mall on another day.
 b. The woman finally decided to sail
c. She would like go to the mall to buy shoes
d. She cannot buy shoes because of the money.
5. Question 5
a. The college is not changing the requirements.
b. His documents do not meet the scholarship requirement
c. The changes really shock him.
d. He will apply for the scholarship despite the changes

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to choose the correct answer choice by paying particular attention
to the questions which ask about suggestions.

Brief explanation:

Some questions in Part A of Listening Comprehension Section focus on suggestions. The questions
can be phrased in some ways as follows:

 What does the man/woman suggest?

 What does the man suggest that the woman do?

 What does the woman suggest that the man do?

One of the easiest ways to recognize a suggestion in the conversation is by paying attention to the
common expressions to introduce a suggestion. Here are some expressions that you need to be
familiar with.

 You/we should …

 You/we had better…

 You/we ought to…

 If I were you, I would

 If I were in your shoes, I would…?

 Maybe we could…

 Why don’t you…?

 Why don’t we…?

 What/how about …?

 What if you/we…

 Have you ever thought of …?

Now learn the example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:

(Man) : Are you all in line here to get the concert ticket?
(Woman) : Yes, we are. Why don't you take the number over there?
(Narrator) : What does the woman suggest that the man do?

You will read:

(A) Stand in line for the ticket box

(B) Go home to take the number
(C) Get the line number
(D) See the music concert

Exercise 7.1: Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. Move to another apartment
b. Get another seat in the compartment
c. Move on walking to the campus
d. Go to the nearest campus
2. Question 2
a. have his computer fixed
b. start writing from references
c. go to the research center
d. change his project
3. Question 3
a. move the car
b. Move to the best café
c. Go to another room
d. Change his residence
4. Question 4
a. do the project
b. see a film
c. go the project site
d. review the movie
5. Question 5
a. go out tonight and see a movie.
b. stay home and relax.
c. work on the research paper.
d. go out to read the paper

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to choose the correct answer choice by paying particular attention
to the similar sound. Similar sound is only a distraction which may be intentionally designed to
confuse you.
Brief explanation:

The answer choices in the listening test are often problematic and they only function as distractions.
It is, of course, very confusing. Therefore, you must be careful with sound distraction. The answer
choice with the similar sound to the sound in the conversation is often not the correct choice. In
contrast, the answer choice with the different sound and restatement of the main points in the
recording is often the correct answer choice.
Learn the example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:

(man) : Did Peter buy a new apartment room?

(woman) : No. He lacked money. He always has problems with financial matters.
(narrator) : What does the woman mean?

You will read:

(A) Peter doesn't need to stay in an apartment.

(B) Peter locked the apartment room.
(C) The lock in the apartment did not work.
(D) Peter did not have much money.

Exercise 8.1: You will read 4 words. Listen and choose the right word. The other three words are only
distractions.

1. Male milk melt mail

2. Paint pain pail pale
3. Search shirt dirt research
4. Maid mail made mine
5. Apartment department government compartment

Exercise 8.2: Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. She needs to drink.
b. She needs to wait for the cash.
c. She needs to water the grass.
d. She needs to avoid the crash.
2. Question 2
a. Jane marked her date with Mark.
b. The rate of the movie was higher.
c. Jane had an appointment with Mark to see a film.
d. The date to see a movie with Jane was unsure.
3. Question 3
a. He uses a computer for his work every day
b. He talks with communities almost every day
c. He goes by train back and forth to California.
d. He communicates with some officials in California
4. Question 4
a. He searched his project paper.
b. His shirt does not fit him anymore.
c. He hopes to complete his research soon
d. His camera‟s focus does not work.
 5. Question 5
a. The novels cost five dollars.
b. The boy really likes reading novels.
c. Some novels are cheaper than the usual prices.
d. The bookstore does not sell novels

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to choose the correct answer choice by paying attention to the
synonym. A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.

Brief explanation:
Synonym is a very important point you have to remember when doing Part A of the Listening
Comprehension Section. You may find words with the same meaning as the words spoken in the
conversation even though they have different sounds. In other words, the answer choices will use
different words to express the same meaning (restatement). Your job is to find the answer choice
that contains the same meaning although expressed differently.

Learn the example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:

(Woman): Look at those two female basketball team members. Are they twins?
(Man) : I guess so. There is no difference between those twin girls except their height.
(Narrator): What does the man imply?

You will read:

(A) One twin is taller than the other.

(B) Both of the girls are tall.
(C) The twins do not look different at all.
(D) The twins are afraid of the height.

Exercise 9.1: Read and choose the answer choice with the same meaning.

1. Carla wants to get ahead.

a. Her head hurts.
b. She wants to have her hair cut.
c. She wants to achieve success.
d. Her head needs to be examined.
2. The apartment room is not inconvenient.
a. The room looks inconvenient.
b. The room is all right. It doesn't bother.
c. The room looks dirty.
d. The room is wide, but a bit dirty.
3. There is no rush.
a. You do not need to be in a hurry.
b. You may have a new crush.
c. You may crash another motorcycle.
 d. There is no bust available.
4. The central office cut down the research budget.
a. The research budget from the central office is low.
b. The central office has allocated the research budget.
c. Cutting down the research budget for the central office is not wise.
d. The central office decreased the research budget.
5. He hardly ever visits his grandmother.
a. He often visits his grandmother.
b. He almost never visits his grandmother.
c. His visit to his grandmother is delayed.
d. He tried hard to work for his grandmother.

Exercise 9.2. Listen and choose the best answer.

1. Question 1
a. The man looks great and has good appearance.
b. He has to write more features in the website.
c. The figures on the phone are not clear.
d. He is not really sure how to operate the cellphone.
2. Question 2
a. He has asked John to clean the room many times.
b. He is lazy enough to remind John.
c. He has cleaned the floor many times.
d. He does not know the time to clean the floor.
3. Question 3
a. He always sleeps well.
b. He waits for his girlfriend till the last minute.
c. He always studies effectively.
d. He has bad study habits.
4. Question 4
a. He always shows the menu for his customers.
b. He is accustomed to wait.
c. He can't do the woman's instruction.
d. He waits for his friend
5. Question 5
a. His appointment is finally approved
b. His dad comes to see the dentist.
c. He will meet the dentist tomorrow.
d. He needs to reschedule to see the dentist.

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to choose the correct answer choice by paying particular attention
to the expression spoken by the second speaker.

Brief explanation:
In Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, the answer choice can be generally found in the
second line of the conversation. Therefore, you should pay particular attention to the second line.
The first speaker usually starts the conversation to create a setting or a context of the conversation,
whereas the main point of conversation to be tested in the TOEFL test is spoken by the second
speaker.

Learn the example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:

(Man) : Why don't we see a music concert after the test is over?
(Woman): I'm afraid, I can't. I don't like getting behind in the assignment. There are two assignments
that I have to complete after the test is over.
(Narrator) What does the woman probably do after the test is over?

You will read:

(A) To see a music concert

(B) To complete the test
(C) To do her assignments
(D) To see a music concert after completing her assignments

Exercise 10.1: Listen and choose the best answer.

Question 1
a. Peter wants to change his plans.
b. Peter is not good when making plans.
c. Peter can make his own decision.
d. Peter always makes smart decisions.
Question 2
a. The professor knows details about the proposal.
b. The professor will not like the proposal.
c. The professor will accept the proposal.
d. The professor will describe his good data.
Question 3
a. He enjoyed the music very much.
b. He was too busy to see a music concert.
c. He doesn‟t like the music concert.
d. The music concert costs a lot.
Question 4
a. He is disturbed by the noise.
b. He doesn't like the music genre.
c. He prepares for the music performance.
d. He will present his perspectives on music.
Question 5
a. He thinks that his hair is not good.
b. He will work hard for the project.
c. He will not go out with the woman.
d. He agrees with the woman's idea.
About:
In this strategy, you will learn some expressions with comparative forms which often appear in Part A
of the Listening Comprehension Section.
Brief explanation:
The comparative forms are often tested in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section. Therefore,
you have to be familiar with the patterns. There are at least two patterns of comparative forms that
you need to learn.
 Short adjective + -er
 More + long adjective
In the listening test, the pattern which is generally used is as follows:

You should notice the meanings which may confuse you if based on the patterns. Now learn these
examples of sentences and pay particular attention to the meanings.

Exercise 11.1: Read and choose the best answer which has the same meaning with the statement.
1. The presentation can‟t be longer.
a. The presentation is long enough.
b. The presentation is very short.
c. The presentation is very long.
d. The presentation should be longer.
2. The laptop couldn‟t be more expensive.
a. We couldn't buy the laptop.
b. We bought the laptop because it is not expensive.
c. The laptop is not that expensive.
d. The laptop is very expensive.
3. He couldn't have worked harder.
a. He worked very hard.
b. He should work hard next time.
c. He did not work hard.
d. His hard work paid off.
4. He has never driven faster.
a. He is a good driver.
b. He always drives slowly.
c. He always drives very fast.
d. He drives fast but carefully.
 5. The job market can't be more competitive.
a. The job market is less competitive now.
b. The job market is as competitive as before.
c. The job market is extremely competitive.
d. The job market will be more competitive.
Exercise 11.2. Listen and choose the best answer.
Question 1
a. This research project was believed to be very hard.
b. This research project was more complicated than the last.
c. They seldom complain about research projects,
d. The research project was very easy to do.
Question 2
a. She absolutely doesn't need to submit any certificates.
b. The necessity for the certificates was undebatable.
c. The staff is sure that the certificates are necessary.
d. It is essential that the certificates are submitted soon.
Question 3
a. Carla deserves to get a better score.
b. Carla could have failed twice.
c. Carla put a lot of effort into studying.
d. Carla was never serious to study the subject.
Question 4
a. They were not very lucky.
b. No one died in the disaster.
c. The eruption was bigger than the previous one.
d. They all suffered from the eruption.
Question 5
a. She's not very excited.
b. She could be rather excited.
c. She has worked hard, but she failed.
d. She's very pleased with the interview test.

About:
In this strategy, you will learn some expressions indicating agreements and disagreements, which
often appear in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section.

Brief explanation:
In the listening test, some idiomatic expressions which show agreements or disagreements by the
second speaker in response to what is said by the first speaker are often tested. Thus, you need to be
familiar with the expressions.

Now learn the following commonly used expressions in the TOEFL test.

a. Some expressions to agree with someone else's opinion:

  I’ll say!
 You can say that again
 I feel the same way you do about it.
 I can’t agree more.
 So do I
 So am I
 So did I
 I do, too.
 Me, too.
 Neither do I.
 I don’t either
 Isn’t it?

b. Some expressions to disagree with someone else's opinion:

 I don’t think so.
 I may be wrong, but...
 That’s not what I think
 That’s not the way I see it.
 I’m afraid not.
 I can’t say I agree.
 I am not so sure.
 I am afraid I don’t agree.
 I can’t agree with you less.

Learn the example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:

(Man): I like the way the new lecturer explains about microbiology. It's a bit long but very clear.
(Woman): You can say that again. He is one of the most popular lecturers on campus.
(Narrator) What does the woman imply?

You will read:

(A) She agrees with the man.
(B) She can't say anything about the lecturer.
(C) She doesn't know anything about microbiology.
(D) She dislikes the way the young lecturer explains the lesson

Exercise 12.1 Listen and focus on the second line and choose agreement or disagreement.
Question 1. Agree disagree
Question 2. Agree disagree
Question 3. Agree disagree
Question 4. Agree disagree
Question 5. Agree disagree
Exercise 12.2. Listen and choose the best answer.
Question 1
a. Peter's research findings are excellent.
b. She has the same opinion as the man about Peter.
c. She hasn't found the research findings yet.
 d. She can understand Peter's argument.
Question 2
a. He agrees with the increase in tuition.
b. He agrees with the woman's opinion.
c. He can't afford to pay the school fee.
d. He can't say anything about the tuition fee.
Question 3
a. Going to the beach is certainly a burden.
b. She would like to change her mind.
c. She thinks that going to the beach is not a good idea.
d. She also has a plan to go to the beach.
Question 4
a. He would like to review the movie.
b. He thinks the movie is worth seeing.
c. He doesn't want to see the movie, either.
d. He agrees that both of them have to see the movie.
Question 5
a. She absolutely agrees with the man's opinion.
b. She's not sure when the class ends.
c. She knows that she is not ready for the class.
d. She wants to assure the man that the class is not boring.

About:
In this strategy, you will learn some idioms which are commonly used in Part A of the Listening
Comprehension Section.

Brief explanation:
One of the features in the listening test is the use of idioms. You surely do not need to memorize all
of them, but at least you can learn a list of idioms commonly used in the TOEFL test. Perhaps the
question involving the idioms is
the most difficult one since you are probably not familiar with the meanings of certain idioms.
Watching English movies may help you get familiar with the common idioms used in daily
conversations.

Learn these common idioms and their meanings.

 Make a long story short (To quickly get to the point.)
 He got laid off. (He was fired).
 Once in a blue moon (Something that happens very rarely.)
 He wants to get ahead. (He wants to get success).
 We are all in the same boat. (We are in the same situation.)
 It is a piece of cake. (It‟s very easy.)
 You are really playing with fire. (You are doing something dangerous.)
 Take it easy (relax)
 You couldn't pay me enough to see the concert. (I don‟t like the concert.)
 He is on the fence. (He has not made any decision yet)
  She is really head and shoulders above the rest. (She is the best.)
 There is no time like the present. (Doing it now is better.)
 Pulling one's leg (to joke with someone)
 No sooner said than done. (Do it immediately.)
 The movie makes my blood run cold (The movie frightens me.)
 You could have knocked me down with a feather. (You surprised me.)
 Let the cat out of the bag (to tell a secret)
 I came to class in the nick of the time. (I almost came late to class)
 You can breeze though it (You can do it quickly and easily.)
 You hit the nail on the head. (You are exactly right.)
 I go to the beach once in a blue moon. (I hardly ever go to the beach.)
 You could hear a pin drop. (It's very quiet.)
 He is burning the candle in both ends. (He is doing too much.)
 Two heads are better than one. (It is good to work together.)
 Pete really put his foot on his mouth. (Pete said something embarrassing.)
There are, of course, many more idioms that you need to learn. The challenge you have is that idioms
sometimes cannot be understood from the meaning of each individual word. The true meanings of
certain idioms are sometimes very different from the meanings of each individual word. However,
you can guess the meanings of idioms from the context of the sentences.

Learn an example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:
( woman ) Tony, could you help me with this math problem? The test item number 3 really confuses
me.
( man ) It's a piece of cake. Let me explain it to you.
( narrator ) What does the man mean?
You will read:
(A) He needs to eat a piece of cake.
(B) He thinks making a cake is so simple.
(C) He is sure that the math problem is not difficult at all.
(D) He is confused with the math problem.

Exercise 13: Listen and choose the best answer.

Question 1
a. Mark's mouth hurts
b. Mark has a pain in his foot and mouth.
c. Mark said something embarrassing.
d. Mark has a bad mark.
Question 2
a. He has run for miles
b. He has put a lot of effort into doing the research projects.
c. Mark's research projects are amazing.
d. He likes doing research projects.
Question 3
a. He always stays calm under pressure.
b. He is worried with his butterflies.
c. He always feels very nervous.
d. He loves butterflies.
Question 4
a. She is sure that he is a hard-working person.
b. He has bright ideas.
c. He shouldn't worry about the breeze
d. He could do the research project easily and quickly.
Question 5
a. She hasn't made any decision yet.
b. She plans to have her fence fixed.
c. She plans to defend her thesis this semester.
d. She has no idea yet about the fence.

About:
In this strategy, you will learn some common expressions to show uncertainty or doubt commonly
tested in Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section.
Brief Explanation:
In Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section, the second speaker often expresses uncertainty or
doubt in response to what is said by the first speaker. Therefore, you should be familiar with the
most commonly used expressions to show uncertainty or doubt. Your job is to study the following
list. Hence, when you hear these expressions you will easily understand the meanings and can decide
the right answer choice.
 Really?
 May be / might be
 If I am not mistaken
 As far as I know
 As far as I can tell
 Use of question tags
 ... isn't that?
 ... don't they?
 ... will they?
Learn the example of TOEFL test.
You will hear:
(Man) : Carla, I don't remember what books we have to read for the next test. Can you help me? I
didn't hear clearly what the lecturer just said.
(Woman) : If I'm not mistaken, we have to read two books written by Herbert Marcuse; The One-
dimensional Man and Eros and Civilization.
(Narrator) : What does the woman mean?
You will read:
(A) She remembers 2 books to be read.
(B) She is not sure herself which books to be read.
(C) She knows for sure that there two books to be read.
(D) She can't tell the man about which books to be read.

Exercise 14: Listen and choose the best answer.

Question 1
a. He's sure about the research paper.
 b. He thinks he knows what the assignment is.
c. He has to tell her how far she should go.
d. The professors told them to read the chapters after the exam
Question 2
a. He knows the discussion starts at 10.
b. He is not quite sure when the discussion begins.
c. He thinks the schedule for the discussion has changed.
d. He does want to be the star of the discussion
Question 3
a. Dr Miller is a graduate of Harvard university.
b. He is not certain where Dr Miller graduated from.
c. He is not sure about what his friends say.
d. He may go to Harvard university.
Question 4
a. She doesn't know much about Megan's singing talent.
b. Megan has far from enough talent.
c. She told Megan to sing.
d. She will tell Megan about the choir.
Question 5
a. She knows where Peter is.
b. Peter has read some books.
c. She is going to the library with Peter.
d. She thinks that Peter is in the library.

About:
In this strategy, you will learn some common expressions to show surprise with the word then.

Brief Explanation:
In Part A of the Listening Comprehension Section there are also expressions that show surprises
which start with the word then.

Learn these sentences below and their meanings.

 Then, she is a new leader! = I thought that she was not the new leader.
 Then, he has travelled to Arizona. = I thought that she did not travel to Arizona.
 Then, Peter did buy the house. = I thought that Peter did not but the house.
 Then, Carla plays the violin. = I thought that Carla does not play the violin.

Learn the example of TOEFL test.

You will hear:

(Man) Peter and I just discussed the learning material in the previous lesson.
(Woman) Then, Peter did attend the class.
(Narrator) What had the woman thought about Peter?

You will read:

(A) Peter did not attend the class.
(B) Peter really wanted to attend the class.
(C) Peter didn't discuss the previous lesson.
(D) Peter really liked the class.
Exercise 15: Listen and choose the best answer.
Question 1
a. Peter had never really been sick.
b. Peter was still hospitalized.
c. Peter was sick of chemistry
d. Bill had forgotten about his chemistry assignment
Question 2
a. The library was open on Fridays.
b. The library serves the customers well.
c. The books were well managed for the best service.
d. The books in the library are complete.
Question 3
a. The man had gone to the library.
b. The man had forgotten to give the books back to the library.
c. The man had borrowed the books from the library.
d. The man remembered to go to the campus.
Question 4
a. He had loved his job.
b. He did not like his previous company.
c. He still worked in the old company
d. He had resigned and moved to a new company.
Question 5
a. The car was not repaired yet.
b. The mechanic would call soon.
c. The mechanic had already fixed the car.
d. The car did not need to be repaired.
 STRUCTURE

ABOUT:
In this unit you learn a list of nouns which are always uncountable nouns, compared to countable nouns.

BRIEF EXPLANATION
Countable and uncountable nouns are often tested in the Written Expressions. When the noun functions as the
subject, it is deemed important to determine whether the noun is countable or uncountable since it will affect
the verb forms. Uncountable nouns are always used with a singular verb. Keep in mind that the words below
are always uncountable nouns.

ABOUT:
In this unit you learn a list of nouns which are always uncountable nouns, compared to countable nouns.

BRIEF EXPLANATION
Countable and uncountable nouns are often tested in the Written Expressions. When the noun functions as the
subject, it is deemed important to determine whether the noun is countable or uncountable since it will affect
the verb forms. Uncountable nouns are always used with a singular verb. Keep in mind that the words below
are always uncountable nouns.
Example of TOEFL test.
Choose one underlined word or phrase that should be corrected or rewritten.

Answer: C
Information is an uncountable noun. The ending -s is not used.
Choose CN if the underlined noun is countable and UN if the noun is uncountable.
CN UN
1. The results section should simply state the findings, without bias or interpretation, and arranged in a logical
sequence

2. According to an article by Youki Terada, Research and Standards Editor for Edutopia, homework is beneficial but
CN UN
only to a certain degree.
3. Nutrients are classified into five major groups: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals CN UN
2. The ideals of reason, science, humanism and progress need a wholehearted defense. CN UN

CN UN
5. Traveling with only hand luggage can be a fast and efficient option for passengers.
Exercise 2: Choose one underlined word or phrase that should be corrected or rewritten.

Exercise 2: Choose one underlined word or phrase that should be corrected or rewritten.

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

ABOUT:
In this unit you will learn how to decide whether a noun is a countable noun or an uncountable noun
by looking at the ending -s or -es. You will also learn some exceptions.

BRIEF EXPLANATION
An ending -s or -es can be used to determine that a noun is a countable noun. In brief, you can
decide whether a noun functioning as a subject is a singular or plural noun from the ending -s or -es.
Of course, there are some exceptions called irregular plural nouns that you will learn in this unit.
Now look at the following table.
You have to pay particular attention to the irregular plural nouns which are often tested in the TOEFL
test. Irregular plural nouns are nouns that do not become plural by adding -s or -es, as most nouns in
the English language do. You are probably familiar with some of them as listed below with some
common patterns.
Exception type 2:
The following nouns have the same pattern both in singular and plural forms.

1. sheep 6. fish
2. deer 7. corps
3. offspring 8. bison
4. series 9. spacecraft
5. trout 10. salmon

Exception type 3:
Some nouns end in -s or -es, but they are singular nouns.

1. Subjects at school or college: economics, 5. Some proper nouns: The United States,
mathematics, physics, statistics, civics, statistics, Brussels
politics, etc. 6. Other kinds of nouns: news
2. Kinds of activities: acoustics, aerobics, 7. Titles of films, books, magazines, songs etc.:
athletics, classics, genetics, etc. Star Wars (movie), the New York Times
3. Kinds of sickness: measles, herpes, mumps, (magazine), Sons and Lovers (Novel)
diabetes, rabies, draughts. Etc.
4. Some games: billiards, bowls

Exercise 1
Choose S if the underlined noun is a singular noun and P if the noun is a plural noun.

Example:

1. It is widely known that the Aeta or Agta people inhabit the remote and mountainous regions of Luzon,
S P
Philippines.
2. Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease and has been significantly reduced by immunization. S P
3. The Sea Wolves is a 1980 war movie based on the book Boarding Party by James Leasor, on a real
S P
incident which took place in World War II.
Exercise 2: Choose one underlined word or phrase that should be corrected or rewritten.

A B C D

A B C D
 A B C D

BRIEF EXPLANATION
English has three articles; a, an and the. A and an are called indefinite articles whereas the is
called a definite article. A and an are used to modify non-specific or non-particular nouns. The
article a is used before a singular noun beginning with a consonant sound and an before a singular
noun beginning with a vowel sound. Keep in mind that you use the indefinite article a or an only
with a singular count noun whose specific identity is not known to the reader.
Look at the following example.

 There is a laptop on the table.

 There is an apple for you.
 There is a university in our small city.
 We have an hour to go to do this test.

The definite article the is used to refer to specific or particular nouns. Make sure that the
article the with any noun (singular or plural, count or noncount) is used when the specific identity
of the noun is known to the reader, for instance, when the noun is already mentioned previously
or the noun is unique.
Look at the example.

 I have a new lecturer. The lecturer is from California.

 The Covid-19 pandemic has spread all over the world.
 The Sacramento River flows south for 400 miles before reaching the Sacramento–San
Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay.

Exercise 1

 Choose a, an or the before the noun.

 Example:

1. The professor was here _____ hour ago. a an the

2. ___________ novels written by JK Rowling always sell well. a an the

3. He is going to buy _____MP3 player. a an the

Exercise 2: Choose one underlined word or phrase that should be corrected or rewritten.
 A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

BRIEF EXPLANATION
A noun may function as a subject or object. A noun can show someone's job such as editor,
explorer, economist, but it can also function as an abstract noun such as edition, exploration,
economy. In the TOEFL test you may be trapped with improper forms of nouns. For example, in
one of the answer options economics is used, but it should be economist when referring to
someone who is very good at economy. Thus, your task is to find the correct form of the noun
based on the meaning of the sentence.
Learn the following table.
Another point that you may keep in your mind is that some abstract nouns may have different
endings with different meanings. They look similar but have different meanings.

Look at the following example.

Exercise 2: Choose one underlined word or phrase that should be corrected or rewritten.

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D
ABOUT:
In this unit you will learn common suffixes in English which may help you identify parts of speech
(noun, verb, adjective, adverb.).

BRIEF EXPLANATION
Suffixes are a letter or group of letters attached to the ending of words to change their meaning or
function. There are many suffixes used in the English language and you may be familiar with the
following suffixes; -ance, -ment, -ion, -ize, -al, -ful, -less, -en, -ly, -ward. Look and study the list
below. Some TOEFL tests often test you on the parts of speech to complete the sentences and by
knowing kinds of suffixes and their functions, you may get the right answer easily.

Now learn the following example.

Exercise 1: Read the sentences and decide whether the underlined word is a noun, a verb, an
adjective or an adverb by looking at the suffixes.
1. During the pandemic many people have creative ideas to survive.
A. noun B. verb C. adjective D. adverb
2. My father is a chemist. He is engaged in many chemical research projects.
A. noun B. verb C. adjective D. adverb
3. The color is used to modify the original web design.
A. noun B. verb C. adjective D. adverb
Exercise 2: Choose the best answers to fill in the blanks.
1. All schools have________ to ask students to study at home during the pandemic.
A. decision B. decided C. decisive D. decisively
2. When given compliments, students will be more __________ when learning.
A. production B. produce C. productive D. productively
3. Fresh graduates should possess various skills to ______ globally.
A. competition B. compete C. competitive D. competitively
Exercise 3: Choose one underlined word or phrase that should be corrected or rewritten.

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

BRIEF EXPLANATION
The differences of adjective and adverb are often tested in the TOEFL test. You can easily see the
difference from their suffixes and their positions in the sentences. Most of the adverbs end with -ly
and of course there are some exceptions, whereas adjectives can be easily seen from their suffixes
such as -al, -ful, -less, -ive, -ic. You can also identify the difference from their functions in the
sentences.
A. Identifying the adjective and adverb from their suffixes
B. Identifying the adjective and adverb from their functions

Exercise 1: Read and choose the best answers.

1. The presenter from Cambridge University is __________ good.
A. incredible B. incredibly
2. The ________ promoted staff has to attend a three-month training session.
A. new B. newly
3. The flight to Dubai ________ planned is cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A. previous B. previously

Exercise 2: Read the sentences and choose the best answers.

1. The number of fresh graduates with very good skills is increasing daily, making the labor market
very ____________.
A. competitor B. competition C. competitively D. competitive
2. The graph shows a ________ good comparison of our distribution statistics with those of our
competitors.
A. relatively B. relative C. relatives D. is relative
3. The people are generally _______ with the way the government copes with the political issues.
A. comfortably B. comfortable C. in comfort D. being comfortable

ABOUT:
In this unit you will learn some kinds of subjects. It will help you to identify a subject in the
sentences and to analyze the sentences in general.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
A sentence has at least one subject and verb. Since the subject-verb agreement is often tested in
the TOEFL test, you should know how to identify which part of a sentence functions as a subject. A
subject usually appears before the verb. A subject may take some forms; noun, noun phrase,
pronoun, gerund, and to infinitive. Learn the following examples and pay particular attention to
the underlined word (s).
The underlined words or phrases below are subjects. Identify the subjects and choose; N (noun),
NP (noun phrase), P (pronoun), G (Gerund), TINF (To infinitive) or NC (Noun Clause).

1. Cycling is getting more popular among people in the city. N NP P G TINF NC

2. The budget proposal has been sent to the head office. N NP P G TINF NC

3. That many people survived in the pandemic was amazing. N NP P G TINF NC

Exercise 2
1. _________ on the covid-19 pandemic victims raises some criticisms from public.
A. The researcher's experiments not do
B. Why did not the researchers do the experiments
C. The experiments by the research not doing
D. Why the researchers did not do the experiments
2. __________ the world face an unprecedented global health and socio-economic crisis triggered
by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A. All countries B. Countries of all C. All countries of D. Of all countries
3. ____________ are getting more popular for many sport enthusiasts.
A. That whitewater running B. To run whitewater
C. Running whitewater D. That whitewater runs

ABOUT:
In this unit you will learn to identify one word which functions as the main noun in the noun
phrase.
From the main noun, you will also be able to identify whether the subject is a singular or plural
noun.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
You should keep in mind that that the subject in the sentence really determines the form of the
verb. In brief, the subject must agree with the verb (subject-verb agreement). In the TOEFL test,
the subject often takes the form of a complicated noun phrase. You should be able to identify ONE
word (main noun) in the noun phrase which functions as the subject. To easily identify the head
word, please learn the following points:

a. When you find the noun phrase without any preposition, the last word is the main noun as the
subject word.
The underlined word is the main noun.
1. Financial crisis
2. Original research results
3. Word processing system
4. A world class university
5. The most widely recognized achievement
6. The most commonly observed male mating preferences

b. Bear in your mind that the noun after any preposition (in, on, at, by, to, with, of, about, for,
among, from, etc.) is not the subject.
The underlined word is the main noun and the word after the main noun is the preposition.
1. The manager of the bank
2. The man from Boston
3. The hotel by the beach
4. A variety of observed male mating preferences
5. The expensive presents for the singing competition winners
6. Scientific and public interest in the possibility of Martian life

Learn the following noun phrases and all phrases function as the subject of sentences. Choose a
word as the main noun of the subject.
1. the government's decision for a short-term plan to deal with the pandemic
Government decision plan pandemic

2. the long and tiring preparation for the TOEFL ITP final test
The long preparation test

3. A particularly important early development

Particularly Important Early Development

ABOUT:
In this strategy, you will again learn how to identify whether the subject is a singular or plural noun
by looking at the endings of the main noun of the subject.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
In the previous strategy, you have learned how to identify one word as the subject. The next step
you have to take is to identify whether the main noun is a singular or plural noun by looking at the
endings even though there are, of course, some exceptions. In brief, here are three steps to
analyze the subject.
 Choose one word (the main noun) as the subject
 Decide whether the main noun is a singular or plural noun
 Check whether the subject agrees with the verb

Read the sentences and find the subject and then decide whether the subject is a singular noun (S)
or plural noun (P).
1. Visual expression through the different tool kits on Instagram was made even more attractive.
S P

2. The rule also prohibits a person from being elected to the presidency more than once.
S P

3. Many anthropologists combine cultural research with studies of the environments in which people
live. S P

ABOUT:
In this unit you will learn to identify one word which functions as the main word in the verb
phrase. From the main word, you will also be able to identify whether the verb agrees with the
subject.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
The verb phrase includes one main verb and one or more auxiliary verbs before the main verb. The
auxiliary verbs include is, am, are, was, were, has, have. Look at the following examples of verb
phrases:
 is doing
 am taken
 was giving
 were given
 has been working
 have been printed
The underlined words are parts of the verb phrase which you have to pay particular attention to
since their forms may change, based on the forms of the subject as you have learned in the
previous strategies.

Direction: For next following questions, each sentence has four underlined words or phrases,
marked (A), (B), (C), and (D).
Identify the one underlined word or phrase that must be changed in order for the sentence to be
correct.

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

ABOUT:
In this unit you will learn a noun phrase which functions as an appositive in order to identify the
right main noun which functions as the subject of the sentence.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
An appositive is a phrase, usually a noun phrase, that renames another phrase or noun that has
the same meaning. In the structure section, appositives may confuse you as you may think that it
is the subject of the sentence.
Learn the following example.
  Barrack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, was the first African American to
serve in the office.
The words the 44th president of the United States is the appositive phrase in that sentence, as it
renames the noun phrase 'Barrack Obama.' The sentence says that Barrack Obama and the 44th
president of the United States are the same person. Note that if you leave out the appositive
phrase, the sentence still makes sense (Barrack Obama was the first African American to serve in
the office).
Appositives can also come in the form of phrases like the examples below.
 My childhood home, a small wooden house, is located by that small road.
In this example My childhood home is the subject of the sentence and home is the main noun
functioning as the subject. The phrase a wooden and small house can easily be recognized as an
appositive phrase because of the commas.

Read the sentences and choose the best answers.

1. One of the most influential Virginians of colonial times, _________ in England.
A. the education received by William Bird
B. was the education that William Bird received
C. William Bird was educated
D. the education that William Bird received
2. The incidence of anorexia nervosa, __________ , is growing in industrially advanced societies.
A. is an eating disorder
B. an eating disorder which
C. an eating disorder
D. for which an eating disorder
3. The tetracyclines, _______ antibiotics, are used to treat infections.
A. are a family of
B. being a family
C. a family of
D. their family is

ABOUT:
In this unit, you will learn the pattern 'one of the plural noun' which is often tested in the TOEFL
test, in order to identify the subject and the corresponding verb.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
When you find the pattern "one of the + plural nouns" in the TOEFL test, you need to remember
that the subject is "one" which is a singular noun. Therefore, it needs a singular verb. Another
point you need to pay attention to is that the noun following the article "the" must be a plural
noun.
Learn the following example.
Remember that word "members" is a plural noun because it refers to phrase "one of the
members", meaning that the number of research members is certainly not only one.
The subject of the sentence is "one", not "members", indicating that it is a singular noun which
needs a single verb. "Is" is the single verb which agrees with the subject "one".

Each sentence has four underlined words or phrases. The four underlined parts of the sentences
are marked (A), (B), (C) and (D). Identify the one underlined word or phrase that must be changed
in order for the sentence to be correct.

ABOUT:
In this unit, you will learn to find one word for the subject and one word for the verb and then
check the subject-verb agreement.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
When you find a simple sentence in the TOEFL, you need to find one word as the main subject and
one word as the main verb. What you have to do next is surely to check whether the subject
agrees with the verb (subject-verb agreement). This is a very basic strategy to analyze the simple
sentence. And remember that subject-verb agreement is commonly tested in the TOEFL test. Once
again, you only need to find one word for the subject and one word for the verb.

Here are some steps you can apply to analyze the sentence:
• Find the noun phrase at the subject
• Find one word as the main noun in the subject
• Check whether the noun is single or plural
• Find one word as the main verb in the sentence
• Ensure that the subject agrees with the verb.
Read the sentences and check whether the sentences are True (T) or False (F).
1. Many university students has completed their final task on time.
T F

2. Most people agree that the healthcare system in the country is in need of an overhaul.
T F

3. The beauty business has permeated our lives like few other industries.
T F

Exercise 2
1. ________one of the oldest art forms, combining beauty and functionality into one.
A. Because architecture is
B. Having architecture as
C. Architecture being
D. Architecture is
2. Most TV companies __________ large advertising budgets so that they can compete successfully
against other similar companies.
A. maintain
B. to maintain
C. to be maintained
D. by maintaining
3. __________ an opportunity for convenient and efficient ways to get information.
A. A cellphone provides
B. A cellphone to be providing
C. A cellphone which provides
D. A cellphone providing it

ABOUT:
In this unit, you will learn relative clauses indicated by the use of who, which, that, whose, whom.
BRIEF EXPLANATION
Relative clauses are clauses which start with the relative pronouns who, that, which, whose, whom
and are generally used to define the noun that precedes them or to give extra information.
Look at the following examples:
 He is the man who is administering the TOEFL ITP test today.
 That is the new novel that is written by Andre Hirata.
 The museum which was designed by a French architect was officially opened in 1986.
 The woman whose house is located by the city park got promoted last week.
 That is the lecturer whom I admire because of his wide range of knowledge.
Remember that the relative pronouns who, that, whose are preceded by a person. The relative
pronouns which and whose are preceded by a thing, whereas the relative pronoun whom is used
as the object of the relative clause. Look at the table below.

Read the sentences and check whether the sentences are True (T) or False (F).
1. Martha has just watched a movie which shows a sad ending. T F
2. The doctor is treating the patient whose face was partly burned in the fire. T F
3. Carla bought a new camera who has a very camera lens.
T F

Choose the right clause marker (who, which, whom, etc.).

1. Venice is a beautiful city ____ 118 small islands are separated by canals and linked by bridges.
A. who B. which C. where D. whose
2. A superstar _____ spanned pop, disco and MTV, Michael Jackson was one of the great music
heroes of the late 20th century.
A. who B. whose C. which D. in which
3. An autopsy determined that Jackson died of cardiac arrest after an overdose of the anesthetic
propofol, _____ was being administered to him as a sleep aid by his personal physician.
A. who B. whose C. which D. where
 READIN
G

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to analyze and categorize the questions before reading the
reading passage. Comprehending types of questions would help you focus on the important points
when reading the text.
Brief Explanation:
In every question in the Reading Comprehension Section of TOEFL test, there are always several
types of questions called common testing points. We can categorize them into 11 as follows:
1. Main idea (main topic, best title, etc.)
2. Stated facts
3. Unstated facts
4. Inferences (conclusion)
5. Vocabulary
6. Pronoun references
7. Preceding and following paragraph
8. Tone and attitude
9. Purpose
10. Organization of ideas
11. Course
Surely not all types of questions will appear in every reading passage since each text is usually
followed by only 5 - 7 questions. Being able to analyze and categorize the types of questions will
make you easier to find answers in the reading passage easily and quickly.
Look at the example below. When you find this long reading passage in the TOEFL test, what you should do
first is not to read the reading passage, but to read the questions, analyze and categorize them. Once again,
read the questions before you read the reading passage. It will certainly save your time.

Exercise 10.1: Read the questions and the answer choices and then determine the types of
question.
1. What does this passage mainly discuss?

(A) One aspect of early natural history

(B) The beginning of agriculture
(C) Drugs and their uses
(D) The imagination of prehistoric man

The type of question is

a. main idea
b. stated facts
c. unstated facts
d. Inference

2. According to the passage, domestication of plants and animals probably occurred because of
(A) need for more readily available food
(B) lack of wild animals and plants
(C) early man's power as a hunter
(D) the desire of prehistoric man to be nomadic

The type of question is

a. main idea
b. stated facts
c. unstated facts
d. Inference
3. The word "this" in line 5 refers to
(A) providing food for man
(B) man's domestication of plants and animals
(C) man's ability to live on a smaller plot of land
(D) the earliest condition of prehistoric man

The type of question is

a. stated facts
b. unstated facts
c. inference
d. pronoun reference

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which asks about the main idea of the
passage.
Brief Explanation:
In the Reading Comprehension Section on the TOEFL test, there will always be one question which
asks about the main idea of the reading passage. This type of question can be expressed in various
forms of questions such as main topic, best title or main idea. So don’t get confused with the variety
of questions. It is actually not difficult to find the main idea on the reading passage. What you have
to do is to study the topic sentence which is generally found at the beginning of the paragraph or
the first lines of the paragraph. The test-taking strategy that you can apply is to read the first
sentences of the paragraph to find the topic sentence. If there are two paragraphs in the reading
passage, you need to read the first sentences on those two paragraphs.
Now learn the kinds of questions which mainly ask the main idea of the reading passage:

 What is the topic of the passage?

 What is the subject of the passage?
 What is the main idea of the passage?
 Which of the following would be the best title?
 What is the author’s main point in the passage?
 With which of the following subjects is the passage mainly concerned?
Learn the following example:

1. What is the main idea of the paragraph?

(A) Mars only receives 43% of sunlight
(B) Mars and Earth have similar temperatures
(C) The seasons in Mars are similar to those in Earth
(D) Surface temperatures on Mars vary a lot
 The main idea of the reading passage can be found in the first sentence ―Of all the planets
in the Solar System, the seasons of Mars are the most Earth-like, due to the similar tilts of
the two planets' rotational axes. This sentence explains the seasons in Mars which is similar
to that in the Earth. Therefore, you have to choose answer (C).

Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. The main topic of this passage is

a. life in the forest soil
b. the life cycle of ants and worms
c. a description of a forest scene
d. the habits of the forest animals

2. What does the passage mainly discuss?

a. risk factors in heart attacks
b. seasonal and temporal patterns of heart attacks
c. cardiology in the 1980s
d. diet and stress as factors in heart attacks

3. What is the main idea of the passage?

a. Victor Henry Anderson’s childhood
b. Biography of Victor Henry Anderson
c. Victor Henry Anderson’s masterpieces
d. Victor Henry Anderson’s newly published poems

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about the stated facts in the
reading passage.
Brief Explanation:
Stated fact questions ask about pieces of information clearly stated in the passage. There are several
points to keep in mind. The answers to these questions are usually given in order in the passage. The
correct answer is given in the passage in the form of a restatement. The correct answer often
expresses the same idea as what is written in the passage, but words are not exactly the same.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about stated facts in the passage:
 According to the passage, …
 It is stated in the passage …
 The passage indicates that …
 The author mentions that …
 Which of the following is true …?
Learn the following example:

1. According to the passage, male birds defend their territory primarily against
(A) female birds
(B) birds of other species
(C) males of their own species
(D) mammals

The passage states that "Male birds defend their territory chiefly against other males of the same
species." Therefore, you should choose (C) on your answer sheet.

Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. In what year was the Dix Mansion School closed?

A1802
B1824
C1835
D1841
2. Why did Dorothea Dix first go to a prison?
a. She taught classes there.
b. She was sent there by the state legislature.
c. She was convicted of a crime.
d. She was doing research for a book.

3. Ambient divers are ones who

a. can descend to extreme depths
b. use submersible vehicles
c. use no equipment
d. are exposed to the surrounding water

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about the unstated facts in the
passage.

Brief Explanation:
Unstated fact questions ask about pieces of information which are not stated or written in the
passage. You have to find one answer which is not stated or mentioned in the passage or the the fact
which is false according to the passage.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about unstated facts in the passage:

 Which of the following is NOT stated…?

 Which of the following is NOT discussed…?
 Which of the following is NOT mentioned…?
 All of the following are true EXCEPT …

Learn the following example:

1. Which of the following is not mentioned as absorbing sound?

(A) filled hollow walls
(B) thick carpets and heavy curtains
(C) air conditioners and furnaces
(D) air filters

The last sentence in the passage states, "air conditioners and furnaces were designed to filter air
through soundproofing materials" which may confuse some people because it mentions the word
―filter.‖ However, air filters themselves are not mentioned in the passage. Therefore, you have to
choose answer (D).

Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. According to the passage, all of the following are mentioned as a vitamin found in ripe fruit
EXCEPT

Aamino acids

Biron

Cvitamins A, C, E

Dcalcium

2. According to the passage, all of the following are direct effects of beta-endorphins EXCEPT

Areduced stress

Ba feeling of well-being

Can increased tolerance of pain

Dimproved physical strength

3. The passage does NOT mention that the Anasazi hunted.....

Asheep

Bturkeys

Cdeer

Drabbits

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about inference in the passage.

Brief Explanation:

Inference questions ask about pieces of information that are not stated in the passage. You have to
conclude or infer based on specific details or facts in the passage.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about inferences in the passage:

 It is implied in the passage that …

 It can be inferred from the passage that …

 It is most likely that …

 What probably happened …?

Learn the following example:

1. It can be inferred from the passage that
(A) M.F.K. Fisher’s books were out of print when this paragraph was written.
(B) A Cordial Water has not appeared in a paperback edition.
(C) Generally speaking, Fisher does not like reading.
(D) Fisher’s books are about folk medicine.

From the phrase a paperback edition is being considered, we learn that the paperback edition is not
in print yet. Therefore, you have to choose answer (B).

Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. In which area would a bicycle race probably be the slowest?

AOn an indoor track

BOn a high plateau

CAlong the coast

DAt the snowline of a volcano

2. It can be inferred from the passage that

AJefferson Davis was opposed to Abraham Lincoln.

BLincoln had already been inaugurated as president on January 21, 1861.

CAbraham Lincoln’s election doomed the way of life in the Deep South.

DFour senators announced their resignations.

3. What can be inferred from the passage?

AWhite sharks sometimes kill people but do not eat them.

BThe white shark has gained a terrifying reputation because it eats people.

CThe white shark attacks its victims because it is hungry.

DAt least the behavior of one kind of mackerel is predictable

About:

In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about pronoun references in the
passage.

Brief Explanation:

A pronoun reference question asks about which noun a pronoun refers to. It is essential to
understand that a noun is usually used first in a passage, and the pronoun that refers to it comes
after. To answer this type of question, you should look for the reference in the phrase, clause, or
sentence before the pronoun to find the noun.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask pronoun references in the passage:

 The pronoun “…” in line 3 refers to which of the following?

 To which of the following does the word "…." in line 5 refer?

 The word "…" in line 8 refers to which of the following?

 In line 10, the word "…" is a reference to the …

Learn the following example:

1. The word "they" in line 3 refers to
(A) coral reefs
(B) small fish
(C) tentacles
(D) flowers

From the clause When small fish venture too close to the tentacles of these "living flowers" in the
sentence, we learn that only "small fish" is a logical answer. Therefore, you have to choose answer
(B).

Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. The word "them" in line 5 refers to

Apower shovels

Blayers of rock and earth

Cgiant scrapers

Dpieces of ore

2. To which of the following does the word "they" in line 5 refer?

AFemale seals

BYoung seals
CThe islands

DMale seals

3. The word ―them‖ in line 4 refers to

ALaborers

Bpolitical party loyalties

Cdisagreements over tactics

Dagents of opportunity

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about the preceding or the
following paragraph in the passage.

Brief Explanation:
A paragraph may start out with the idea of the previous paragraph as a way of linking the ideas in the
two paragraphs. A paragraph may also end with an idea that will be further developed in the
following paragraph. To answer the question about the preceding paragraph, you should read and
understand the first sentence of the passage. Similarly, to answer the question about the following
paragraph, you should read and understand the last sentence of the passage.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about the preceding or following paragraph:

 The paragraph that precedes this passage most probably…

 The paragraph preceding the passage probably …
 What is most likely in the paragraph following the passage
 The paragraph that follows this passage most likely deals with
Learn the following example:
1. The paragraph that precedes this passage most probably deals with
(A) minor diseases other than colds
(B) the recommended treatment of colds
(C) a factor that affects susceptibility to cold
(D) methods of preventing colds among elderly people
Since the passage begins with the expression “another critical factor that plays a part in
susceptibility to colds is age,” you should understand that the previous paragraph probably discusses
a critical factor that plays a part in susceptibility to colds other than age. Therefore, the best answer
to the question is (C).

Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. The paragraph that follows this passage most likely deals with
Athe help off-Broadway producers provided directors, playwrights, and performers
Bmethods off-Broadway theaters used to cope with rising prices
Cthe development of off-Broadway theater
Dthe decline of Broadway theater

2. What is the most probable topic of the paragraph preceding this one?
AOther types of rotary presses
BAlternatives to using wire services
CNewspapers that concentrated on politics
DOther developments in journalism

3. The paragraph following this one most likely deals with

Aways in which adults can help children learn by stimulating their curiosity
Bthe learning habits of children over the age of four
Cthe methods adult scientists use to study the curiosity of young children
Dways in which adults can become as curious as children about their environments

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about the author’s tone and
attitude of the passage.

Brief Explanation:
A question about the tone and attitude appears if the author shows any emotion in the passage.
Most of the passages on the TOEFL test are factual passages expressed without any emotion; the
tone of this type of passage could be simply informational, explanatory, or factual. Sometimes,
however, the author shows some emotion through the choice of words he or she uses, and you must
be able to recognize that emotion to answer a question about tone correctly. The tone of a passage
could be humorous, sarcastic, impassioned, and so on.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about tone or attitude in the passage:
 What is the tone of the passage?
 What is the author’s attitude toward….?
 Which of the following statements best summarizes the author's attitude toward …?
 With which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree?

Learn the following example:

1. The author’s attitude toward Eskimo art is one of
(A) condescension
(B) regret
(C) admiration
(D) bewilderment
The author’s use of such terms as ―powerful ability (line 1) indicates an admiration for the art.
Therefore, you should fill in (C) on your answer sheet.
Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. The author's attitude toward the play is generally

Aregretful
Bcritical
Cemotional
Dfavorable

2. What is the tone of the passage?

ACritical
BPersuasive
CHumorous
DNeutral
3. The tone of the passage could best be described as
Aobjective
Boptimistic
Cangry
Dhumorous

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about the purpose of the passage.

Brief Explanation:
A question about purpose asks what the author tries to do in the passage. You can conclude about
the author's purpose by looking at the main idea and the organization of details in the passage.
However, the answer to a purpose question is often considerably more general than the main idea.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about the purpose in the passage:
 What is the primary purpose of the passage?
 What is the author’s purpose of this passage?
 The primary purpose of this passage is to….

Learn the following example:

1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

(A) To teach a lesson
(B) To sell a product
(C) To support a theory
(D) To provide information
The goal of the passage is to describe this clock and to tell why it will be better than ―previous
devices. In other words, the passage was written to provide information about the new clock.
Therefore, you should fill in (D) on your answer sheet.
Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?

ATo demonstrate the superiority of American English
BTo examine the contributions of John Adams and Noah Webster
CTo compare and contrast American and British English
DTo denounce the influence of the Industrial Revolution on the English Language

2. What is the purpose of the passage?

ATo persuade students to study modern languages
BTo describe a university language program
CTo argue for language requirements for all students
DTo encourage enrollment in advanced language program
3. The primary purpose of this passage is to
Atrace the development of American folk music
Bexplain the oral tradition
Ccontrast the styles of folk musicians
Dpoint out the influence of social issues on "urban" folk music

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about the organization of ideas .

Brief Explanation:
You may sometimes find questions about the organization of ideas in a passage appearing on the
test. You are asked to determine how the ideas in one paragraph (or paragraphs) are related to the
ideas in another paragraph (paragraphs). To answer this type of question, you should understand the
overall structure of a passage or about the organization of a particular paragraph.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about organization of ideas in the passage:

 How is the information in the passage organized?

 How is the information in the second paragraph related to the information in the first
paragraph?
 Which of the following best describes the information in the passage?
 How might the organization of the passage be described?
 Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
Learn the following example:
1. How might the organization of the passage be described?
(A) Paragraph one introduces the topic; paragraph two presents examples in support.
(B) Paragraph one introduces the topic; paragraph two presents reasons in support.
(C) Paragraph one introduces a cause; paragraph two provides effect in order.
(D) Paragraph one and two present an argument.
The first sentence in paragraph one introduces the topic, and the ideas in paragraph two support the
ideas in paragraph one by giving examples. Therefore, you should fill in (A) on your answer sheet..
Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. How is the information in the passage organized?

AThe origin of ideas about conflict is presented.
BContrasting views of conflict are presented.
CTwo experts discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their views on conflict.
DExamples of conflict within institutions are presented
2. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
AThe results of two experiments are compared.
BA generalization is made, and several examples of it are given.
CThe findings of an experiment are explained.
DA hypothesis is presented, and several means of proving it are suggested.

3. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

AThe author first discusses Isadora Duncan's style of dance and then her life history.
BThe first paragraph deals with Isadora Duncan's role as a teacher, the second her role as a
performer.
CThe author first discusses Isadora Duncan's shortcomings and then her positive points.
DFirst there is an analysis of Isadora Duncan's influences and then of her lasting contributions to
dance.

About:
In this strategy you will learn how to answer questions which ask about the course in the passage.
Brief Explanation:
A question about the course asks you to decide which university course might have this passage as
assigned reading. You should conclude about the course by referring to the topic of the passage and
the details. You can answer this type of question by understanding the topic and specific vocabulary
used in the passage.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about the course in the passage:

 In which course would this reading be assigned?

 This passage would most probably be assigned in which of the following course?
Learn the following example:

1. This passage would most probably be assigned in which of the following courses?
(A) Biology
(B) Aquatics
(C) Physiology
(D) Chemistry
To draw a conclusion about the course, you should refer to the topic of the passage and the overall
organization of details. Since this passage is about distillation, and the details discuss the types of
distillation, the best answer is (D).
Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. In which course can this reading passage be found?

AChemistry
BPolitical science
CMedical science
DHistory

2. In which course would this reading be assigned?

AChild Development
BIndustrial Psychology
CHuman Anatomy
DPhysiology

3. In which course would this reading be assigned?

ATransport Management
BHistory of transport
CHistory of American Literature
DPhilosophy of Science

About:
In this strategy, you will learn how to answer questions which ask about vocabulary in the passage.

Brief Explanation:
In vocabulary questions, you must determine which of four words or phrases can best substitute for
a word or words in the passage. Most of the questions ask about single words (usually nouns, verbs,
adjectives, and adverbs).
There are a number of clues that can help you guess the meaning of an unknown vocabulary word
such as synonyms, examples, contrasts, and contexts.

Now learn the kinds of questions which ask about vocabulary in the passage:

 The word […] in line 5 is closest in meaning to…

 The word […] as it is used in line 7 most nearly means…
 The word […] in line 11 could best be replaced by which word?
 The word […] in line 13 could be replaced by…

Learn the following example:

1. The word "animistic" as it is used in line 3 most nearly means

(A) the irrational belief in supernatural beings.
(B) the belief that animals and plants have souls.
(C) the belief that animals are gods.
(D) the primitive belief that people are reincarnated as animals.
The second half of the sentence tells us that for the Sami, ―nature and natural objects had a
conscious life, a spirit.‖ The best answer is that animistic means ―the belief that animals and plants
have souls.‖ Therefore, you should choose (B).
Exercise 1: Read the passage and choose the best answer.

1. The word "vast" in line 3 is closest in meaning to

Alarge
Bbasic
Cnew
Durban
2. The word "sparked" in line 5 could be replaced by
Abrought about
Bsurrounded
Csent out
Dfollowed

3. The word "diversity" in line 1 is closest in meaning to

Afunction
Bheredity
Cspecialty
Dvariety