11/26/2021

Master skills
for TOEIC
Created by Tân Nguyễn

DAY 15: LISTENING

YES/NO QUESTIONS
NEGATIVE/TAGS
QUESTIONS

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YES/NO QUESTIONS
Identify the type
STEP 1 Listen to the first words to identify the type. (File nghe 094)
Do you think this report is well written?
Should I give him your business card when he returns?
Are you going to Ms. Kim’s party on Sunday?
Is the fax machine working yet?
Do you know which customer ordered the pizza?
Do you know where Henley’s office is?
▶ Just by listening to the first two words (mainly auxiliary verb and subject), you can
tell
whether it is a general question sentence or an additional/indirect question sentence
(refer to the next unit).

YES/NO QUESTIONS
Identify the type
STEP 2: Listen to verbs and tenses
Was Sunny assigned to the Morris project?
(A) A preferred customer.
(B) Yes, along with Pedro and Will.
(C) I didn’t sign the document.

Have they put the discounted price tags on the sale items yet?
(A) Once every third day.
(B) They gave me a discount on that.
(C) Yes, they finished before leaving work yesterday.

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YES/NO QUESTIONS
A. Listening strategy 1
Check if Yes/No is heard and the additional explanation is correct.

(Q) Did you contact the landlord?

(A) Yes, I called yesterday.
(A) No, I’ll call tomorrow.

*Why you need to listen to the tense correctly when you hear a verb:
Yes, I called yesterday. => correct answer
Yes, I will call tomorrow. => tense incorrect answer
When asking if you have contacted in the past, answering Yes means 'I made a call',
so the expression that I will call you tomorrow is an incorrect answer because the tense
of the explanation does not fit. If I said 'No, but I'll call tomorrow. It can be the correct
answer in the meaning of 'I didn't do it, but I'll do it tomorrow.'

YES/NO QUESTIONS
A. Listening strategy 1
Q Check Quiz >> First, listen to the voice and choose the correct answer, then listen
two more times and fill in the blanks. (File nghe 095)

1. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

2. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

1. ……….…………..…………..…… the Maintenance 2. Is the ……………….……….….…….…... at 9 A.M.?

Department?
(A) ….................…..................…...............….............. (A) ….................…..................…...............…..............
(B) ….................…..................…...............…............... (B) ….................…..................…...............…...............
(C) ….................…..................…...............…............... (C) ….................…..................…...............…...............

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YES/NO QUESTIONS
B. Listening strategy 2
Beware of cases where the answer is only by ambiguous explanation without Yes/No.
(Q) Is there a post office in this area?
(A) (Yes,) It’s right across the street.

▶ Frequent ambiguous explanations

(Yes,) I believe so.
(Yes,) I hope so.
(Yes,) That's what I was told.
(Yes,) That's what he told me.
(Yes,) As far as I know.
(Yes,) As far as I heard.
(Yes,) That's what I heard.
(No,) I don't think so.

YES/NO QUESTIONS
B. Listening strategy 2
Memorization: Frequent 'I don't know' expression
I can look it up.
I just returned from vacation today. (So I don't know.)
You'd better call them. (I'm not sure).
I'm not a staff here, too. (I don't know.)
I am a stranger here, too.
Today is my first day.

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YES/NO QUESTIONS
B. Listening strategy 2
Q Check Quiz >> First, listen to the voice and choose the correct answer, then listen
two more times and fill in the blanks. (File nghe 096)

1. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

2. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

1. Did you …..……………….………...…. in this sales 2. Are you going to .………..…………………………..?

report?
(A) ….................…..................…...............….............. (A) ….................…..................…...............…..............
(B) ….................…..................…...............…............... (B) ….................…..................…...............…...............
(C) ….................…..................…...............…............... (C) ….................…..................…...............…...............

YES/NO QUESTIONS
C. Listening strategy 3
Indirect interrogative sentences focus on interrogative words.
(Q) Do you know where Henley’s office is?
(A) (Yes,) At the end of the hallway.
▶ Expression of the beginning of frequent indirect interrogative sentences
Do you know
Can you tell me?
Does anyone here know
Did you say
Do you remember
Can you recall
Have you heard
Have you decided
I don't know~

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YES/NO QUESTIONS
C. Listening strategy 3
Q Check Quiz >> First, listen to the voice and choose the correct answer, then listen
two more times and fill in the blanks. (File nghe 097)

1. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

2. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

1. Does anyone here know ..………..………………. 2. Do you know ………….…..……….………………….?

this device?
(A) ….................…..................…...............….............. (A) ….................…..................…...............…..............
(B) ….................…..................…...............…............... (B) ….................…..................…...............…...............
(C) ….................…..................…...............…............... (C) ….................…..................…...............…...............

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NEGATIVE/TAGS QUESTIONS
Identify the type
STEP 1 Listen to the negative words to identify the type.
Didn’t you order some new office supplies yesterday?
Isn’t the director usually in the office on Monday?
The presentation was great, wasn’t it?
You have been here before, haven’t you?
▶ Even if there is a negative word in the question, think of it as a YES/NO question and
think about the answer.

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NEGATIVE/TAGS QUESTIONS
Identify the type
STEP 2: Listen to verbs and tenses
They are offering a free ticket promotion this month, aren’t they?
(A) Because she’s the most qualified.
(B) No, the ticket booth is closed.
(C) Why don’t I give them a call?

Isn’t museum admission free for children under 8?

(A) Isn’t it on Main Street?
(B) Yes, the museum is open.
(C) No, but tickets are half price.

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NEGATIVE/TAGS QUESTIONS
D. Listening strategy 4
Remove the negative word and solve the question as a YES/NO question.

(Q) Didn’t you use to work at the New York branch?

(A) Yes, for ten years.

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NEGATIVE/TAGS QUESTIONS
D. Listening strategy 4
Q Check Quiz >> First, listen to the voice and choose the correct answer, then listen
two more times and fill in the blanks. (File nghe 099)

1. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

2. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

1. Juanita .…………..…….………..…… to New York, 2. Isn’t the ……………….…… usually in ….…….…...

won’t she? on ………………?
(A) ….................…..................…...............….............. (A) ….................…..................…...............…..............
(B) ….................…..................…...............…............... (B) ….................…..................…...............…...............
(C) ….................…..................…...............…............... (C) ….................…..................…...............…...............

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YES/NO-NEGATIVE/TAGS QUESTIONS
Actual Test (File nghe 103)
13. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
1. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 14. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
2. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 15. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
3. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 16. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
4. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 17. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
5. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 18. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
6. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 19. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
7. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 20. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
8. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 21. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
9. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 22. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
10. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 23. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
11. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 24. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)
12. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C) 25. Mark your answer. (A) (B) (C)

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DAY 15: GRAMMAR & VOCA

CONJUNCTIONS (2)

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
1. What is an adverb clause?
A clause that gives additional information to the main clause in a sentence, such as
reasons, conditions, time, etc., is called an adverb clause.
A. Form of adverb clauses
An adverb clause is formed by adverb clause conjunction + subject + verb ~.
Before a main clause: [Because she is kind], I like my boss.
After a main clause: I like my boss [because she is kind].
B. Form of participle phrases
The participle phrase is formed by (conjunction +) participle. This is actually the
reduction of an adverb clause: Conjunction + adverb clause + subject + verb.
Before you sign the contract, make sure that you understand it fully.
=> Before signing the contract, make sure that you understand it fully.
You may enter the bank vault when you are accompanied by security personnel.
=> You may enter the bank vault when accompanied by security personnel.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
1. What is an adverb clause?
Check-up

Choose the correct one in parentheses.

1. When (fill/filling) out the survey, you do not need to answer all the questions.

2. (Got/Getting) good reviews, the product sold well.

3. When (facing/faced) with a problem, he always finds a solution.

4. (Damaged/Damaging) by the hurricane, the building had to be renovated.

5. Unless (direction/directed) by your doctor, do not take any other medication.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
2. Types of adverbial conjunctions - Time & Condition
A. Conjunctions of time
when/as/once while since as soon as
before after until by the time
Mr. Peterson was very surprised when he was nominated for the award.
Since Joy Cafe introduced its new dessert menu, the sales have increased dramatically.

B. Conjunctions of condition
if once provided/providing (that)
unless in case as long as
We will send you a replacement right away if we are unable to repair your computer.
Once the journalist arrives at the lab, Dr. Han will take him on a tour.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
2. Types of adverbial conjunctions - Time & Condition
Check-up

Choose the correct one in parentheses.

1. (As long as/Before) we receive your order today, we can ship the package tomorrow.

2. (By the time/Unless) Mr. Jones became the president, he had worked here for ten years.

3. (Before/If) you have any problems with your computer, please contact us.

4. (Unless/As) the president approves the project, we cannot start it.

5. (Once/Unless) the executives make a decision, planning for the new building will start.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
3. Types of adverbial conjunctions - Reasons & Concessions
A. Conjunctions of reason
because as since now that
You received this message because you are on our customer mailing list.
Since many candidates were highly qualified, the hiring decision was difficult.
B. Conjunctions of concession
although though even though
even if while whereas

Even though you are not a client, you can still sign up for our free e-newsletter.
While we have recently suffered financial difficulties, sales are now recovering.
C. Others
We will be undergoing renovations so that we can expand the display space.
Bill’s work was so excellent that the director promoted him to a full project manager.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
3. Types of adverbial conjunctions - Reasons & Concessions
Check-up
Choose the correct one in parentheses.
1. (Even though/So that) Michael was sick, he came to work.

2. (While/Because) the second quarter’s profit is disappointing, the third’s is very

satisfying.

3. Please fill out a form (so that/in order to) we can provide a better service.

4. Mr. Park is so (considerate/consideration) that he helped his colleague to finish the

report.

5. The item is not in stock (as/until) it is no longer manufactured.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
4. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Prepositions vs. Connecting
Adverbs
A. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Prepositions
An adverbial conjunctions starts a clause, while a preposition comes before a noun or
noun phrase.
The new item is popular (because/because of) it is cheap.
The new item is popular (because/because of) its low price.
Adverbial Conjunctions Prepositions Adverbial Conjunctions Prepositions
when in, at since since
while during unless without
by the time, until by, until in case, in the event in case of, in the event of
after, before after, before although, even though despite, in spite of
once, as soon as on/upon + Ving because, as, since because of, due to

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
4. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Prepositions vs. Connecting
Adverbs
B. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Connecting Adverbs
Since it is an adverb, a connecting adverb cannot connect sentences, only the semantic
connection is shown.
I canceled my next schedule. Therefore, I will be able to attend the meeting.
I will be able to attend the meeting because I canceled my next schedule.
meanwhile(= meantime) otherwise likewise
nevertheless(= nonetheless) afterward in fact
however as a result then
for example(=for instance) in that case instead
therefore(= thus, consequently) in contrast(= on the contrary, on the other hand)
moreover(= besides, additionally, in addition, furthermore, plus)

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
4. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Prepositions vs. Connecting
Adverbs
C. Prepositions vs. Connecting Adverbs
Mr. Lee will not give his talk in the morning. Instead, he will be delivering it in the
afternoon.
Instead of giving his talk in the morning, Mr. Lee will be delivering it in the afternoon.

Prepositions Connecting Adverbs

Instead of instead
As a result of as a result
In addition to in addition
Besides besides
Despite despite that
like likewise

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
4. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Prepositions vs. Connecting
Adverbs
Check-up
Choose the correct one in parentheses.
1. WSB provides a full refund (with/when) a shipment is damaged.

2. Refunds are not available. (Instead/Although), we can offer a replacement.

3. (If/Therefore) you have any (questions, feel free to call me.

4. We recommend round tables. (However/Above), other types of tables can be arranged.

5. Our store renovation will be successful (because/because of) your original design.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
4. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Prepositions vs. Connecting
Adverbs
Check-up
Choose the correct one in parentheses.
6. (Beginning/At the time) next week, the company will release a new line of cosmetics.

7. Please visit our Web site (at/there) www.bigstore.com to learn about our products.

8. Those (without/unless) positive attitudes will not get good results at their job
interviews.

9. The sports complex will be closed (to/because) motorists whHe a big game is being held.

10. Our mission is to cope with customer demand (in order to/for) better service.

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CONJUNCTIONS (2)
4. Adverbial Conjunctions vs. Prepositions vs. Connecting
Adverbs
Check-up
Choose the correct one in parentheses.
11. Corner Books often sends messages to its patrons (regarding/regarded) sales.

12. (Given/Though) the steady increase in its sales, Burhan’s seems to be the leader in
the market.

13. (In addition/Aside from) affordable room rates, the hotel is famous for its tasty dishes.

14. (Despite that/Notwithstanding) the initial problems, the company will solve them soon.

15. The personnel manager has frozen the hiring of new employees (as a result/pending)
the CEO’s approval.

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PRACTICE - GRAMMAR
1. (Because/As a result of) his declining health, Mr. Pullman started to regularly work
out.

2. Please notify the manager (that/of) the customer has already arrived and is waiting
for him.

3. Mr. Yoon will become the CEO of the new company (following/as soon as) the
merger.

4. (If/In the event of) any information in the book is incorrect, please let me know
about it.

5. You can reach Dianna after 9 A.M. (when/despite) she reports to work.

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PRACTICE - GRAMMAR
6. You may return any of your purchases from our store (provided/in case of) you have
the original receipt.

7. The factory was closed last week (due to/now that) mechanical problems.

8. The manager wants to meet with his client (the moment/just now) he arrives at the
office.

9. The enclosed contract must be signed by both parties (before/prior to) construction
begins.

10. Passengers should show their tickets and passports (when/during) boarding an
airplane.

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PRACTICE - GRAMMAR
11. The team failed to find a perfect candidate (although/nevertheless) they received
many resumes.

12. We will provide a 10 percent discount. (Otherwise/In addition), we will give a free
T-shirt to all customers.

13. All residents should not use the elevators today. (Moreover/Instead), please use the
stairs.

14. The bus fare will be $2.00 this quarter. (However/Likewise) $3.00 will be charged
next quarter.

15. When (speak/speaking) with potential clients, remember to tell them about Gansen
Capital’s upcoming promotional event.

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PRACTICE - GRAMMAR
16. Once (confirming/confirmed), your order will be shipped immediately from our
warehouse.

17. (Prepared/Preparing) by the team members, the survey results outline consumers'
buying patterns.

18. Refunds are not allowed for this item. (Although/Instead), we can send you a
replacement.

19. Please be sure to inspect all items (before/without) they are sent to the warehouse.

20. The concert for tonight has been delayed (because/therefore) the storm is
approaching.

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PRACTICE - GRAMMAR
21. --------- annual bonuses, the employees are also demanding more paid time off.
(A) Besides (B) Additionally (C) Simply (D) However
22. The CEO arranged to meet the engineers --------- the lab where they designed the
robot.
(A) in (B) such (C) where (D) how
23. Interviews will be scheduled ------ the applications have been carefully reviewed.
(A) this (B) about (C) once (D) over
24. The school hopes to construct a gymnasium on a plot of land ------ its Hopewell
campus.
(A) somewhere (B) opposite (C) apart (D) where
25. A decision will not be made ------ the data from the survey is completely analyzed.
(A) until (B) around (C) in spite of (D) about

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PRACTICE - GRAMMAR
26. --------- here is little time remaining, Ms. Chandler is confident that the report will
be completed on time.
(A) Even though (B) Moreover (C) For example (D) In addition
27. --------- the Sales Department finished the year under budget, the Marketing
Department overspent by $40,000.
(A) Around (B) Fairly (C) Additionally (D) Whereas
28. The contract must be signed and returned no later than five days ------ the date it
was approved.
(A) from (B) because (C) which (D) when
29. --------- being the most qualified individual, Mr. Patterson was passed over for a
promotion by his boss.
(A) Because (B) Despite (C) Once (D) Moreover
30. Our office can begin filling out the order --------- the completed request form and
instructions are sent via fax.
(A) once (B) just (C) upon (D) still

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PRACTICE - VOCA
1. Caroba Manufacturing (produces/enforces) strict safety policies to prevent accidents
in its factories.
2. Some government offices (adequately/intentionally) avoid providing a contact phone
number in an effort to cut down on the volume of public inquiries.
3. Many fast food outlets have significantly changed their menus in response to a
(pace/surge) in demand for vegan-friendly products.
4. On the weekend of the music festival, the city council will (waive/redeem) the charges
for parking along Main Street.
5. Restaurant owners (heavily/constantly) face new challenges, especially in today’s
competitive business environment.
6. When it runs updates, antivirus software may temporarily affect the
(measurement/performance) of your computer.
7. Designed to offer as much (flexibility/accuracy) as possible, the Lorene Convention
Center is an ideal venue for a wide variety of events.

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PRACTICE - VOCA
8. At Klevaratix Supply, we aim to (commit/produce) the highest quality kitchen
equipment for professional chefs.
9. Though some managers may think (particularly/otherwise), using off-site storage
for old paper documents is a very affordable solution.
10. To prevent (duplication/organization) of records, a notification appears if the same
client number is entered in the database more than once.
11. Sunara Food Market (proceeds/obtains) all of its produce from local organic farms.
12. At the next Town Hall meeting, officials will give a progress report on the
construction of the (planned/nominated) community center.
13. Although the merger discussions have progressed slowly, company negotiators are
(probable/optimistic) that a deal will be reached.
14. Rosemary is one of the most commonly used herbs in Italian cooking because the
plant (thrives/absorbs) in the region’s warm, dry climate.

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ACTUAL TEST - GRAMMAR

1. Customers will receive an invoice via e-mail --------- they place an order online.
(A) when (B) from (C) just (D) above
2. We will use temporary employees --------- we receive approval to hire more
permanent staff members.
(A) still (B) by (C) without (D) until
3. Dr. Lanski will give an opening speech, --------- he is not delayed in traffic.
(A) according to (B) as well (C) as long as (D) so that
4. --------- Ms. Haines joined Oliver Wiseman, she served as a financial advisor for
Fine Asset.
(A) Before (B) Immediately (C) Not only (D) Therefore
5. The hotel receptionists were --------- helpful that they helped the guests find
exciting attractions.
(A) much (B) so (C) even (D) yet

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ACTUAL TEST - GRAMMAR

6. A recruiter will contact you by phone -------- you are selected for an interview.
(A) however (B) only (C) if (D) nor
7. -------- we participated in the trade fair, visits to our Web site have increased by 30
percent.
(A) Unless (B) Already (C) Since (D) Yet
8. -------- you wait to meet with one of our consultants, feel free to enjoy the
complimentary coffee.
(A) In addition (B) While (C) Moreover (D) Within
9. Mr. Warden called in sick, so Mr. Wang will supervise the project team -------- his
absence.
(A) while (B) during (C) because (D) among
10. We were able to complete the project successfully -------- a reduced budget.
(A) even though (B) as if (C) in spite of (D) nevertheless

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ACTUAL TEST - VOCA

1. Due to a computer virus, some of the files --------- on the department’s computers have
been corrupted.
(A) stored (B) announced (C) attached (D) reminded
2. The manager --------- must approve all purchases, but exceptions can be made for
items less than $50.
(A) relatively (B) greatly (C) normally (D) patiently
3. The city council converted parts of the waterfront district into a commercial and
residential ---------.
(A) design (B) standard (C) complex (D) matter
4. As the mayor of a tourist town, Mr. Venturi must --------- the needs of locals and those
of visitors.
(A) balance (B) waive (C) overcome (D) expose
5. Students who wish to prepare for tomorrow’s quiz should --------- to Chapter 9 of the
textbook.
(A) refer (B) apply (C) regard (D) assign

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ACTUAL TEST - VOCA

6. The Tuscaloosa Airport provides wheelchair assistance to passengers who -------- it.
(A) touch (B) request (C) begin (D) leave
7. The residents had to -------- for three hours while technicians were restoring power.
(A) wait (B) practice (C) grant (D) agree
8. Many aspiring interpreters find our language courses -------- for their career.
(A) ambitious (B) conservative (C) subtle (D) helpful
9. Following government health guidelines can -------- reduce the risk of food poisoning.
(A) optionally (B) carefully (C) unexpectedly (D) substantially
10. The one-month -------- period is designed to equip new employees with the
necessary skills.
(A) training (B) enrollment (C) innovation (D) manufacturing

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