Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GIÁO TRÌNH
READING LEVEL 2
Mã môn học: ENG 166
1
PREFACE
This course book aims to equip students with knowledge to train their Reading skill
and help them to do tests of TOEIC. Its content includes subject and verb agreement,
adjectives and adverbs, and types of reading texts and reading strategies for each type in
TOEIC reading test.
Chapter 1 includes 05 lessons, chapter 2 consists of 5 lessons, chapter 3 includes
lessons. This book gives students an opportunity to develop skills in writing. Many
exercises help students quickly improve writing skills through language material selected
from real tests. Each lesson has goals, which are clearly written, helping students obtain
what they need after a lesson. At the completion of this course, students will be able to
identify subject and verb agreement, adjectives and adverbs, types of reading texts in TOEIC
reading test, subject and verb agreement, adjectives and adverbs in TOEIC reading test part 5
and 6, types of reading texts and reading strategies for each type in TOEIC reading test part
7, and apply acquired knowledge and skills in doing TOEIC reading test with the average
score of 150 over 495 points. Although a great effort has been made during the time
researching and compiling this course book, limitations, of course, are unavoidable.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER 1 - GRAMMAR 3
3
CHAPTER 1
GRAMMAR
4
LESSON 1
Subject-Verb Agreement in Number (1)
(Singular / Plural Nouns)
Nouns Examples
Noun indicating subjects economics politics statistics, mathematics
Pronouns Times Charles Wales
Economics is not easy to understand.
The news was so surprising.
1.3. Subject-Verb agreement in number
Subjects Verbs
Singular noun Singular Verb
Plural noun Plural Verb
Uncountable nouns Singular Verb
Gerunds or to-infinitives Singular Verb
Noun clauses introduced by that Singular Verb
1.4. Read the following sentences. Mark in the space given if the underlined word is
correct and correct the incorrect one.
1. Mathematics are(is) the science of quantity.___sai _______
2. Developing new product designs are essential. ___is_____________
3. The CEO plans to open another branch. ________đúng ________
5
4. Measles is cured without much difficulty nowadays. ___đúng ______
5. Jane’s parents say to her that money are very important but not everything. Sai is
6. That she will get a promotion are shocking. __sai is______________
7. My coworkers think that I will quit soon. ________________
8. The accountant says that statistics are very difficult for him. ________________
1.5. Look at the underlined parts and choose the correct option to complete each
sentence.
1. Composing music _________ imagination and inspiration.
A. need B. needed C. needs D. has needed
2. Carlos is the student who __________ lived with his passion for many years.
A. have B. has C. having D. had
3. Going on a business trip three times a month ________ too frequent.
A were C a D is
B be re
4. The displayed furniture ________ not for sale.
A. has B. have C. is D. are
6
5. Two cups of peppers ___________ good for their group.
A. seemes B. seeming C. seems D. seems
II. PRACTICE
2.1. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.
1. Holding the conference in our hotel (are, is) advantageous to your company.
2. The requested document (has, have) not yet arrived.
3. Access to this file (are, is) limited to authorized personnel.
4. Each report (contains, contain) information on key economic indicators.
5. That Mr. Smith was absent from work (were, was) surprising.
6. The editor (want, wants) to change the layout of the newspaper.
2.2. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.
7. The firm …………. profit increases with the new marketing strategy.
A anticipate C are anticipated
B anticipates D anticipating
8. Obtaining a good job…………. difficult due to the economic situation.
A have remained C remain
B are remaining D remains
9. This chemical …………. only approved for use in animal foods.
A was B were C has D have
10. Every area manager …………. required to visit all the offices under his
management once a week.
A is B are C were D have
Questions 11 through 13 refer to the following memo
Please be aware that there __________a misprint in an advertisement for our store
11. A. was B. were C. had D. has
in this week's local free press. The ad states that on Saturday all men's formal footwear is on
for 55% percent off rather than 15% off.
If customers (12) ___________ about this sale, please apologize and explain
12. A. are asking B. asks C. asked D. ask
printing error. Offer them an additional 5% off coupon to thank them for coming into our
store.
Please call a manager to the sales floor if you encounter any customer who (13)____the ad
with them and demand to receive the 55% discount.
13. A. have B. had C. has D. is having
Thank you.
B.K.
LESSON 2
Subject-Verb Agreement in Number (2)
(Indefinite Pronouns and Nouns with a Quantifier)
1.3. Fill the gaps with the correct forms of the verbs given in brackets.
1. (look) A few proposals __look______ excellent.
2. (be) Some of the facilities __are______ open at this time.
3. (be) Several sales managers ___were_____ happy with the decision at yesterday's
seminar.
4. (have) Each of the managers ____has____ different characteristics.
5. (have) I am sure that someone __has______ a copy of the report.
6. (be) Many of the important documents in the cabinet __are ______ missing now
1.4. Look at the hints given and choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. A number of people ________ been laid off in the last two
years.
A have B has C had D will have
2. Most of the information ________ not reliable.
A were B was C is D being
II. PRACTICE
2.1. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.
1. All of the old magazines (is, are) available at a discounted price.
2. Some of the executives (refuse, refuses) to reduce expenditures on advertising.
3. The competition between low-cost airlines (has, have) increased.
4. Senior employees in the workplace (know, knows) less about computers.
5. The applicants (have, has) plenty of experience in foreign trade.
6. Many offices (instruct, instructs) employees about what to do in case of fire.
7. The survey forms (was, were) not filled out completely.
8. The headquarters and the branch office (plan, plans) to reorganize some divisions.
9. A few reports (provides, provide) accurate data on the current market.
10. Our facilities (are, is) available for family and company events every weekend.
2.2. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.
11. The rest of the guests for the Best Employee Award…………. to arrive after 7:00
p.m.
A expects C are expected
B expecting D is expected
12. Some of the pens in the shipment …………. faulty parts and cannot be used.
A has B is C was D have
13. The company and the striking workers …………. to a settlement.
A has agreed B agrees C have agreed D agreeing
14. The cell phone charges for local calls …………. discounted for the first month.
A has B was C is D are
15. The government …………. taking significant measures to promote the export of
domestic goods.
A been B is C have D has
16. Several candidates …………. at least two foreign languages fluently.
A speak B speaks C. has spoken D was spoken
LESSON 3
Subject-Verb Agreement in Number (3)
(Conjunctions)
I. Conjunctions
1.1. Coordinating conjunctions and & or
When the subjects in a sentence are joined by the conjunction and, a plural verb is
commonly used. When the subjects are joined by the conjunction or, their verb must agree
with the subject nearest to it.
The CEO and the manager are having a meeting now.
Three workers or one supervisor has to work on Saturdays.
1.2. Correlative conjunctions
When the two subjects in a sentence are joined by correlative conjunctions, their verb
mostly takes the number of the subject nearest to it. In the following structures, the verb will
agree with the subject B.
Either A or B
Neither A nor B Either you or he needs to fill out this form.
Not A but B Neither he nor she is not coming to the seminar.
Not only you but also Mr. Brown is responsible for the
Not only A but (also) B
matter.
B as will as A
B along with A
B with A
B together with A
B including/excluding A
1.3. Read the following sentences and correct the underlined parts in the space
provided.
1. Jacky and Sam has agreed to extend the contract. _have_______
2. Neither she nor I commutes to work by subway. ___commute_____
3. He or you is expected to do the presentation. ___are_____
4. His education and his work experience is suitable for this job. __are______
5. Either you or your boss have to take responsibility. __has______
6. Not only English but also French are necessary to do the job. ___is
_____
1.4. Look at the hints given and choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. The auditorium as well as the libraries ________ being renovated.
A is B a C h D has
re ave
2. The directors and the sales representatives ________ on a business trip every month.
A going B goes C go D is going
II. PRACTICE
2.1. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.
1. The piano as well as the pipe organ …………. to be tuned for the big concert.
A has B have
2. The mayor together with his two brothers …………. going to be indicted for
accepting bribes.
A are B is
3. Neither of my two suitcases …………. adequate for this trip.
A is B are
4. There …………. a list of committee members on the head-table.
A are B is
5. Everybody in the class …………. done the homework well in advance.
A has B have
6. The jury …………. their seats in the courtroom.
A take B takes
7. Neither the teacher nor the students …………. to understand this assignment.
A seem B seems
8. …………. either my father or my brothers made a down-payment on the house?
A has B have
9. Hartford is one of those cities that …………. working hard to reclaim a
riverfront.
A is B are
10. Some of the grain …………. gone bad.
A have B has
11. John or his brother …………. going to be responsible for this.
A are B is
12. A few of the students …………. doing so well they can skip the next course.
A are B is
13. Either the committee on course design or the committee on college operations
…………. these matters.
A decide B decides
14. One of my instructors …………. written a letter of recommendation for me.
A have B has
2.2. Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject.
1. Annie and her brothers (is, are) at school.
2. Either my mother or my father (is, are) coming to the meeting.
3. The dog or the cats (is, are) outside.
4. Either my shoes or your coat (is, are) always on the floor.
5. George and Tamara (doesn't, don't) want to see that movie.
6. Benito (doesn't, don't) know the answer.
7. One of my sisters (is, are) going on a trip to France.
8. The man with all the birds (live, lives) on my street.
9. The movie, including all the previews, (take, takes) about two hours to watch.
10. The players, as well as the captain, (want, wants) to win.
11. Either answer (is, are) acceptable.
12. Every one of those books (is, are) fiction.
13. Nobody (know, knows) the trouble I've seen.
14. (Is, Are) the news on at five or six?
15. Mathematics (is, are) John's favorite subject, while Civics (is, are) Andrea's favorite
subject.
16. Eight dollars (is, are) the price of a movie these days.
17. (Is, Are) the tweezers in this drawer?
18. Your pants (is, are) at the cleaner's.
19. There (was, were) fifteen candies in that bag. Now there (is, are) only one left!
20. The committee (debates, debate) these questions carefully.
21. The committee (leads, lead) very different lives in private.
22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, (greets, greet) the press cordially.
23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, (is, are) in this case.
LESSON 4
Agreement in Tense
(of Main Clause and Subordinate Clause)
I. Agreement in tense
1.1. Basic rules of agreement in tense
1.2. Exceptions
LESSON 5
I. REVIEW
1.1. Verb agreement in number
Subjects Verbs
Singular noun Singular Verb
Plural noun Plural Verb
Uncountable nouns Singular Verb
Gerunds or to-infinitives Singular Verb
Noun clauses introduced by that Singular Verb
1.2. Indefinite pronouns
A number of the workers in the factory ________ off lately. That will have a
15. A. has been laid B. have been laid
C. are laying D. is laid
bad affect on the rest of the workers in our company. Some of them ________ already
quit their jobs.
16. A. have B. had C. has D. having
Therefore, we suggest that you hold a meeting to explain the financial situation of the
company. This will help the employees want to keep working here.
Let’s check!
2. Most of the people in the country (agrees / agree) with the new policy.
3. The paintings which (is / are) on the wall in the conference room look beautiful.
4. Do you know the woman who (is / are) giving a speech now?
CHAPTER 2
VOCABULARY
LESSON 6: Adjectives (1)
LESSON 7: Adjectives (2)
LESSON 8: Adverbs (1)
LESSON 9: Adverbs (2)
LESSON 10: Review
LESSON 6
Functions and Positions of an Adjective
I. Adjective
1.1. Functions of an adjective
In a sentence, an adjective has two functions.
• Modifying a noun
a difficult decision (The adjective difficult modifies the noun decision.)
• Modifying a subject or an object: it functions as a complement
The service was very good. (The adjective good modifies the subject the service.)
1.2. Positions of an adjective
Positions of an adjective Examples
Preceding a noun We made a special plan for you.
Following linking verbs like be,.
become, seem, look, feel as a subject Job-searches are becoming hard nowadays
complement
Many of the employees find the new system
Following objects of the verbs keep,
inconvenient.
find, make as an object complement.
1.3. Look at the following sentences and place the adjectives in brackets in the
correct position - (A), (B), (C), or (D).
2. (useful) This pamphlet (A)__ gives (B)__ information on (C)__ online (D)__ shopping.
1.4. Look at the hints printed in bold and choose the correct option to complete each
sentence.
Vocabulary
prospect ['prɔspekt] replacement [ri'pleismənt] result from
investor [in'vestə] on leave improvement
obligation [,ɔbli'gei∫n] take time
recall profitable ['prɔfitəbl] [im'pru:vmənt]
retail price establish [is'tæbli∫] rapid ['ræpid]
serve [sə:v] customer base growth [grouθ]
salary ['sæləri] loyalty ['lɔiəlti] dedication [dedi'kei∫n]
recall [ri'kɔ:l] dedication
LESSON 7 Useful Language
I. Useful language
1.1. Confusing adjectives
considerable considerate
successful successive
terrible terrific
favorite favorable
Awful awesome
be aware of be likely to be
be eligible for ready to
be able to be responsible for
be capable of be subject to
II. PRACTICE
SMOKING
LANGUAGE FOCUS
Smoking has many serious effects. The most
serious
obvious effect is the deterioration of a smoker's health.
It’s not a serious problem-
Smoking increases the risk of lung disease, increases we should be able to fix it
without too much trouble.
blood pressure, increases the risk of heart attacks, and
obvious
reduces the flow of oxygen to the brain. Smoking creates
The most obvious
respiratory problems. A smoker's cough expels phlegm, explanation is not always the
correct one.
a thick mucus in the nose and the throat that wants to
respiratory
escape the body.
The patient died of
Prolonged use may lead to emphysema and the need respiratory failure.
prolonged
to hook up to a machine to pump enough oxygen into
A prolonged period of
the lungs. Another effect of this habit is that smoking silence occurred after the
breeds halitosis; a smoker's breath always smells foul manager’s talk.
repulsive
and repulsive. Smoking frequently results in social
I think rats and snakes are
isolation because fewer people smoke or want to be in repulsive.
the presence of second-hand smoke. Friends and social
acquaintances often bluntly tell their smoking friends They try to address, social
problems such as poor health
that they don't want the smell in their cars or in their and unemployment.
homes. The strong, offensive odor of smoke clings to offensive
smokers' clothing, hair, and skin. The final effect of There were complaints that
the advertisement was
smoking is that it depletes the pocketbook. Smoking is offensive to women.
now an expensive habit, and the price of cigarettes harmful
continues to rise. The effects of smoking are many, Smoking is harmful for
health.
which leaves one wondering why intelligent people do
not find a way to break their harmful addiction.
2.1. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.
1. The team made (considerable, confidential, rapid) efforts to collect the data.
2. Everyone congratulated Mr. Park on his (modern, late, recent) promotion.
3. Any (improper, complete, appropriate) behavior will not be tolerated in the office.
4. A (recent, pleasant, broad) atmosphere improves work performance.
2.2. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.
5. Management expects applicants to 6. When the installation process is
have a ________ knowledge of ________, the "Done" tab will appear
economics. on the monitor.
A high A entire
B whole B accura
C round te
D broad C total
D compl
ete
Questions 7 and 8 refer to the following memorandum.
From: Olivia Johnson
To: All staff
This memo is to refresh everyone's memory on the importance of keeping records private.
Please remember that all ________ records must be kept in locked file cabinets
7. A. confidential
B. former
C. limited
D. unprecedented
when not in use. The company's reputation rests upon your ability to handle ________
8. A. apprehensive
B. competitive
C. sincere
D. sensitive
client information properly. Employees who fail to do so will be warned, and if it happens
I repeatedly, access to the files will be restricted.
Vocabulary
make an effort congratulate promotion [prə'mou∫n]
collect [kə'lekt] [kən'grætjuleit] behavior [bi'heivjə]
tolerate ['tɔləreit] appear [ə'piə] handle ['hændl]
atmosphere ['ætməsfiə] refresh [ri'fre∫] repeatedly [ri'pi:tidli]
work performance private ['praivit] access [access]
installation [,instə'lei∫n] reputation [repju:'tei∫n] restrict [ri'strikt]
process ['prouses] rest upon
LESSON 8. Functions and Positions of an Adverb
I. Functions and Positions of an Adverb
1.1. Functions of an adverb
Most adverbs are formed by adjective + -ly. An adverb is used to emphasize a state or an
action.
• Modifying a verb They highly recommended the product. (Adverb + verb)
• Modifying an adjective That was a very creative idea. (Adverb + adjective)
• Modifying another adverb All of the employees worked very hard, (Adverb + adverb)
• Modifying a whole sentence Unfortunately, the tickets are sold out. (Adverb + sentence)
1.4. Look at the hints printed in bold and choose the correct option to complete each
sentence.
2. The vice president ________ retired as of last Monday. vice president as of last
Monday
LANGUAGE FOCUS
It is very important to have healthy teeth.
actually
Actually, good teeth help us to chew our food.
We've spoken on the: phone but
They also help us to look nice. How does a tooth
we've never actually met.
go bad? The decay begins in a little crack in the
repeatedly
enamel covering of the tooth. This happens after
Customers repeatedly complained
germs and bits of food have repeatedly collected
about the service of this hotel.
there, then the decay slowly spreads inside the
eventually
tooth. Eventually, poison goes into the blood,
The authority is hoping, eventually,
and we may feel quite ill.
to create 500 new jobs.
How can we keep our teeth healthy? Firstly,
voluntarily
we ought to voluntarily visit our dentist twice a
Did he do it voluntarily, or did you
year. He can fill the small holes in our teeth
make him?
before they destroy the teeth markedly. He can
markedly
examine our teeth to check that they are growing
The. city's population has
in the right way. Unfortunately, many people
increased .markedly. .
wait until they have tooth-ache before they see a
unfortunately
dentist. Secondly, we should brush our teeth with
Unfortunately, one of the most
a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice
competent managers is leaving the
a day - once after breakfast and once before we
company.
go to bed. We can additionally use wooden
additionally
toothpicks to clean between our teeth after a
Members receive six newsletters a
meal. Thirdly, we should eat food that is good for
year. Additionally, they have the use
our teeth and our body: milk, cheese, fish, brown
of a helpline.
bread, potatoes, red rice, raw vegetables, and
especially
fresh fruit. Chocolate, sweets, biscuits, and cakes
It was a very cold house, especially
are bad, especially when we eat them between
in winter.
meals. They are extremely harmful because they
extremely
stick to our teeth and cause decay.
These negotiations will be extremely
difficult for the company.
II. PRACTICE
2.1. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.
Vocabulary
solution [sə'lu:∫n] suffer ['sʌfə] president ['prezidənt]
request [ri'kwest] unemployment rate speech [spi:t∫]
task [tɑ:sk] for years long-term ['lɔηtə:m]
promote [prə'mout] grand opening vision ['viʒn]
release [ri'li:s] celebrate ['selibretid]
LESSON 09 Useful Adverbs
I. Useful adverbs
1.1. Common adverbs of frequency
You will usually find adverbs of frequency following auxiliary verbs or the verb be, and preceding
ordinary verbs.
always sometimes
Usually rarely / seldom / hardly
often Never
The meeting usually lasts 90 minutes. (Preceding the ordinary verb last) Mr. Kim is rarely'
late for work. (Following the verb be) They will never care about it. (Following the
auxiliary verb will)
Alpha Auto Body has served Tokyo motorists for over 20 years. Since our opening, we
have ________ provided our customers with superior customer service. We are
7. A. broadly
B. formerly
C. fairly
D. conveniently
________ located in the city's center near department stores and subway stations. Our
8. A. gradually
B. quickly
C. consistently
D. marginally
facility is equipped with the latest high-tech machines and computerized systems. We
ensure you an excellent repair job at a fair price.
Vocabulary
1.2. Fill the gaps with the adjectives in the box to form correct collocations.
legal competitive impressive productive
1. a(n) ________ speech
2. a(n) ________ suggestion
3. ________ conditions
4. a(n) ________ market
1. The ________ report shows that 3. The president said that it was the
Chilean wine's market share increased ________ meeting he has ever had.
this year. A more productive
A various B productive
B legal C most productive
C official D productivity
D productive productive
Chilean wine 4. The team made a presentation in a very
market share ________ way.
2. Your company should take ________ A impress
action to solve the problem. B impressive
A proper C impressiveness
B permanent D impressively
C competitive make a presentation
D complimentary 5. We need to finish the report by next
should take action Friday at the ________
A later 10. The budget cut made our project
B late ___________ more difficult.
C latest A many
D lately B very
by next Friday C so
6. Sales directors should go ________ to D even
Room 100 for another meeting. budget cut
A direct 11. Make sure you have all the
B directly ___________ data with you.
C direction A need
D directive B necessary
sales director C necessarily
7. We found the manual absolutely D needs
__________ in dealing with customer make sure. Data
complaints.
A importantly
B importance 12. They ___________ renovated the
C important stores in order to attract more
D importing customers.
absolutely A late
deal with B recently
customer complaint C likely
8. The more motivated the workers are, D hard
the ___________ the productivity renovate
becomes. attract
A high 13. We will discuss who is ___________
B higher for the position.
C highly A afraid
D more highly B aware
motivated C eligibl
productivity e
9. Please read the instructions as D subjec
___________ as possible. t
A careful discuss
B care 14. The solar panels were not so
C carefully ___________ as we had anticipated.
D more carefully A efficie
instructions nt
B efficie anticipate
ntly
C more
efficient
D most
efficient
solar panel
efficient
We would like to inform you that the employee cafeteria on the second floor will be closed
for renovations. These renovations will enable us to provide all of our employees with
___________ service and food than now.
15. A. good
B. best
C. better
D. well
The renovations will take ___________ three days. The snack bar on the third floor will
16. A. approximate
B. approximations
C. approximately
D. more approximately
be open for drinks and snacks.
caused you.
Vocabulary
individual opinion [ə'piniən] accept [ək'sept]
[indi'vidjuəl] conduct ['kɔndʌkt] apology [ə'pɔlədʒi]
provide [prə'vaid] transaction inconvenience
contact information [træn'zæk∫n] [inkən'vi:njənsi]
method ['meθəd] determine [di'tə:min] unexpected
expand [iks'pænd] achieve [ə't∫i:v] [ʌniks'pektid]
rate [reit] announce [ə'nauns]
voice [vɔis] crash [crash]
CHAPTER 3
In Part 7, most reading passages are in the form of letters such as letters of complaint,
order confirmation letters, letters to renew an expired magazine subscription, invitations
to special events, thank-you letters, etc. E-mails usually mention internal affairs of a
company.
Questions related to letters or e-mails are often about the purpose of a letter or an e-mail, (an
attachment(s) or a request to the recipient.
Analyzing:
1. From the word purpose, you can easily see that the question is
about the purpose of the letter. The purpose is often stated at the beginning of a letter.
According to the first sentence in the letter, I am writing to inform you that the products
I ordered from your company on September 10 were wrongly delivered, choice (B) To
inform a wrong delivery is the correct answer.
2. From the key word enclosed, you can understand that the
question is about an attachment. The key word enclosed can be found near the end of the
letter; then hints for the correct answer can be found there. Based on the sentence
Enclosed with this letter are the invoice and the catalogue, choice (A) An invoice is the
correct answer.
3. The key word request indicates that the question asks about the
request mentioned in the letter. The key word request is paraphrased as I would be
grateful if you could send me at the end of the letter where hints for the correct answer
can be found. Choice (B) A warranty is the correct answer.
1. We assure you that your order will arrive within seven days.
= Delivery is ________ to take place within a specific time.
A. likely B. guaranteed
3. I have attached the technical specifications for the AC20 to this e-mail.
= A list of the product's ________ is included with the e-mail.
A. costs B. details
4. Thank you for finding the data that I had asked you about.
= I appreciate your taking the time to ________ the requested information.
A. locate B. fill out
Vocabulary
5. Schedule your appointment a week before you want to have your car checked.
A Appointments for car maintenance should be made a week in advance.
B You should check your car service appointment one week ahead of time.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
additional [ə'di∫ənl] quote [kwout] forbidden [fə'bidn]
location [lou'kei∫n] personnel [pə:sə'nel] termination [,tə:mi'nei∫(ə)n]
be satisfied with confidential [,kɔnfi'den∫l] employment [im'plɔimənt]
quality ['kwɔliti] authorized ['ɔ:θəraiz] access ['ækses]
furnish ['fə:ni∫] executive [ig'zekjutiv] by mistake
estimate ['estimit] third party accidentally [æksi'dentəli]
Questions 11-12 refer to the following letter.
Paul Jones
Viking Wireless
311 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10017
For the past several months, my cell phone bill has been much higher than
usual. So, I contacted the customer service department to find out why. It
turns out that there are many phone calls that I did not make on bill.
However, the customer service insists that these calls were made from my
cell phone.
But many of the calls were made when I was out of the country. Enclosed is
a copy of my plane ticket to prove that I was not in the country. I have also
attached a copy of my recent bills and highlighted the calls that I did not
make.
Please reimburse me for the incorrect charges and send a statement that
reflects the changes. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Regards,
Susan Hay
Part 7, some reading passages are about advertisements for jobs and products. Job
advertisements often involve recruiting managers /secretaries /manager assistants, etc.
Product advertisements focus on household appliances, membership, houses for rent,
restaurants, hotels, etc.
Questions about features and good points of a product / service in product advertisements
Typical questions: What is NOT stated as a feature of the service?
What is the advantage of the product?
Reading strategy: Features and good points of a product! Services are often stated in the
middle of a reading passage. Questions for these are usually
information or NOT / TRUE questions. You need to identify the key
word(s) in the question, and then locate hints in the middle of the
reading passage for the correct answer.
Analyzing:
1. Identify the key word position in the question. Hints for the answer can be found at
the beginning of the advertisement through the section Vacancy. Choice (A) Sales
manager is the correct answer.
2. Read the question and identify this is a NOT question based on the word NOT
Identify the key word requirement in the question. Hints for the answer can be found in
the middle of the reading passage. Choice (A) Qualifications is a restatement of college
degree or higher; choice (C) Computer skills is a restatement of ability to use accounting
software and excellent compiling skills; choice (D) Foreign language is expressed by
language competence - business English and Japanese. Choice (B) Driver's license is
not mentioned in the reading passage; therefore, it is the correct answer.
3. Identify the key word apply for and the question word How. This question asks
about the method or the procedure to apply for the position advertised. Hints for the
answer can be found at the end of the advertisement, download the application form at
the company website and e-mail it to recruit@worldwide.com; then, choice (B) By e-
mail is the correct answer.
III. Preparing practice Practice paraphrasing the following sentences by choosing
the correct option.
1. The Internet is an inexpensive means of advertising.
= A website is a ________ way to promote your business.
A creative B low-cost
2. All of our monitors are guaranteed to last more than ten years.
= Our displays are well made and extremely ________.
A durable B relevant
3. To make up for the drop in profits, the company fired 30 workers last quarter.
= The company ________ employees last quarter.
A hired B dismissed
4. We are seeking those who have acquired broad experience in the service industry.
= Those who have ________ experience in the hospitality industry will be welcomed.
A ex B extensive
pensive
Vocabulary
7. Researchers will primarily work in the office, but some fieldwork will be required.
A Researchers have to work outside of the office at times.
B Researchers are required to do fieldwork after completing their office work.
8. S-Mart stores will now be open 24 hours a day in order to better serve their customers.
A To improve service, S-Mart will be open around the clock.
B Poor service has led S-Mart to extend its hours.
Vocabulary
competitive [kəm'petitiv] be sold out improve [im'pru:v]
quality ['kwɔliti] primarily ['praimərəli] around the clock
transport ['trænspɔ:t] fieldwork ['fi:ldwə:k] lead [led]
compare [kəm'peə] require [ri'kwaiə] extend [iks'tend]
across the country at times
available [ə'veiləbl] complete [kəm'pli:t]
nationally ['næ∫nəli] in order to
Question 9 refers to the following advertisement.
9. What is being advertised?
A A parking area
Smith Falls Apartments have two spacious bedrooms, a sunny living room, bath
with both a tub and shower, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Our amenities include a
swimming pool, a fitness center, and a Laundromat. There is plenty of parking
nearby maintenance costs of the complex are included in the rent. In order to
become a tenant a. $2,000 security deposit and a recommendation from a previous
landlord are required.
B An apartment complex
C A business space
Questions related to notices or announcements are usually about the purpose or recipients of
notices or announcements, the possible locations of notices or announcements, the
information related to specific dates, or the requests for those concerned.
Questions about the purpose or recipients of notices or announcements
Typical questions: What is the purpose of the notice?
Who is the notice intended for?
Reading strategy: The purpose or intended reader of a notice or an announcement is mainly
stated at the beginning of a reading passage.
Hints for the answer related to the topic or purpose can be found at the
beginning of a reading passage.
Hints that help choose the answer for the question related to the intended
reader of the notice or announcement can be inferred from the whole
reading passage. Pay particular attention to the beginning of the reading
passage.
Questions about the information or event related to specific dates in notices or
announcements
Typical questions: What will happen on April 19?
What is the subject of the event on September 2?
Reading strategy: Information or an event related to specific dates is often stated in the
middle of a reading passage. Since this is usually an information
question, the specific date in the question is the key word. Hints for the
answer can be found in the middle of the reading passage.
Questions about the requests in notices or announcements
Typical questions: What are recipients of this notice asked to do?
When should Ms. Pablo be contacted?
Reading strategy: Requests in a notice or an announcement often appear at the end of a
reading passage. These are mainly information questions and NOT /
TRUE questions. Identify the key word(s) in the question and then find
hints for the answer at the end of the reading passage.
Analyzing:
1. The question is about the intended reader of the announcement. The information that
helps choose the answer is inferred from the whole reading passage. As stated at the
beginning of the reading passage, The Springfield City government is going ... local
area, and the word Residents in the second paragraph, it can be inferred that this notice
is aimed at the local people in Springfield City. Therefore, choice (A) Local residents is
the correct answer.
2. This question is about an event related to a specific date mentioned in the announcement.
So, January 10 is the key word that helps locate the information for the answer. As
stated in the announcement, The meeting agenda together with its results will be
publicized on the city website on January 10, choice (B) The meeting results are
announced is the correct answer.
3. The question asks about a certain request - if he has any questions. The hints related to
requests are mentioned at the end of the reading passage. The announcement says, If you
have any questions, please contact the Environment Department, Springfield City Hall,
at 810-2833; therefore, choice (B) Make a phone call is the correct answer.
III. Preparing practice Practice paraphrasing the following sentences by choosing
the correct option.
1. As requested, the swimming pool will remain open for three extra hours.
= The request to ________ the pool hours of operation has been approved.
A. extend B. extract
4. Led by Mr. Collins, the seminar on safety procedures at the factory will be held this
Friday.
= Mr. Collins will ________ the seminar on the proper use of machinery.
A. conduct B. train
Vocabulary
request [ri'kwest] secure [si'kjuə] concern [kən'sə:n]
remain [ri'mein] sign up safety procedure
approve [ə'pru:v] ensure [in'∫uə] proper ['prɔpə]
extend [iks'tend] in a hurry conduct ['kɔndʌkt]
extract ['ekstrækt] in advance train [trein
pre-registration direct [di'rekt]
[pri:,redʒi'strei∫n] inquiry [in'kwaiəri]
5. A ban on this movie is in effect from February 14 until further notice.
A It is illegal to watch the movie until February 14.
B A ban of indefinite duration has been placed on this film.
6. A schedule of the week's events is available to conference attendees on the website.
A A conference program can be found on the website.
B Attendees may sign up for events on the conference website.
7. Due to a server update, there will be an interruption to the online services.
A Due to a server error, the online system requires updating.
B A service disruption is expected while our system is being updated.
8. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to make a reservation at our hotel.
A Customers will not get their deposit back if they cancel their reservations.
B Customers must pay a penalty of $50 when they cancel their reservations.
Vocabulary
ban [bæn] available [ə'veiləbl] non-refundable
in effect attendee [əten’di:] [,nɔn ri:'fʌndəbl]
until further notice sign up deposit [di'pɔzit]
illegal [i'li:gəl] interruption [,intə'rʌp∫n] reservation [,rezə'vei∫n]
indefinite [in'definit] disruption [dis'rʌp∫n] penalty ['penlti]
duration [djuə'rei∫n]
Question 9 refers to the following announcement.
The 23rd Annual Battleford Science Fair will take place at Riedel University from
May 1 to 7. The fair draws over 3,000 students, parents, and industry leaders from
Riedel County; each year and is in need of volunteers. Volunteers will organize
the awards ceremony. In addition, we need a team to take responsibility for selling
snacks and refreshments. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Bob
Marshall, Battleford Science Fair coordinator, for further information.
10. Tickets for the performance can be exchanged no later than 48 hours before the
time stated on the tickets. All evening performances will begin at 8 p.m., and
weekend matinees start at 2:30 p.m. Audience members are asked to arrive
early, as latecomers will not be allowed to enter the concert hall, Please be
aware that there is limited parking near the Art Center. Street parking is also
available for a small fee.
What is mentioned in the announcement?
A Tickets can be purchased online.
B There are no afternoon performances on weekends.
C They may have difficulty finding a place to park.
Vocabulary
take place refreshments [ri'fre∫mənts] no later than
draw [drɔ:] coordinator state [steit]
volunteer [,vɔlən'tiə] matinee ['mætnei]
aware [ə'weə] [kou'ɔ:dineitə(r)] award [ə'wɔ:d]
take responsibility for recruit [ri'kru:t] limited ['limitid]
exchange [iks't∫eindʒ]
Questions 11-12 refer to the following notice.
Belhaven is pleased to provide on-site classes from Harvey University for our staff.
Until now, our company has supported staff who take courses on the university campus.
However, management believes that it wilt be more beneficial to bring the classes to the
company. This will save time by reducing unnecessary commuting. Half of the
enrollment fee will be paid by the company, and a university credit will be given upon
completion of each course.
Vocabulary
In Part 7, reading passages may be in the form of newspaper articles or reviews. These
mainly discuss national industries, corporate trends, nature conservation, energy
saving, etc. Bedsides, information related to daily life such as news about movies or
performances/restaurant ratings is also the topics of articles or reviews.
Questions:
Analyzing:
1. The topic or main idea of the article is stated at the beginning of the article. Hints for the
correct answer can be found in Last week; the Energy Management Bureau claimed that
gas bills are going to increase dramatically this winter. Therefore, choice (A) Increase
in gas bills is the correct answer.
2. This question focuses on specific information with such key words as experts, advise.
Locate the key words experts, advise in the reading passage and find hints for the
correct answer. The article states, Experts advise that people should tightly close all
windows or narrow chinks in the doors of their houses to minimize heat escape, which
can help save about 20% of their gas bills. Therefore, choice (B) Keep heat inside the
house is the correct answer.
3. This question requires your understanding of the whole reading passage. You need to
check each of the answer choices with the relevant information in the passage. Choice
(A) is mentioned in the reading passage under the meteorological forecast of this year's
lower temperature. Choice (B) is mentioned under the increase in crude oil prices
worldwide. Choice (D) is mentioned in difficulties in natural gas supply. It is stated in
the article that crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico not seeming to recover soon,
but not Crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico is interrupted; thus, choice (C) is the
correct answer.
III. Preparing practice Practice paraphrasing the following sentences by choosing
the correct option.
1. The hotel has recently renovated one hundred guest suites.
= Many guest suites at the hotel have recently been ________
A. leased B. remodeled
Most people interested in starting a hotel face tough challenges. The hospitality
industry is dominated by established international brand names with enormous
operating budgets, which are difficult to compete with as an independent company,
Hotel industry leader James Wellington advises hopeful hoteliers that their dreams can
come true if they target their niche market and concentrate on distinguishing
themselves from their competitors.
9. What is stated as a difficulty when starting a new hotel?
A Managing their large operating budgets
B Competing with well-known rivals
C Establishing it as an international brand
Question 10 refers to the following review.
Visitors to Lorenzo's Restaurant in Palm Springs are never disappointed. From the decor
to the menu, every detail has been carefully considered. The extensive menu includes
Italian and French dishes, as well as the unique creations of the Owner, Chef Paolo. The
restaurant specializes in pasta, but features some steaks as well. Lunch is offered at 15
percent off. the regular price. Take advantage of this offer and try the delicate risotto or
potato gratin for lunch.
Vocabulary
Memorandums appeared in the later 19th century since there was an increasing need for internal
communication across distances and between levels of management of businesses. Initially, the
term “memorandum” was used, but by the 1920s, when the internal documents were already
widely spread, it was shortened to memo, In the modern time, e-mails have, to some extent,
replaced memos.
In Part 7, reading; passages may be in the form of memos which are pieces, of correspondence
sent between employers and employees within a company or between companies to inform of a
changed venue, a new decision, a request, a staff transfer, etc. They are more private and more
formal than e-mails but less formal than letters. Memos may have their own specific format:
there are mostly a heading and a body. No salutations, complimentary closings, and formal
signatures are included in memos.
I. Question Types and Reading Strategy
Questions concerning a memo are usually about the topic or purpose of the memo, (a)
specific detail(s), or memo-related further information.
Questions about the topic or purpose of a memo
Typical questions: What is the memorandum about?
What is the purpose of this memo?
Reading strategy: The topic or purpose of a memo is often stated in the first part of a
reading passage.
As this is a question about the topic or purpose, hints for the correct
answer be located at the beginning of a reading passage. In particular, the
purpose or topic is often mentioned in the heading written as Subject: ...
or Re: ...
Questions about (a) specific detail(s) in a memo
Typical questions: Which department does Mr. Lee work at?
What does the company plan to do?
Reading strategy: Specific details are often mentioned in the middle of a memo.
As this is an information question, identify the key word(s) in the
question, then find hints for the answer around the key word(s) in the
middle of a reading passage.
Questions about memo-related further information
Typical questions: Who should be contacted for more information?
What should people who have any questions do?
Reading strategy: Memo-related further information is often written at the end of a reading
passage.
As this is an information question, identify the key word(s) in the
question, then locate the key word(s) around the end of a reading passage
and find hints fort correct answer.
II. Common memo topics in the TOEIC test
To announce a resignation To request the cooperation for a cleaning
To announce staff changes operation
To congratulate an employee on a promotion To remind employees of a company policy
To inform the staff of maintenance activities
The questions below refer to the following memo.
Questions:
Analyzing:
1. This question is about the topic of the memo. The topic of the memo is stated at the first
part of the reading passage. Hints for the answer can be found in You are invited to a
farewell party to Mr. Jackson on Friday, October 31 because he is going to retire. The
correct answer is choice (B) An employee farewell party.
2. This question is about a specific detail in the memo with the key word Mr. Jackson,
including the question word How long. Locate the word Mr. Jackson in the middle of
the reading passage, then find hints for the correct answer around it. It is stated in Mr.
Jackson ... since he joined the company 15 years ago. Therefore, the correct answer is
choice (B) 15 years.
3. This is a question about memo-related further information. Identify the key word
suggestions in the question, then locate the key word at the end of the reading passage,
and find hints for the correct answer around it. Suggestions is paraphrased as interesting
ideas. The reading says, If you come up with any interesting ideas or any questions,
please e-mail to msbrown@market.com or call the extension number 117 at any time.
Choice (A) Make a phone call is the correct answer.
III. Preparing practice Practice paraphrasing the following sentences by choosing
the correct option.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
REFERENCES
1. Taylor, A. & Edmunds, P. ( 2007). Developing Skills for the TOEIC Test. Thành phố Đà
Nẵng, Việt Nam: Nhà xuất bản Nhân Trí Việt
2. Yeong, P. H. & Won, J. J. (2012). Abc TOEIC- Reading Comprehension. Hồ Chí Minh,Việt
Nam: Nhà xuất bản Tổng hợp Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh.