TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

Introduction to Reading comprehension

Guide to the Reading Test
The second section of the TOEIC test is the Reading Test. In this section, the test focuses on
how well you read and understand written English. There are three parts in this section.

Part 5: Incomplete Sentences 30 questions

Part 6: Text Completion 16 questions
Part 7: Reading Comprehension 54 questions

You will have 75 minutes to complete this section of the TOEIC test.
Directions are given for each part. You need to mark your answers on the separate Answer
Sheet provided. Part 5 focuses on grammar and vocabulary. You need to choose the correct
word or phrase to complete each sentence. Part 6 focuses on grammar and vocabulary in a
similar way, but here you complete short texts. You also need to identify one missing
sentence. Part 7 focuses mainly on reading comprehension. In this part, there are up to ten
single passages, two double passages, and three triple passages.

Quick Check
 How many parts are there in the Reading section of the TOEIC test?
 How many questions are there?
 How much time do you have to complete the Reading section?
 Where do you mark your answers?

Guide to this section of Pass the TOEIC Test

The Reading section of Pass the TOEle Test covers Parts 5, 6, and 7 of the TOEIC test. First, you
study important Grammar and Vocabulary. This is because Part 5 and Part 6 share the same
grammar and vocabulary testing points. Focusing on this language first allows for more
complete preparation, and more authentic practice. Part 5 and Part 6 each begin with a Try It
Out preview test, which shows you exactly what to expect. This will also help you identify your
strengths and weaknesses. In Steps to Success you practice special strategies for taking each
part of the test, before Strategy Review and Tips summarizes key guidance and gives useful
advice. Finally, you put everything into practice in a full-length Review Test. You then continue
to Part 7, which is presented as an individual section.

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TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

GRAMMAR REVIEW

 Word Choice
 Auxiliary Verbs
 Comparatives and Superlatives
 Gerunds and Infinitives
 Subject – Verb Agreement
 Pronouns
 Verb Forms and Tenses
 Common Grammar Traps in the
TOEIC Test

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

GRAMMAR

In this section you will practice the grammar you need to improve your score on Part 5 and
Part 6 of the TOEIC test.
These are the exercises you will cover:

checking your knowledge of words that are

Word Choice
often confused (some/any, etc.)

choosing the correct auxiliary verb (will/have/

Auxiliary Verbs
may, etc.)

using the comparative (quicker, more

Comparatives and
convenient, etc.) and superlative (the cheapest,
Superlatives
the most interesting, etc.)

making sure the subject and the verb of a

Subject-Verb
sentence match (A team of experts is working on
Agreement
the problem.)

Pronouns practicing the use of different pronouns

(She asked me to work overtime on my own.)

using the correct form of the verb and the

Verb Forms and
correct tense (We are having a meeting at 4:00 P.M.)
Tenses

Gerunds and using the gerund (-ing form) and the infinitive
Infinitives (with and without to)

As you work through this Grammar section, try to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Notice what problems you have, and focus on the areas you need to improve.

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

Word Choice

Study these examples of grammar that can often be confused.

There are many things we need to do.  Used with countable nouns (problems,
There are few women in senior people, etc.).
management.

I do not have much work at the moment.  Used with uncountable nouns (time,
We have little control over the project. money, etc.).

Here are some tickets for tonight's movie.  Used in positive statements and
Can I have some help, please? questions.

I do not have any luggage.  Used in negative statements and

Are there any letters for me? questions.

This is so easy. it will not take long.  Used before an adjective (so heavy, so
cheap).

It is such an easy task it will not take long.  Used before an adjective + noun (such a
good idea).

Do not work too hard.  more than is necessary

Are there enough chairs?  sufficient
We do not have enough money.  less than is necessary

There is no ink in this printer.  Used before nouns (no work, no food).
The printer is out of ink. There is none left.  Used without a noun, meaning "not any"
or "not one."

I called two hotels. They are both full.  Used with a noun to relate two things.
Neither hotel has any vacancies.
I cannot stay at either hotel.

That is the best meal I have ever had.  Used in positive statements and
Have you ever gone abroad on business? questions.
I have never had a long vacation.  Used in negative statements.

Most workers have lunch in the cafeteria.  the majority of

Of all my hobbies, I like reading the most.  Used in superlatives.
Almost all the employees have a pension.  very nearly

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

MINI TEST Word Choice

Choose the most appropriate answer: (A), (B), (C), or (D), to complete each sentence.
1. When I got home I was ________ tired 6. Did you take ________ photographs
that I fell asleep immediately. when you were on vacation?
(A) such (A) almost
(B) such a (B) much
(C) so (C) many
(D) too (D) most

2. Susan looked for a place to park her car, 7. ________ manufacturing companies are
but there were ________ spaces left. having difficulty at the moment.
(A) none (A) The most
(B) no (B) Most
(C) not (C) Much
(D) nothing (D) Almost

3. Would you like ________ assistance with 8. James and Bill ________ started working
your here after high school.
bags? (A) both
(A) some (B) either
(B) ever (C) neither
(C) little (D) ever
(D) much

4. There are not ________ people to do all 9. We sent several e-mails, but we
this work. ________ got a reply.
(A) no (A) no
(B) enough (B) never
(C) much (C) almost
(D) too (D) either

5. Very________ time is available to resolve 10. We do not have ________ time to

this problem. waste.
(A) short (A) no
(B) few (B) few
(C) less (C) little
(D) little (D) any

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

Auxiliary Verbs

Study these examples of modal auxiliary verbs.

I can/could work overtime if you want.  making an offer

May/Can I come in?  asking for permission

Phil can speak Japanese, but he cannot write it.  present ability/inability
My previous secretary could type quickly, but she could  past ability/inability
not use spreadsheets.

Will/Can/Could you help me with this report, please?  making a request

You have not eaten all day? You must be hungry.  deduction
That is Susan's car. She must have arrived already.  deduction in the past

Mr. Hershaw may/might/could know the answer.  possibility

I might have left my keys in the car.  possibility in the past

They are charging $300 an hour. That cannot be right.  certainty

Julie was away last week so she could not have heard  certainty in the past
the news.

You can use this office, but you cannot smoke in here.  permission

I must finish this work today.  obligation

You must not park in front of the fire escape.

You should go home if you are not feeling well.  advice

You should not have worked so late last night.  advice in the past

Employees should always arrive on time.  responsibility

You should not have any trouble finding us. We are  expectation
next to the station.

My tooth really hurts. I will have to go to the dentist.  necessary

You do not have to come in to work tomorrow.  not necessary

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

MINI TEST Auxiliary verbs

Choose the most appropriate answer: (A), (B), (C), or (D), to complete each sentence.
1. Visitors ________ sit in Row G because 6. Donald ________ called as there are no
those seats are reserved. messages on my answer choice.
(A) could not (A) must be
(B) cannot (B) could not have
(C) do not have to (C) had to
(D) might not (D) should not

2. This project is very important, so we 7. If you get some professional advice you
________ try our best to make it a success. ________ be able to save the company.
(A) can (A) must have
(B) must have (B) have to
(C) may (C) can
(D) have to (D) might

3. Excuse me, ________ you open the door 8. Meeting Room C is the only room that
for me, please? ________ hold sixty people.
(A) Could (A) should
(B) Must (B) can
(C) May (C) must
(D) Should (D) has to

4. You ________ checked the details more 9. We ________ try to get to this afternoon’s
thoroughly before you signed the meeting early as we need to set up the
agreement. projector.
(A) must have (A) must
(B) had to leave (B) would
(C) may have (C) cannot
(D) should have (D) need

5. In my last job I ________ have to wear a 10. The store had so many computers I
suit. ________ not decide which one to buy.
(A) must not (A) would
(B) should not (B) could
(C) did not (C) should
(D) could not (D) might

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary
Comparatives and Superlatives
Study these examples of the comparative and superlative form.
Liz works harder than anyone else in the
office.
She is the hardest worker we have.
I was happier when I worked as a teacher.
Teaching was the happiest time of my life
Mumbai is more crowded than Tokyo.
It is the most crowded city in the world.
The sales figures are better than I
expected.
They are the best figures we have had all
year.
That trip was less expensive than I
thought.
That is the least expensive trip I have ever
taken.
Angela earns as much as me.
Her salary is the same as mine.
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Adjectives with one syllable
old / older (than) / the oldest
big / bigger (than) / the biggest
long / longer (than) / the longest
Adjectives ending in -y
easy / easier (than) / the easiest
lucky / luckier (than) / the luckiest
angry / angrier (than) / the angriest
Most adjectives with two or more syllables
painful/more painful (than) / the most
painful
famous / more famous (than) / the most
famous
expensive / more expensive (than) / the most
expensive
Irregular adjectives
good / better / best
bad / worse / worst
more ... than /Iess ... than
the most / the least
(just) as ... as
the same as
 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

MINI TEST COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES

Choose the most appropriate answer: (A), (B), (C), or (D), to complete each sentence.
1. This crisis is ________ the company has 6. My office looks onto the street so it is
ever faced. not ________ yours.
(A) so serious that (A) quiet than
(B) the most serious (B) more quiet
(C) most serious (C) as quiet as
(D) more serious than (D) the quietest

2. That hotel room was not ________ the 7. If you feel ________ tomorrow than you
one I had last time. do today, you should take the day off.
(A) as comfortable than (A) as worse
(B) as comfortable as (B) bad
(C) more comfortable (C) worst
(D) most comfortable (D) worse

3. The new director seems to be ________ 8. We should choose whichever option is

than his predecessor. ________difficult.
(A) more interested (A) the least
(B) as interested (B) the less than
(C) most interested (C) as less than
(D) the most interested (D) as little

4. I prefer to bring sandwiches to work 9. The new copy machine is just ________
because it is ________ eating out. the old one.
(A) less expensive (A) unreliable than
(B) the least expensive (B) as unreliable as
(C) less expensive than (C) more unreliable than
(D) as expensive (D) unreliable as

5. The new building is ________ than the 10. I wish I lived ________ to work.
one we were in before. (A) more near
(A) more modern (B) nearer than
(B) modern (C) as near as
(C) as modern (D) nearer
(D) the most modern

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary
Gerunds and Infinitives
Study these examples of gerunds and infinitives.
Smoking is not permitted in this office.
Experts agree that swimming relieves stress.
I recommend buying this stock as soon
as possible.
Kim never travels by plane because he is
afraid of flying.
Infinitive
Why did you choose to cancel the order?
Unfortunately. it is not possible to change
the date of your next appointment.
The security guard wouldn't allow us to enter  after certain verbs that take an
the building without a ticket.
I have called this meeting to discuss our
training program.
Please let me show you to your room.
George and Kylie do not like to work on
weekends.
I like working on weekends.
Janet remembered to send the invoice.
(The action happened after she
remembered.)
Janet remembered sending the invoice.
(The action happened before she
remembered.)
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Gerund
 as the subject of a sentence
 as the object of a sentence
 after certain verbs (e.g. admit, adore,
appreciate, avoid, delay, deny,
dislike, enjoy, feel, finish, imagine,
involve, justify, keep (on), mention,
mind, miss, postpone, practice, quit,
recommend, risk, suggest, waste)
 after certain adjectives +
prepositions (e.g., interested in,
good/bad at, angry about, etc.)
 after certain verbs (e.g. agree,
arrange, attempt, choose, dare,
decide, expect, help, hope, intend,
learn, manage, need, offer, plan,
pretend, promise, refuse, seem,
want)
 after certain adjectives (e.g. difficult,
easy, happy, pleased, possible)
object with to (e.g. advise, aI/ow,
beg, expect, forbid, help, tel/, want,
warn)
 to express a purpose
 after certain verbs that take an
object without to (e.g., let, make)
 Some verbs take either the gerund or
the infinitive with no significant
difference in meaning (e.g. begin,
continue, hate, like, love, prefer,
start).
 Some verbs take either the gerund or
the infinitive but the meanings are
different (e.g., forget, regret,
remember, stop, try).
 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

MINI TEST Gerunds and Infinitives

Choose the most appropriate answer: (A), (B), (C), or (D), to complete each sentence.
1. All employees are forbidden _________ 6. Do you agree that _________ sales is the
jeans at work. key to success?
(A) wear (A) increase
(8) wearing (8) increasing
(C) to wear (C) to increase
(D) wore (D) increasingly

2. Do you mind _________ while I get the 7. The new president is very good at
manager? _________ the staff.
(A) waiting (A) motivating
(8) wait (8) motivate
(C) to wait (C) motivates
(D) you wait (D) motivation

3. We must stop _________ money on 8. I have never regretted _________ my

ineffective advertising. own company.
(A) waste (A) to start
(8) to waste (8) having started
(C) wasting (C) starting
(D) wasted (D) I had started

4. _________ personal calls at work is 9. The shift supervisor made us

allowed during breaks. _________ harder, but we earned more.
(A) To make (A) working
(8) Making (8) work
(C) They make (C) to work
(D) Made (D) worked

5. Rita suggested _________ out for a meal 10. How can we justify _________ so much
after work on Friday. moneyon travel?
(A) go (A) to spend
(8) will go (8) spending
(C) to go (C) they spend
(D) going (D) spend

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

VOCABULARY REVIEW

 Word Forms
 Words with similar meanings
 Word Choice
 Prepositions
 Words that look alike
 Conjunctions
 Phrasal Verbs

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

VOCABULARY

In this section you will practice the vocabulary you need to improve your score on Part 5 and
Part 6 of the TOEIC test.

These are the exercises you will cover:

identifying parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives,

Word Forms adverbs)

Words with Similar choosing from words that have similar meanings
Meanings (option/choice/aIternative, etc.)

Word Choice choosing the correct word for the context

practicing prepositions of time and place (on Monday, for

Prepositions
a week, at home, etc.)

Words that Look Alike choosing from words that look similar

using words that join sentences together (both, although,

Conjunctions so, etc.)

checking the meaning of common two-part phrasal verbs

Phrasal Verbs (break down, callfor, etc.)

As you work through this Vocabulary section, try to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Notice what problems you have, and focus on the areas you need to improve.

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

Word Forms

Identifying parts of speech is an important skill in the TOEIC test. You need to show you can
choose correctly between verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Study these examples of
different parts of speech.

Verbs
We will need to widen our search for suitable Used for actions, feelings, and events.
suppliers.
We intend to modernize our factories next Common endings include -en, -ize, -ify, -
year. er, -ale.
Do you think you could simplify this report
a little?
We hope sales will recover in the next
quarter.
Did you incorporate all my
recommendations?

Nouns
Thank you for your application. Used for people, objects, and places.
The entrance is over there on the left.
This candidate has a lot of experience. Abstract nouns are especially common.
I would like you to meet our technician and Endings may include -lion, -ance, -ale, -
the office manager. ence, -ian, -er, -isl, -hood, -ness, -ion.
Steven is a chief economist for JD Securities.
We moved to this neighborhood two years
ago.
Do you need any assistance?
Their kindness made a good impression on
me.

Adjectives
That lunch was wonderful. Used for describing nouns. Adjectives
You will find this is a very friendly and
supportive place to work. come before nouns, but after the verb to
She is a very famous speaker. be. Common endings include -lui, -Iy, -ive,
Thank you for such an interesting -ous, -ing, -ie, -ical, -less, -able,-ish, -ible, -
presentation. al.
Expanding into Asia is a strategic decision.
The most economical solution is to close
the factory.
It was careless to leave the door unlocked.
My office is comfortable, but it is not very
stylish.
Who is responsible for this delay?
A quick response to this emergency is critical.

Adverbs
They all worked quickly to finish the job on Used for describing verbs or adjectives.
time.
Donald carefully packed the shipment Adverbs usually end in -Iy or -ally.
of glasses.
We all felt slightly disappointed that we did
not win the competition.
Thank you for working so hard. You have
done very well.
The new trainees listened enthusiastically to
the Chairman's welcome speech.
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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

MINI TEST Word Forms

Choose the most appropriate answer: (A), (B), (C), or (D), to complete each sentence.

1. I feel I must __________ the risks 6. The only __________ way to deal with
involved in this dangerous experiment. this problem is to tackle it head on.
(A) emphasis (A) effectiveness
(B) emphasize (B) effectively
(C) emphatically (C) effect
(D) emphatic (D) effective

2. Mr. Lange was promoted after he 7. Please __________ which option you
__________ completed all the training. prefer by raising your hand.
(A) success (A) indicate
(B) succeeded (B) indicator
(C) successfully (C) indication
(D) successful (D) indicative

3. I am sorry to have to tell you that the 8. Since the beginning of the year, matters
__________ will be delayed another week. have become __________ worse.
(A) deliver (A) progress
(B) delivery (B) progressive
(C) deliverance (C) progression
(D) deliverable (D) progressively

4. There was a lot of __________ as to who 9. Nobody could __________ the full
would win the election. impact of the decision.
(A) speculate (A) comprehensive
(B) speculator (B) comprehend
(C) speculation (C) comprehensively
(D) speculating (D) comprehension

5. The XF210 is our most __________ 10. The talk on marketing was very
vehicle yet. __________ ,but irrelevant to our needs.
(A) rely (A) entertain
(B) reliant (B) entertainment
(C) reliable (C) entertaining
(D) reliability (D) entertainer

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary
Words with Similar Meanings
Some questions test your knowledge of vocabulary by focusing on words that have the
same or similar meanings. Study these examples.
We had no option/choice/alternative but to
close the company.
Of the many candidates for the position,
Mr. Nielson is our first choice.
We need to keep our options open before
making a decision.
Reducing wages was suggested as an
alternative to cutting jobs.
Can you see that blue file on the shelf
over there?
The inspector came to observe operations
in the factory.
Don't look now but the Chairman is walking
this way.
We are going to watch a new training video
this afternoon.
Common words with similar meanings
Here are some groups of common words you need to be familiar with.
achieve/complete/obtain/reach
admit/agree/guarantee/request
advantage/benefit/improvement/profit
advise/indicate/propose/suggest
agenda/Iist/plan/schedule
aid/assistance/backing/support
aisle/lane/line/row
apologize/defend/excuse/justify
appointment/conference/meeting/reunion
bill/cash/coin/notes
boost/enhance/improve/raise
borrow/Iease/lend/provide
buy/obtain/pay/purchase
caller/guest/tourist/visitor
carry/dress/put/wear
charge/cost/pay/spend
check/coupon/receipt/ticket
check/examine/inspect/investigate
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Words that have the same meaning are
called synonyms. They can often be used
interchangeably.
However, the exact meaning and the
structure of the sentence may affect
which words are possible.
Words with similar meanings are often
used in different ways.
claim/demand/insist/order
client/consumer/customer/shopper
close/conclude/end/finish
close/handy/near/nearby
club/crowd/group/team
commute/journey/travel/trek
compensate/refund/repay/return
construct/create/discover/invent
decline/drop/fall/reduce
develop/expand/grow/increase
discount/offer/reduction/sale
earn/gain/make/win
employ/hire/lease/rent
employees/personnel/staff/workforce
fare/fee/fine/tax
hear/listen/notice/pay attention
lose/loser/loss/lost
say/speak/talk/tell
 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

MINI TEST WORDS WITH SIMILAR MEANINGS

Choose the most appropriate answer: (A), (B), (C), or (D), to complete each sentence.
1. We are not buying from Office Supplies, 6. Full-time staff ________ as permanent
Inc. anymore as they ________ too much employees will receive health insurance
for our stationery. after two years of service.
(A) pay (A) hired
(B) charge (B) leased
(C) spend (C) employed
(D) cost (D) rented

2. If we cannot ________ our expenses, we 7. The supervisor ________ us to wear

might have to lay off some staff. safety goggles when operating the
(A) drop equipment.
(B) decline (A) suggested
(C) fall (B) proposed
(D) reduce (C) indicated
(D) advised

3. Mr. Chung is the kind of person who 8. Do not forget to get a ________ as proof
always ________ what he thinks. of payment for everything you buy.
(A) talks (A) coupon
(B) speaks (B) receipt
(C) says (C) ticket
(D) tells (D) check

4. After twenty years, the factory finally 9. The captain led his ________ to a great
________ last December. victory in the basketball tournament.
(A) finished (A) team
(B) closed (B) group
(C) ended (C) club
(D) concluded (D) crowd

5. The report suggested that food, clothing 10. This government is working hard to
and other ________ goods would become ________ a successful economic strategy to
more expensive. fight the recession.
(A) client (A) grow
(B) customer (B) develop
(C) consumer (C) expand
(D) shopper (D) increase

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

Word Choice

Some questions test the range of your vocabulary. These questions focus on words that are
the same part of speech, but have different meanings. Often, recognizing collocations can
help you choose the correct word. Collocations are words that go together.

Adjective + noun collocation

The chairman usually keeps light control various factors/issues/ways/problems
on all the senior staff. special attention/features/significace/needs
Mr. Callum has made a significant spare tire/time/moment/parts/key
contribution to our business.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity
to speak to you all tonight.
The boss wants to see you for a brief chat
in his office.

Adverb + adjective collocation

It is highly unlikely that oil prices will fall highly effective/recommended/profitable
next year. extremely difficult/important/sorry
Our new products have all been extremely fully booked/trained/qualified
successful.
Are you fully recovered from your illness?

Verb + adverb collocation

We all need to try hard if we are to speak fluently/slowly/at length
succeed. write clearly/concisely/legibly
Profits will increase significantly once the work diligently/tirelessly/hard
new machinery is in operation

Verb + noun collocations

 Achieve success/your goals/an aim
 Catch a cold/a cab
 Do your best/harm/some work/an
experiment/damage/a report/research
 Earn money/a salary/wages
 Gain control/independence/weight
 Get a promotion/a raise
 Give advice/someone a hand
 Go to a meeting/abroad/on vacation
 Have an accident/fun/a problem/a
party/difficulty/a chat/a discussion
 Hold a meeting/a ceremony
 Keep a secret/trying/an appointment/a
record
 Make arrangements/progress/a
profit/a mistake/ an effort/ a decision/
an excuse
 Overcome difficulties/ a problem
 Pay attention/cash
 Play a game/a part in/an important
role
 Provide
help/training/assistance/support
 Send an e-mail/a package/an
attachment
 Spend money/time
 Take a vacation/advantage of/a risk/
interest in/action/a break/the
train/responsibility
 Win a prize/an award/an election/a
match/a game
 Work from home/overtime/full-
time/for a big company/at a computer

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 TOEIC Compact 2 - Elementary

MINI TEST Word Choice

Choose the most appropriate answer: (A), (B), (C), or (D), to complete each sentence.

1. All of our staff are _________ qualified 6. The decision was finally _________ late
and experienced. last night.
(A) fully (A) ended
(B) extremely (B) made
(C) greatly (C) predicted
(D) absolutely (D) caused

2. We would like to thank you for playing 7. The marketing department wants to
an important _________ in rescuing the have a _________ about the company's
company from disaster. European operations.
(A) role (A) selection
(B) point (B) delivery
(C) need (C) discussion
(D) decision (D) condition

3. The closing ceremony will be _________ 8. Do you know the best place to order
in the stadium at 4:00 P.M. some spare _________ for the delivery
(A) granted truck?
(B) raised (A) types
(C) taken (B) parts
(D) held (C) fuel
(D) amounts

4. The attorney's salary has increased 9. Due to _________ factors beyond our
_________ since he took control of the control, no food will be served in the
firm. cafeteria
(A) closely today.
(B) truly (A) frequent
(C) significantly (B) ranged
(D) definitely (C) various
(D) repeated

5. Do you mind if I give you some useful 10. We would be very grateful for
_________? any_________ you can provide.
(A) purpose (A) appreciation
(B) hope (B) way
(C) thanks (C) effort
(D) advice (D) assistance

29 | P a g e