The TOEIC Reading Test

Preparation
 Part VII:
Reading Comprehension

- Single Passage -
You need to understand:
The format and organization of the text
The main idea/ purpose/ intention of the
text
The details/ fact work supporting the idea
The vocabulary/ words in context
The inference /predictions making
Format and Organization
Understanding format and organization of
the text is needed to understand important
information given in the text.
◦ Memo
◦ Letter
◦ Article
◦ Report
◦ Etc.
◦ Each of the text above has its own format
Main idea/ Purpose/ Intention
Questions related to this topic:
◦ what is the purpose of the text?
◦ why did Mr. Jack write the memo?
◦ what is the article mainly about?
◦ what is indicate about the workshop?
Where can we find the answer?

Tips!
In the title of the passage
◦ (to find the topic of the text/ passage)
At the beginning or end of the text or
passage
◦ (to find the main idea/ topic sentence)
Near signal words
◦ (to find important information or intention of
the text/passage)
 What are signal words??
 Signal words connects information between words/
sentences/ paragraph.

Sequences Example Definition Cause/effect Contrast

(urutan) (contoh) (definisi) (sebab/akibat) (berlawanan)
First, For example, This is called as, As a result, On the other
Second, For instance, Known as, An effect, hand,
Third Such as, It means Because, On the contrast,
Finally, Cause, However,
In the end, Since, But,
As, Yet,
Yet, Although,
Details/ Fact
Detail/ fact includes specific information:
◦ Time : hour, day, month, year
◦ Place : in the ware house, in the office, in
Surabaya, on Rajawali street, etc.
◦ Title or specific name profession: the vice
president, prof. Ann Lee, etc.
◦ Name of theory/ invention/ program : the
simple machine, the employer training, etc.
Vocabulary
A word used in different context may have
different meaning.
◦ Share : berbagi, bagian, saham
◦ Rate : menghitung, menilai, tarif, pajak,
kecepatan
◦ Interest : minat/ ketertarikan, kepentingan,
bunga pinjaman
◦ Chair : kursi, jabatan, pimpinan

◦ And many more

Inference /Predictions/ Suggestion

Understanding logical conclusion: what

likely action/ result will be on the passage or
suggest on the passage

Example:
◦ What will Mr. Nick probably do ?
◦ What does the professor suggest?
How to answer the question???
Do the following steps!

1. What type of question? (main idea, purpose, detail,

vocabulary…)
2. What are they asking for? ( find the keyword of
each question)
3. Where in the text can the answer be found? (find
the key words on the passage)
4. Find the synonym or closest meaning
5. Eliminate the answer choice
Remember!
The questions are in sequence (top down)
For single paragraph text:
◦ Read the question first,
◦ Find the keywords of the question,
◦ Find the answer on the passage

For multiple paragraph passage:

◦ Skim the passage,
◦ Understand the topic and main idea of each paragraph,
◦ Read the question,
◦ Find the keywords of the question
◦ Find the answer on the passage
Sample Question
Questions 1-3 refer to the following
notice.
  The annual international agricultural association conference will be
held in Brussels, Belgium, on august 1-4. The theme of this year’s
conference will be “Growing nutritional winter crops.“ Frances van
Hise, former vice president of the association and current chair of
the agricultural department at the city university of Brussels, will be
the featured speaker. Members from over 30 countries will be
represented at the meeting. For further details, consult the spring
issue of the association’s newsletter, Agrinews. The deadline for
registration at the event is July 1.

1. What event does the notice describe?

a. An award ceremony
b. An industry convention
c. A government meeting
d. A statue dedication
What event does the notice describe?
a. An award ceremony
b. An industry convention
c. A government meeting
d. A statue dedication

 Discussion:
 The keyword of this question is “event” related to the above notice. The
answer of this question is in the first sentence of the text, the event is “the
annual international agricultural association conference”. It is a
“conference”. Let’s look at the choice answer A.
 Ceremony : upacara
 Convention : rapat/conferensi
 Meeting : rapat
 Dedication : peresmian
 So, the best answer is B.
Lets Practice
 ATTENTION ART ENTHUSIASTS
Backsvoort Galery is holding a
PUBLIC SALE
In the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel Luxe 299 Norman Street, Melbourne

Come and see our range of exquisite pieces

Original oils* Watercolors* Tapestries* Crafts
Friday, July 15
8.30 A.M. – 4 P.M.
For description and pictures of selected items
Visit our website at http://www.becksvoort.com/market

1. What is the purpose of the notice?

A. To announce a sale of artwork

B. To advertise the opening of a hotel
C. To offer a discount on painting lessons
D. To publicize a photography exhibition
 ATTENTION ART ENTHUSIASTS
Backsvoort Galery is holding a
PUBLIC SALE
In the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel Luxe 299 Norman Street, Melbourne

Come and see our range of exquisite pieces

Original oils* Watercolors* Tapestries* Crafts
Friday, July 15
8.30 A.M. – 4 P.M.
For description and pictures of selected items
Visit our website at http://www.becksvoort.com/market

2. According to the notice, what can people do online?

A. Purchase selected items

B. Order tickets to an event
C. Register for art classes
D. View some pieces of art
January 15
Jeanne Sokol
14 Jabiloe Street
Brighton
3. Why did Simon Jenkins write
to Jeanne sokol?
Dear Ms. Sokol,
I have received your letter of January 7 concerning your A. To thanks for her visiting a
recent visit to our restaurant in London. I am very sorry that
restaurant
you did not have an enjoyable experience. I agree that you
should not have had to wait thirty minutes for a table when B. To apologize for poor services
you had made a reservation in advance. Please know that C. To inquire about he dining
this was an isolated incident and that our customers usually experience
remark on the promptness of our staff. D. To invite her to an award-
In an attempt to remedy this unfortunate situation, I am dinner
sending you a complimentary voucher for use at any of our
restaurant. I encourage you to try us again and experience
our award-winning cuisine. If there is any way in which I
can be of further assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact
me by telephone or mail.

Sincerely,
Simon Jenkins
Director
Guest Relations
January 15
Jeanne Sokol
14 Jabiloe Street
Brighton

4. In the letter, the word

Dear Ms. Sokol, “reservation” in paragraph 1 line
I have received your letter of January 7 concerning your 5. is closest meaning to
recent visit to our restaurant in London. I am very sorry that
you did not have an enjoyable experience. I agree that you
should not have had to wait thirty minutes for a table when A. Hesitation
you had made a reservation in advance. Please know that B. Supply
this was an isolated incident and that our customers usually C. Doubt
remark on the promptness of our staff. D. Appointment
In an attempt to remedy this unfortunate situation, I am
sending you a complimentary voucher for use at any of our
restaurant. I encourage you to try us again and experience
our award-winning cuisine. If there is any way in which I
can be of further assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact
me by telephone or mail.

Sincerely,
Simon Jenkins
Director
Guest Relations
January 15
Jeanne Sokol
14 Jabiloe Street
Brighton 5. What is suggested about
Jeanne Sokol?
Dear Ms. Sokol,
I have received your letter of January 7 concerning your A. She has recently traveled on
recent visit to our restaurant in London. I am very sorry that Manchester
you did not have an enjoyable experience. I agree that you B. She spoke to Simon Jenkins
should not have had to wait thirty minutes for a table when on the telephone
you had made a reservation in advance. Please know that
C. She wrote a letter of
this was an isolated incident and that our customers usually
remark on the promptness of our staff. complaint
In an attempt to remedy this unfortunate situation, I am
D. She frequently dines in
sending you a complimentary voucher for use at any of our London
restaurant. I encourage you to try us again and experience
our award-winning cuisine. If there is any way in which I
can be of further assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact
me by telephone or mail.

Sincerely,
Simon Jenkins
Director
Guest Relations
January 15
Jeanne Sokol
14 Jabiloe Street
Brighton
6. What is Simon Jenkins
offering?
Dear Ms. Sokol,
I have received your letter of January 7 concerning your A. A refund on a previous
recent visit to our restaurant in London. I am very sorry that
purchase
you did not have an enjoyable experience. I agree that you
should not have had to wait thirty minutes for a table when B. A discount on a future
you had made a reservation in advance. Please know that purchase
this was an isolated incident and that our customers usually C. Replacement damage product
remark on the promptness of our staff. D. Special assistance in ordering
In an attempt to remedy this unfortunate situation, I am a product
sending you a complimentary voucher for use at any of our
restaurant. I encourage you to try us again and experience
our award-winning cuisine. If there is any way in which I
can be of further assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact
me by telephone or mail.

Sincerely,
Simon Jenkins
Director
Guest Relations
January 15
Jeanne Sokol
14 Jabiloe Street
Brighton

Dear Ms. Sokol, 6. Where does Simon Jenkins

I have received your letter of January 7 concerning your most likely work?
recent visit to our restaurant in London. I am very sorry that
you did not have an enjoyable experience. I agree that you A. In Manchester
should not have had to wait thirty minutes for a table when B. In Brighton
you had made a reservation in advance. Please know that
C. In Birmingham
this was an isolated incident and that our customers usually
remark on the promptness of our staff. D. In London
In an attempt to remedy this unfortunate situation, I am
sending you a complimentary voucher for use at any of our
restaurant. I encourage you to try us again and experience
our award-winning cuisine. If there is any way in which I
can be of further assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact
me by telephone or mail.

Sincerely,
Simon Jenkins
Director
Guest Relations
 Let’s practice
The annual international agricultural association conference will be
held in Brussels, Belgium, on august 1-4. The theme of this year’s
conference will be “Growing nutritional winter crops.“ Frances van
Hise, former vice president of the association and current chair of
the agricultural department at the city university of Brussels, will
be the featured speaker. Members from over 30 countries will be
represented at the meeting. For further details, consult the spring
issue of the association’s newsletter, Agrinews. The deadline for
registration at the event is July 1.

1. Who will be giving a speech?

A. A newspaper editor
B. A government official
C. An association president
D. A university professor
 Let’s practice
 Theannual international agricultural association conference will
be held in Brussels, Belgium, on august 1-4. The theme of this
year’s conference will be “Growing nutritional winter crops.“
Frances van Hise, former vice president of the association and
current chair of the agricultural department at the city university of
Brussels, will be the featured speaker. Members from over 30
countries will be represented at the meeting. For further details,
consult the spring issue of the association’s newsletter, Agrinews.
The deadline for registration at the event is July 1.

2. According to the notice, how can additional information be obtained?

A. By referring to a newsletter
B. By calling the Belgian consulate
C. By e-mailing the university’s main office
D. By visiting a newspaper’s Web site
Let’s practice
Questions 1 – 4 refer to the following
article.
The fast-growing chain of Greenley electronics stores has recently instituted new training
for its sales staff. The program, known as STS, or Staff Training Scheme, is based on an
open-learning principle in which trainees set their own pace and make extensive use of
workbook, videos, in store training, and on the job training.
Several workbooks – there are seven in all – are given to each trainee. The books cover
in a very straightforward manner every aspect of sales work, from daily operations,
knowledge of products, and sales techniques to security and basic store management. In
addition, the books contain a number of question-and-answer assessment sections that,
when reviewed by a trainer, clearly identify any weaknesses in the trainee’s preparation.
After successfully completing the course, Greenley staff will qualify to take
examinations for the nationally recognized Certificate in Sales, Level 1. STS was
introduced in 47 of the Greenley stores in October. In due course, similar schemes will
be designed for supervisory and management staff.

1. What is the article mainly about?

A.A hiring procedure
B.A learning program
C.A national examination
D.A new school
 The fast-growing chain of Greenley electronics stores has recently instituted new
training for its sales staff. The program, known as STS, or Staff Training Scheme, is based
on an open-learning principle in which trainees set their own pace and make extensive use
of workbook, videos, in store training, and on the job training.
Several workbooks – there are seven in all – are given to each trainee. The books
cover in a very straightforward manner every aspect of sales work, from daily operations,
knowledge of products, and sales techniques to security and basic store management. In
addition, the books contain a number of question-and-answer assessment sections that,
when reviewed by a trainer, clearly identify any weaknesses in the trainee’s preparation.
After successfully completing the course, Greenley staff will qualify to take
examinations for the nationally recognized Certificate in Sales, Level 1. STS was
introduced in 47 of the Greenley stores in October. In due course, similar schemes will be
designed for supervisory and management staff.

2. For whom is the current version of STS designed?

A. Supervisors
B. Security personnel
C. Store managers
D. Sales staff
The fast-growing chain of Greenley electronics stores has recently instituted new training
for its sales staff. The program, known as STS, or Staff Training Scheme, is based on an
open-learning principle in which trainees set their own pace and make extensive use of
workbook, videos, in store training, and on the job training.
Several workbooks – there are seven in all – are given to each trainee. The books cover in
a very straightforward manner every aspect of sales work, from daily operations,
knowledge of products, and sales techniques to security and basic store management. In
addition, the books contain a number of question-and-answer assessment sections that,
when reviewed by a trainer, clearly identify any weaknesses in the trainee’s preparation.\
After successfully completing the course, Greenley staff will qualify to take examinations
for the nationally recognized Certificate in Sales, Level 1. STS was introduced in 47 of
the Greenley stores in October. In due course, similar schemes will be designed for
supervisory and management staff.

3. According to the article, what is a characteristic of the open-learning principle?

A.Trainees help each other
B.Trainees study every evening
C.Trainees write product descriptions
D.Trainees work at their own speed
 The fast-growing chain of Greenley electronics stores has recently instituted new
training for its sales staff. The program, known as STS, or Staff Training Scheme, is based
on an open-learning principle in which trainees set their own pace and make extensive use
of workbook, videos, in store training, and on the job training.
Several workbooks – there are seven in all – are given to each trainee. The books
cover in a very straightforward manner every aspect of sales work, from daily operations,
knowledge of products, and sales techniques to security and basic store management. In
addition, the books contain a number of question-and-answer assessment sections that,
when reviewed by a trainer, clearly identify any weaknesses in the trainee’s preparation.
After successfully completing the course, Greenley staff will qualify to take examinations
for the nationally recognized Certificate in Sales, Level 1. STS was introduced in 47 of the
Greenley stores in October. In due course, similar schemes will be designed for
supervisory and management staff.

4. What is NOT mentioned as part of STS?

A. Videos
B. Interviews
C. Individual assessment
D. Workbooks
Any Question????