TOEFL Guides

7/30/2019 TOEFL Guides

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UNIT 1

SHORT CONVERSATIONS

Listening for Specific Information : WHO and WHAT

Speakers of short conversations in Part A of the Listhening Comprehension

section usually talk about more than one person. This may be confusing since the

questions may ask about who does what. Make sure that you remember which

person does what, and do not be confused by the different people mentioned.

Strategieses

When there are two persons mentioned in the second speakers line, distinguish

who does what.

Sample problem

On the recording, you will hear :

Man : Do you theres a new member in the band now ?

Woman : Yes. I heard Doug recruited Ray as a new guitarist.

Narrator : What does the woman say about the band ?

In your test book, you will read :

(A)Doug became a new member of the band.(B)Doug was fired from the band.(C)Ray replaced Doug in the band.(D)Ray was hired as the bands new guitarist.

The woman mentions two people (Doug and Ray), and they are used to confuse

you in the options. Doug recruited Ray as a new guitaristmeans that Ray is the

new member, hired by Doug. Therefore, the best answer is (D) Ray was hired as

the bands new guitarist.


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UNIT 2

SHORT CONVERSATIONS

Listening for Specific Information : WHO, WHAT, and WHERE

Some question in Part A of the Listhening Comprehension section usually ask you

to draw conclusions about who the speakers are, what will probably happen next,

and where the conversation probably takes place. The answers to these question

are not directly started in the conversations. However, there are clues that lead to

the correct answers.

Strategieses

1. Listen for clues in the dialogs to identify who the speakers are. Draw aconclusion about the occupation of the speakers.

Sample problem


Man : What did I miss during my absence ?

Woman : One assignment and a quiz.

Narrator : Who are the speakers ?


(A)Editors(B)Librarians(C)Teachers(D)Students

The clues my absence, one assignment, and a quiz in the conversation tell you

that the speakers are probably students. Therefore, the correct answer is (D)

Students.

2. Listen to the second speaker to draw a conclusion about whathe/she probablyintends to do.

Sample problem



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Man : Excuse me, you`re playing that music much too loud. I cant

get to sleep ?

Woman : Oh, sorry. I didnt realize.

Narrator : What will the woman probably do next ?


(A)Speak softly to the man.(B)Stop talking too much.(C)Turn down the volume of her music.(D)Play dofferent music.

The man says that the woman is playing that music musch to loud. The

woman says that she didnt realize, so she will probably turn the volume

down. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Turn down the volume of her

music.

3. Listen for clues in the dialog to identify where the speakers are.Sample problem


Man : Hi, Jack. Is thus seat taken ?

Woman : Oh, hi Danielle. No, sit down. Looks like the whole dorm is

here to have lunch today.

Narrator : Where does this conversation probably take place ?


(A)In a cinema(B)In a dormitory cafetaria(C)In a college hall(D)In a departement store

The clue Looks like the whole dorm is here to have linch tells you that this

conversation probably takes place at the cafetaria of a dorm. Therefore, the

correct answer is (B)In a dormitory cafetaria.


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UNIT 3

SHORT CONVERSATIONS

Understanding Statements and Negative Expressions

Many of the question in Part A of the Listening Comprehension section are about

what the second spekaer says. The answers to such question are often the

restatements of what is said. A restatement expresses the same idea as the

statement.

Examples

Living in a big city is costly.

expensive

Kathy had her house painted last month

asked someone to paint her house

The second speakers line may contain negative expressions are restatements of

the expressions.

Negative forms

Not or t

never

none

nobody

no one

nothing

dis-

in-

un-

Examples

Ben isnt happy about moving to Canada.

sad

Joe never talks much.

is quiet

Nothing went right.

all went wrong

Tanya dislikes swimming.doesnt like

The report is really inaccurate.

not accurate

The door is unlocked.not locked


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Strategieses

1. Pay attention to the second speakers line to answer the question about itsmeaning. The answer is usually a restatement of what the second speaker says.

Sample problem

On the recording, you wil hear :

Man : I cant stand this weather.

Woman : We havent seen as much snow as this for years!

Narrator : What does the woman mean ?


(A)It has rarely snowed this much.(B)It hardly snowed this year.(C)It snows so much every year.(D)It is barely snowing this year.

The correct answer to this question is (A). The statement We haven't seen as

much snow as this for years means thatIthas rarely snowed this much. Notice

that option (A) is the restatement of what the second speaker says.

NOTES:

a. Choose an option with a word or phrase that has the same meaning, or is asynonym of a word or phrase in the second speakers line.

Sample problem

On the recording, you will hear:

Woman : Did you see the manager about the part-time fob in the

bookstore?

Man : Yes, and I had to fill out an application

Narrator : What does the man mean?


(A)He got a job as bookstore manager.(B)There is no vacancy in the bookstore.(C)He read a book about how to apply for jobs.(D)He was required to complete a form.

The key wordfill outmeans complete, and the key word application refers


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toform. Therefore, the best answer is (D) He was required to complete a

form.

b. Do NOT choose an option with a word or phrase that sounds similar to aword or phrase in the second speakers line because it may have a different

meaning. You should choose an option that has a different word or phrase

with the same meaning as what has been said.

Sample problem


Woman : I heard that Jake has just moved to a new apartment.

Man : That's impossible. He doesnt have a cent !

Narrator : What does the man mean ?

In your test book, you will read:

(A)Jake has no sense of responsibility.(B)Jake has sent his friends to his apartment.(C)Jake cannot afford to rent an apartment.(D)Jake is on the set with the woman.

The key word in the second speakers line of the conversation is cent

Options (A), (B), and (D) have similar sounds to cent. They are incorrect.

Therefore, the best answer is (C)Jake cannot afford to rent an apartment

2. Pay attention to the second speakers line containing negation. The answer tothe question is usually an option with an affirmative sentence that means the

same as the line.

Sample problem


Man : How come if took them an extra hour to get to the cinema ?

Woman : They didnt drive fast enough.

Narrator : What does the woman say about the trip ?


(A)They drove rather slowly.(B)They could not have driven quickly.


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(C)They wanted to drive quickly to the cinema.(D)They didnt drive to the cinema.

The correct answer is (A). They did not drive fast enough to the cinema

means that they drove rather slowly. Notice that the correct answer uses

slowly the synonym ofnot fast enough.


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UNIT 4

SHORT CONVERSATIONS

Understanding Special Expressions, Idioms, and Phrasal Verbs

The second speaker of the short conversations in Part A of the Listening

Comprehension section sometimes uses special expressions, idioms, or phrasal

verbs. Questions in this part often ask about their meanings.

Strategieses

Listen carefully to the second speaker's line as it may contain a special expression,

idiom, or phrasal verb that is tested.

Special Expressions

Sounds like a good idea.

You can say that again

Dont look at me.

Idioms

Be my guest.

Lend you a hand.

Enough is enough.

Phrasal verbs

Count in

Look into

Come out

Comedown with

Put up with

Examples

Man : We should see the painting exhibit tonight.

Woman : Sounds like a good idea.

Ill go with you.

Man : We must finish the report of this research

quickly.

Woman : You can say that again.

I agree with you

.

Man : May I borrow your notes on Professor Brody's

lecture ?

Woman : Be my quest.Please do.

Woman : Jack, I cant lift this box myself.

Man : Ill lend you a hand.Ill help you.

Man : I plan to see the opera on Saturday. How

about you?

Woman : Well, you can count me in.

Ill join you.

Man : I havent seen Dennis.

Woman : Hes been hospitalized.

Hes come down with avion flu.suffered from


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Sample problem 1


Woman : Shouldnt someone pick up the clothes from the cleaners ?

Man : Dont look at me !



(A)The clothes dont look clean to him.(B)He doesnt intend to get the clothes.(C)He can pick out his clean clothes.(D)The woman should stop staring at his clothes.

The second line Dont look at me! is an expression that means that the man

doesnt intend to do what the woman suggests. Therefore, the best answer is (B)

He doesnt intend to get the clothes.

Sample problem 2


Woman : Larry, have you decided on the topic for your thesis ?

Man : No, I havent. Im very much at loose ends right now and need

some time to decide which topic I want.



(A)He is going to quit school.(B)He is not sure of the topic he wants.(C)He has discussed the topic with his professor.(D)He has started writing his thesis.

The phrase very much at loose ends in the mans line indicates that the man has no

clear idea of what to do next. Therefore, the best answer is (B) He is not sure of

the topic he wants.


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Sample problem 3


Man : Hey, you can swim very well now.

Woman : It seems that my practice is paying off.

Narrator : What does the woman mean ?


(A)The woman has had to spend a lot of money to learn to swim.(B)She has not practiced swimming for quite some time.(C)Her practice sessions have brought good results.(D)She cannot swim very well after her practice.

The phrase my practice is paying off in the womans line indicates her practicing

swimming has brought good results. Therefore, the best answer is option (C).


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UNIT 5

SHORT CONVERSATIONS

Making Inferences and Understanding Implied Meaning

Very common in Part A of the Listening Comprehension section are questions

that ask you to make inferences from and understand the implied meaning of what

is said. Questions of this type make use of the words likely, assume, infer, or

imply to let you know that the answers are not explicitly mentioned in the

conversations. To answer such questions, you need to go beyond what is said not

only by the second speaker but sometimes also by both speakers.

Strategies

Listen carefully to the second speakers line. Questions on inferences and

implications are usually based on this line, although what the first speaker says

may give a clue.

Sample problem 1


Woman : Ive heard Karen has had a terrible accident Let's visit her.

Man : No need. Ifs not serious. She has recovered from her injuries.

Narrator : What can be inferred about Karen ?


(A)Karen is still in the hospital.(B)Karen has to undergo an operation.(C)Karen wants the speakers to visit her.(D)Karen is okay now.

The correct answer to this question is (D). The man says that Karen has recovered

from her injuries, so you can assume that Karen is okay now.


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Sample problem 2


Man : Could you help me with my biology homework this afternoon ?

Im really having a hard time with it.

Woman : Sorry, Im busy this afternoon.

Narrator : What does the woman imply ?


(A)She doesnt like helping him.(B)Shell be busy with her biology homework.(C)She cant help him this afternoon.(D)Shell help him with his biology homework.

The correct answer to this question is (C). It is implied that the woman can't help

man this afternoon because she says she is busy this afternoon.


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UNIT 6

LONGER CONVERSATIONS

Identifying the Topic and Listening for Specific Information

The longer conversations in Part B of the Listening Comprehension section

include academic conversations between students and professors or other

academic personnels; class discussions; and informal conversations between

friends, as well as between students and service personnel in places such as stores

and restaurants.

A. Identifying the TopicThe topics of the conversations include research, papers, courses, trips, student

activities and problems, sports, as well as current news like natural disasters,

environment issues, etc. To identify the topic of a longer conversation, you

should listen carefully to the first exchange.

Strategieses

Pay attention to what the speakers say in the beginning of the conversation.

The topic is usually mentioned in the first exchange.

Sample problem


Narrator : Listen to a conversation between two students.

Woman : Okay, I think we understand how rain is formed. Now, we

need to discuss the formation of acid rain.

Man : What is acid rain exactly ?

... (The conversation continues.)

Narrator : Whatis the topic of the conversation?


(A)Advanced physics(B)The causes of acid rain(C)The formation of acid rain(D)The effects of acid rain


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The topic of the conversation is (C) Formation of acid rain.

B. Listening for Specific InformationOther questions in Part B of the Listening Comprehension section deal with

specific information in the conversations.

Strategieses

1. Briefly preview the options given in the test book before the listening.2. Try to anticipate the question for every problem: who, what, when,

why,how, etc.

3. Try to determine the answer while listening.Sample problem


Narrator : Questions 1 through 3 are based on the following

conversation.

Woman : Hi, Clark. I called you this morning but nobody picked up

the phone. I just wanted to ask you about the introduction

to psychology course that you took last semester.

Man : Are you taking Professor Palmers course this coming

semester ?

Woman : Yes. And I heard he's very demanding.

Man : Yes, youre right. Dontexpect that hell tolerate students

coming late for his class. He gives a lot of assignments and

hes strict about deadlines.

Woman : Wow! That's discouraging.

Man : Aw, cmon. If I can do it, so can you.


Narrator : 1. Why did the woman call the man?


(A)To ask about a course(B)To introduce Professor Palmer(C)To ask for an assignment


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(D)To complain about Professor PalmerOn the recording, you will hear :

Narrator : 2. What do the speakers say about Professor Palmer ?


(A)He makes his students work hard.(B)He is an encouraging lecturer.(C)He comes late for his own class.(D)He is lenient with his students.


Narrator : 3. How does the woman feel about taking the course ?


(A)Enthusiastic(B)Angered(C)Disappointed(D)Pessimistic

Explanation

1. Question 1 asks why the woman called. The reason mentioned is ... to ask youabout the Introduction to psychology course .... Therefore, the best answer is

(A) To ask about a course.

2. Question 2 asks about Professor Palmer. The woman in the conversation saysthat ... he is very demanding. Therefore, the best answer is (A)He makes his

students work hard.

3. Question 3 asks about the womans feeling. Mentioned in the conversation isWow! Thats discouraging. Therefore, the best answer is (D) Pessimistic.


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UNIT 7

SHORT TALKS

Identifying the Topic and Listening for Spresific Information

The short talks in Part C of the Listening Comprehension section consist of short

academic lectures and reports, radio programs, orientations for academic courses

and procedures, or talks given by tour guides, etc.

A. Identifying the TopicThe topics of the short talks include introduction to a course, transportation,

community service, trips, animals and their habits, research projects, popular

science, famous people, etc. The question about the topic of a short talk

usually comes immediately after the talk. To understand what the topic is, you

should not miss the first few lines of the talk.

1.Briefly preview the options of the first question of the talk before the talk isread out.

2.Listen carefully to the first two or three lines of the talk because the topic isusually mentioned then.

Sample problem


Narrator : Questions1 through 4 are based on the following talk in a

meeting.

Woman : Id like to welcome all candidate members of the Rotary

Club of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. The Tunkhannock

Rotary Club is part of Rotary International which is an

organization that offers humanitarian intercultural, and

educational programs.

... (The talk continues.)

Narrator : 1. What is the main topic of the talk?


(A)Candidate members of the Rotary Club


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(B)Humanitarian activities of the Rotary Club(C)The Rotary Club International(D)Programs of the Tunkhannock Rotary Club

The topic of the talk is (D) Programs of the Tunkhannock Rotary Club.

B. Listening for Specific InformationOther questions in Part C of the Listening Comprehension section are

questions about specific information in the talks.

Strategieses

1.If you have time, preview the options given in the test book.2.Try to anticipate the question for every problem: who, what, when, why,

how, etc.

3.Try to determine the answer while listening.Sample problem


Narrator : Questions 1 through 4 are based on the following talk.

Woman : ld like to welcome all candidate members of the Rotary

Club of Tunkhannock Pennsylvania. The Tunkhannock

Rotary Club is part of Rotary International which is an

organization that offers humanitarian and educational

programs.

As you probably have known. Rotary International was

established by an attorney named Paul P. Harris on

February 23, 1905. Since that time, the club's activities

have always been designed to reach the goal of the

organization: to improve the human condition.

So far, the Tunkhannock Rotary Club has been raising

money to support local community efforts to make

Tunkhannock and its surroundings a more productive and

more enjoyable place to live and to help the communities in

many ways. The club sponsors a youth baseball team,


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supports the Envirothon raises money to help eradicate

contagious disease/provides a community fireworks display

every Independence Day, and donates money to children

and youth organizations. ...

(This is the continuation of Question 1 in A.Identifying the Topic)


Narrator : 2.According to the speaker, what is the main objective of

Rotary International ?


(A)To provide job opportunities for prospective lawyers(B)To design universal educational programs(C)To make the human condition better(D)To make its members more productive workers


Narrator : 3.When was Rotary International founded?


(A)Prior to the 1900s(B)In the Late 1900s(C)In the early 1900s(D)In the mid 1900s


Narrator : 4.How does the Tunkhannock Rotary Club help the

community?


(A)By sponsoring local organizations(B)By forming sports teams(C)By opening job vacancies in town(D)By building schools for local children

Explanation

1. Question 2 asks about the objective ofRotary International. In the talk, thespeaker mentions ... the goal of the organization: to improve the human


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condition. Therefore, the best answer is (C) To make the human condition

better.

2. To answer Question 3, you have to focus on the question when RotaryInternational was founded, and thespeaker mentions February 23, 1905.

Therefore, the best answer is (C)In the early 1900's.

3. Question 4 asks how the Tunkhannock Rotary Club helps the community.The talk mentions the club sponsors a youth baseball team, supports the

Envirothon, raises money to help eradicate polio, provides a community

fireworks show for every Independence Day and donates money to

children and youth organization. Therefore, the best answer 1s (A) By

sponsoring local organizations.


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UNIT 8

PARTS OF SPEECH

Nouns and Articles

A. NounsThere are various types of nouns. Some nouns may fall under more than one

type. This unit takes up the following types of nouns:

1. Countable Nouns2. Uncountable Nouns

1. Countable NounsCountable nouns can take a singular or plural form.

a. Singular NounsWhen a noun refers to one person or thing, it is singular.

Strategies

1. Do NOT end singular nouns with -s/-es.Check your understanding.

Directions : Circle the articles and numbers and underline the

nouns they modify. Decide which ones are wrong.

Correct the mistakes.

Singular

a cat

a man

a tooth

an egg

an elephant

an axe

Plural

cats

men

teeth

eggs

elephants

axes

Examples

There is a man outside the building.

There are two men outside the building.

An elephanthas a trunk.

Elephants have trunks.

Singular

a girl or one girl

a book or one book

a report or one report

an insect or one insect

an orange or one orange

an icon or one icon

Examples

I need to buy a book.

One reports missing from the file cabinet.

An insectis a type of very small animal

with six legs.


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1. They took a long, enjoyable trips to the country on theirvacation.

2. Kathy has finished reading one chapter of the book.3. Carlo is only one of the many outstanding students in our

school.

4. One cup of coffee will be perfect to ward off sleepiness.5. There is one empty chair in the back row for you to sit on.Sample item

Mohandas Gandhi was in charge of a Red Cross units during the

A B C

Boer War.

D

You should choose option B because a is used with a singular

noun. It should be a Red Cross unit.

2. Use singular nouns after the words below.

Check your understanding.

Directions : Circle the above words and underline the nouns

they modify. Decide which ones are wrong. Correct

the mistakes.

1. There was,not a single cars in the parking lot.2. The school needed another baseball coaches.3. She needs every penny she earns to support her family.4. This math problem is not easy to solve, even for a bright

student like Erwin.

5. The professor always comes up with a quiz to work on at theend of each class.

a/an

one

this

that

a single

another

each

every


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Sample item

In every living organisms, complex chemical reactions occur

A B

among thousands of substances.

C D

You should choose option A because the word every should be

followed by a singular noun. It should be every living organism.

3. Singular countable nouns usually need articles. Use the withsingular countable nouns when referring to things in general or to

specific things; use a/an with singular countable nouns when

referring to nonspecific things.

Examples

The lion is called the king of the beast.

(The lion means all lions general meaning)

The university needs a lion to conduct research on wildlife.

(The university needs any one lion.)

The lion that the zoo has lent to us is now in a cage in the

university lab.

(The lion is the one lent by the zoo, a specific lion, not other lions.)

Check your understanding

Directions : Circle the articles if there are any, and underline

the nouns. Decide which ones are wrong. Correct

the mistakes.

1. A zebra belongs to the horse family.2. Toyota is a Japanese car.3. There was the sparrow that fell out of its nest.4. The rain forest usually contains exotic animals.5. Siberian flying squirrel is commonly called the flying mitten.Sample item

Edwin Hubble, the discoverer of the red shifting of galaxies,

was_____


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(A)the American astronomer(B)an American astronomer(C)American astronomers(D)an American astronomersThe phraseAmerican astronomers a singular countable noun and

doesnt represent all astronomers in general. Thus, it needs the

article an. So, the correct answer is (B) an American astronomer.

b. Plural NounsWhen a noun refers to more than one person or thing, it is plural. The

plural form of most nouns is made by adding s/es to the singular

form; however, there are some exceptions.

Examples

Singular

owl

lecturer

buzz

bus

dish

church

box

babyparty

daisy

calf

wife

leaf

sheep

species

datum

ox

man

woman

gentleman

Plural

owls

lecturers

buzzes

buses

dishes

churches

boxes

babiesparties

daisies

calfes

wives

leaves

sheep

species

data

oxen

men

women

gentlemen

Examples

Five lecturers from this university will attend the

international conference in San Francisco next

week.

We have to do the dishes before going to the

movie.

Some exceptions

1. Plural form of nouns ending in consonant yExample

Most students look forward to attending

graduationparties.

2. Plural form of nouns ending in -f(e)Example

The color of the autumn leaves is usually

yellow.

3. Irregular plural forms of nouns.Example

The researchers need more data to finish the

project.

4. Plural forms ofman, woman, and gentlemanExample

We will recruit more men for the project.


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Strategieses

1. Do NOT use a/an with plural nouns.Check your understanding.

Directions : Circle the articles and underline the nouns they

modify ones are wrong. Correct the mistakes.

1. An about twenty calves are grazing In the field.2. An enthusiastic spectators applauded the clowns.3. There are beautiful birds of paradise in the zoo.4. A rainbow is a display of the spectrum colors of sunlight.5. They used on axes to cut the trees.Sample item

UNESCO is headquartered in Paris, France, with an over 50 field

A

offices and several institutes and centers throughout the world.

B C D

You should choose option A because field offices is a plural noun

and does not take the article an. It should be over 50 field offices.

2. Use plural nouns after the words below.a// these dozens of

some those hundreds of

some (of the) every one of thousands of

a few(of) each one of a number of

many (of) each of the number of

a lot of one of a couple of

lots of both several (of the)

various other


Directions : Circle the words mentioned on the list above and

underline their nouns. Decide which ones are

wrong. Correct the mistakes.

1. The institution gave scholarships to a number of student.


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2. Teachers use various technique to make their lessonsinteresting.

3. It took them a couple of hours to finish their class project.4. Law enforcement is a problem in some countries because of

corrupt officials.

5. Each of the team member shared the same workload.Sample item

The International Committee of the Red Cross reported a death toll

A

of thousands of man as a result of the tsunami in December 2004.

B C D

You should choose option B because a plural noun should follow

thousands of. It should be thousands of men.

3. When words such as hundred, thousand or million follow anumber, do NOT put them in a plural form.

Check your understanding,

Directions : Circle the numbers that modify nouns. Decide

which ones are wrong. Correct the mistakes.

1. Two hundred more employees are being recruited for thegrowing company.

2. The project needs six thousands dollars.3. Hundreds of volunteers from different countries came to the

rescue of the earthquake victims.

4. About sixty thousands rupiah could be collected during thecultural night.

5. Tens of teenagers were arrested for fighting during the rockconcert.


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Sample item

Six millions residents of New Jersey consider their region as

A B C

important as New York City.

D

You should choose option A because millions follows a number. It

should be six million residents.

4. Be careful of irregular plural nouns.Check your understanding.

Directions : Circle the plural nouns. Decide which ones are


1. The research presented a lot of valuable datums.2. Oxes are usually used as draft animals.3. Most housewives prefer to have part-time jobs.4. Some specieses of animals are endangered.5. Auroras are natural phenomenons that can be seen in the far

northern and southern hemispheres of the earth.

Sample item

Aoudads, wild horned sheeps of six subspecies, live in North Africa.

A B C D

You should choose option A because the plural form of sheep is

the same as its singular form. It should be sheep.


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1. There are dozen eggs in the refrigerator,2. Much flowed from his wound.3. The school issued regulations for students and teachers.4. This furniture will have to be specially cleaned.5. Money used for the relief of the refugees must be reported.Sample item

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has

taken a role in coordinating international action on a corruption by

A B C D

creating Anti-bribery Convention.

You should choose option D because corruption is an uncountable

noun and does not take the article a It should be corruption.

2. Use uncountable nouns with the words below.much all*

little some*

a little a lot of*

an amount of lots of*

plenty of*

* They can also be used with countable plural nouns.


Directions : Circle the articles, indefinite adjectives and

quantifiers and underline their nouns. Decide which

ones are wrong. Correct the mistakes.

1. They have to live on whatever little money they earn.2. She came up with plenty of ideas during the class.3. There were quite a number students coming to the seminar on

depression.

4. We did not see many houses in the area.5. The institution has done a lot of research on the new drug.Sample item


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Coming from a poor family, Lazaro Cardenas, the Mexican president

A B

who made social and economic reforms during the 1930s, received few

C D

education.

You should choose option D because education is an uncountable noun

and does not follow the quantifierfew. It should be little education.

3. Do NOT put uncountable nouns into plural form.Check your understanding.

Directions : Circle the nouns. Decide which ones are wrong.


1. Physics is not his favorite subject.2. This type of plant needs a lot of sunlight / cause its uncountables

nouns.

3. He drinks a lot of coffee.4. People say that no news is good news.5. Cats cannot stand pepper.Sample item

New York City is a center of international finance, politics,

A B

communications, musics, fashion, and culture.

C D

You should choose option C because musics uncountable. It should be

music.

B. ArticlesA and an are called indefinite articles because they are normally used to refer

to nonspecific person/thing, while the is called a definite article because it is

used to refer to a specific person/thing or persons/things.


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Strategieses

1. Use a/an when the noun is newly introduced. Use the when the noun hasbeen mentioned before, or when the noun is specific.



modify. Decide which ones are wrong. Correct the

mistakes.

1. Henry lent me a book. A book is very interesting.2. A woman sitting next to me was not my colleague.3. We saw the funny-looking dog this morning.4. The rightful heir has passed away, too.5. The renowned professor has been assigned to be the tutor of a future

king.

Sample item

Astronomy is a study of the universe, consisting of celestial bodies, gas,

A B C

and dust.

D

You should choose option A because study of the universe refers to

Astronomy. It suggests something specific and does not take the article a It

should be the study of the universe.

2. Use the with superlatives and with words like first, next, last, same andonly.


Indefinite articles

a

an

Definite article

the

Examples

The school board makes a decision concerning the students

every two years.

The school board makes an important decision concerning

the students every two years.

It is the chairprepared for our new teacher this semester.


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the mistakes.

1. The only navigable river during the rainy season is not navigable now.2. Next film produced will be about espionage.3. Our institute will recruit same number of employees as it did last year.4. The most complicated machine we have is not working.5. The soccer match last night was most exciting of all matches during the

World Cup matches.

Sample item

In ancient Egypt, first appearance of certain stars each year marked the

A B

beginning of the seasonal flood, an important event for agriculture.

C D

You should choose option A because the article the should be used with the

wordfirstIt should be the first appearance.

3. Use the to refer to specific nouns such as : the sun, the moon/the world, etc.Check your understanding.



the mistakes.

1. The Hilton happens to be the biggest hotel in my town.2. The moon revolves around the earth once every month.3. Ground is wet after the rain last night.4. We went to city's zoo last week.5.In clear nights, we can see many stars in sky.Sample item

Copernicus believed that the earth goes around sun, and not the other way

A B C D

around.

You should choose option B because there is only one sun in our solar


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system. It should be the sun.

4. Pay attention to when the article the is used.a. The is NOT used with names of the following :

months, and days :January, December, Saturday, Sundaychemical substances : hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogencontinents :Africa, Asiacapes, bays, and points : Cape Canaveral, Cape Cod, San Francisco

Bay, Tampa Bay, Point Dume, Point Mugu

countries and states : Canada, France, California, WisconsinEXCEPTIONS : the Netherlands, the Philippines

cities:Melbourne, New YorkEXCEPTION : the Hague

streets/roads/squares/parks : Yale Street, Wiltshire Boulevard,Trafalgar Square, Yosemite National Park

individual islands :Easter Island, Stanton Island individual mountains and lakes:Mount Everest, Mount Whitney lakes : Lake Toba, Lake Michigan EXCEPTION: the Great Salt

Lake

airports : Kennedy Airport, Heath row Airport universities : Yale University, Harvard University

b. The is used with names of the following:regions, especially those beginning with compass direction : the North

of England, the southern hemisphere, the Crimea, the Caucasus

groups of islands : the Bahamas, the Canariesgroups of lakes : the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakesmountain ranges : the Rocky Mountains, the Andesdeserts: the Sahara, the Mojavepeninsulas: the Monterey peninsula, the Iberian peninsula oceans, seas, rivers, gulfs, and canals: the Atlantic, the Indian

Ocean, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, the Amazon, the


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Mississippi, the Gulf of Mexico, the Persian Gulf. The Panama

Canal, the Suez Canal




the mistakes.

1. The oxygen makes up about 70 percent of the atmosphere.2. The Australia is a continent in the southern hemisphere of the earth.3. The highest mountain is located in the Himalayas.4. Mount Fuji is famous for its snow-capped peak.5. Niagara Falls has become a tourist attraction.Sample item

The Carlisle is a quiet college and light-manufacturing town in the

A B C

Cumberland Valley of southern Pennsylvania.

D

You should choose option A because Carlisle [ka:(r)lail] is a name of a

place and cannot take the article the. It should be Carlisle.

5. Use the with some adjectives to denote a group of people having thecondition described by the adjectives, such as the rich (rich people), the

deaf (deafpeople), etc. This construction is always plural in meaning.




the mistakes.

1. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.2. The donation will go to needy.3. Fear of a man can make a person do evil things.4. This kind of computer game is suitable for young.5. Deaf should be sitting in a special section of the hall.Sample item


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Disabled demanded that public facilities, such as train and bus stations and

A B C

libraries be constructed to accommodate them.

D

You should choose option A because the word Disabled refers to all

disabled people. It should be The disabled.

6. Use the with all nationality adjectives when you mean the people of thatcountry.




mistakes.

1. British still believe in monarchies.2. Life could be very difficult at times for the Sudanese.3. French joined the Alliance during World War II.4. The brave people are willing to take risks.5. Javanese know that Javanese is difficult for foreigners to learn.Sample item

Some people in the world, such as Japanese, still uphold their traditions

A B C

even in modern days.

D

You should choose option C because the word Japanese refers to the

people of Japan. It should be the Japanese.

7. Use a/an with a person or thing that is nonspecific.Check your understanding.

Directions : Circle the articles if there are any^ and underline


the mistakes.

1. The police are looking for a man in the brown sweater.2. After the shocking earthquake, people found that there was the crack in


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the ground.

3. I met a girl who was a student here.4. A man who employed me was very generous.5. He needed a pair of gloves.Sample item

Born in the family fond of tennis, the tennis champion Christine Evert was

A B

the most famous woman athlete in the United States.

C D

You should choose option A because the word family refers to any family

fond of tennis. It should be a family.

8. Use a with a noun starting with a consonant sound and aw with a nounstarting with a vowel sound.

an herb BUT a herbal remedy

an hour a half hour

an honor a unit

an SMA student a university student




mistakes.

1. Which came first, a chicken or a egg ?2. The platypus is an unique creature in the animal kingdom.3. An exciting movie might become a blockbuster.4. As a avid reader, John is a self-educated man.5. Teenagers have the tendency to consider an famous actor or actress an

icon.


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Sample item 1

Chemistry arose from attempts to transform base metals into gold, a effort

A B C D

that became known as alchemy.

You should choose option D because effortstarts with a vowel sound. It

should be an effort.

Sample item 2

In 1900 George Eastman invented an small camera, the Kodak Brownie.

A B C D

You should choose option C because small camera starts with a consonant

sound. It should be a small camera.

9. Do NOT use articles with plural nouns used to represent a class.Check your understanding.



mistakes.

1. The African-Americans have served in every American military action.2. The best football team usually has the best blockers.3. The rugby players wear heavy gym shorts, thick jerseys, socks rugby

shoes and protective mouthpieces.

4. There are more the European football fans than there are Americanfans.

5. Short-beaked common dolphins of the Mediterranean face threats fromhuman activity.

Sample item

Many people considered the roses a symbol of romance.

A B C D

You should choose option B because roses represents all roses. It should be

roses or the rose.

10.Use articles according to the rules.Check your understanding.


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mistakes.

1. Food shown in the movies, TV programs, or commercials may be justreplicas.

2. The Hollywood has become a productive source of box-office films.3. Haiti is an island nation with a large population.4. In 2004, there were increasingly destructive hurricanes in the Caribbean

and the Gulf of Mexico.

5. The extreme poverty is an insult to humanity.Sample item

The telescope enables an astronomers to confront scientific questions about

A B C D

the birth of the universe.

You should choose option B because the word astronomers is a plural

indefinite noun that does not need the article an. It should be astronomers

or an astronomer.


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UNIT 9

PARTS OF SPECH

Subject, Object, Possessive, And Reflexive Pronouns; Possesive Adjectives;

Relative Pronouns and Adverbs; Forms of Other; and Nonreferential it and

There Subjects

A. Aubject and Object PronounsSubeject pronouns are used as the subject of a verb and object pronous are

used as the object of a verb or of a preposition.

B. Possessive PronounsProssessive pronouns may function either as the subject of a verb or as the

object of a verbb or of a preposition.

C. Reflexive PronounsReflexive pronouns are used as the object of a verb or of a preposition. Theyare used when the object of the verb or preposition refers to the subject. A

Special use of reflexive pronouns is to intensify nouns or pronouns.

Subject Pronouns

I weyou you

he they

she it

Object Pronous

me us

you you

him them

her it

Examples

Jason lent the novel to her after he finished reading it.OP S OV

They gave him the money he asked for.

S OV

Note :

S : Subjet

OP : Object of preposition

OV : Object of verb

Possessive Pronouns

mine

Yours truly, his

Hers

Ours

theirs

Examples

My roommate borrowed mine because his is broken

OV S

He promised to introduce a friend of his tomorrow.

OP


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D. Possessive AdjectivesPossessive adjectives are also tested in the TOEFL Possessive adjectives

function to modify nouns and must agree with the nouns they refer to.

E. Relative Pronouns and AdverbsRelative pronouns are all used in adjective/relative clauses.

Who or thatis used as a subject referring to a person. Whom is used as an object referring to a person.used as a subject or on

object referring to a thing.

Whoseis used to replace a possessive adjective.Relative adverbs, also used in adjective/relative clauses, substitute for an

adverb. They are not pronouns and they can cause confusion in the TOEFL.

Whenrefers to a time. Where refers to a place. Why refers to a reason.

Reflexive Pronouns

myself

yourself

himselfoneself

itself

ourselves

yourselves

themselves

Examples

Ron hurt himself.

OV

Children should be taught to depend on themselvesOP

rather than on others.

The students themselves insisted on having a discussion.

(intensifying S)

Possessive Pronouns

my

your

hisher

our

their

Examples

All students must bring their IDs.

Poss. Adj.

He explained his plans to all of us.

Poss. Adj.


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F. Forms ofOthersAnother refers to a nonspecific singular noun; others refers to a nonspecific

plural noun; and the other refers to a specific singular noun; and the others

refers to a specific plural noun. All of these pronouns are used as the subject

or the object of a verb.

G. Nonreferential itand there subjectsIf and there, though classified as pronouns in most dictionaries and grammar

books ditter from other pronouns. The main function ofifand there is either to

provide sentence with a subject or to anticipate a true subject in the predicate

position.

The nonreferential it introduces predicates with special meanings such as to

sho identification, to express weather, time and distance, and to describe a

situation. It is also used to anticipate the true subject.

Relative Pronouns

who/that

whom

which/thatwhose

Relative Adverbs

where

when

why

Examples

My sister who graduated from college last month is

rel.pron.thinking of having a business of her own.

The book that I bought yesterday when I went to the new

rel.pron rel.adv.

mall is expensive.

Other Pronouns

another

the other

other

the others

Examples

The 705DG scanner was sold. Another is available next

S

week.

Did you lose your copy ? I still have another.

0V

Here is one of the two books. Im still reading the other.

0VSome people like reading; others prefer watching TV.

S

One student was playing the piano. The others were

S

singing along.


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The nonreferential there occurs most often with a linking verb and the verb

agrees wi the subject that comes after it.

Strategieses

1. Make sure that the pronouns correctly refer to the nouns.Check your understanding.Directions : Circle the nouns and underline the pronouns.

Decide which ones are wrong. Correct the mistakes.

1. Industries that use plastics have recycled their wastes for years.2. When water, is heated, it changes into steam.3. Plato was born in Athens and their family was one of the most

distinguished in the city.

4. Sylvia Plaths works emphasize her sharp insights and ironic wit.5. Platinum has unique qualities that make them precious.Sample item

Coal is the major export of Queensland and large quantities of them are

A B C

Nonreferential subjectsit

ther

Itto show special meanings: Identification :Its Ane Weather :Itwas snowing yesterday. Time :Its Sunday. Distance :Its ten miles from the university to

my house.

Situation :Its lonely here.Itto anticipate the true subject :

Itis important to be punctual. (To be punctual is

important.)

Itis important that you be punctual. (That you be

punctual important)Itis incredible what scientists can do these days.

(What scientists can do these days is incredible.)

There to anticipate the true subject :

There is a student in the library. (A student1s in the

library)

There seem to be two problems in the project. (Two

problems seem to be in the project.)


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Sample item 2

Stieglietz, one of the greatest American photographers, has been honored

A B

for work of theirs in providing a basis for the development of

C D

photography.

You should choose option C because theirs is not the correct possessive

pronoun. It should be his.

3. Make sure that reflexive pronouns are in the correct form and areappropriate to the nouns or pronouns they refer to.


Directions : Circle the nouns and underline the reflexive

pronouns. Decide which ones are wrong. Correct

the mistakes.

1. My daughter Dana always does her homework herself.2. My teacher always encourages his students to have faith in himself.3. Did you yourself clean the living room and the bedroom ?4. He should not think too highly of himself.5. We really want you to be able to solve the problem ourselves.Sample item 1

Charles Darwin herself wrote The Origin of Species during his five-year

A B C D

voyage on theBeagle.

You should choose option A because herself is not the correct reflexive

pronoun. It should be himself.

Sample item 2

Green turtles can find the way back theirselves to the same spot where

A B C D

they were born.

You should choose option B because theirselves is not the correct form of

reflexive pronoun. It should be themselves.


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4. Be careful of the wrong uses of relative pronouns.a. Do NOT put whatplace ofwhich, and vice versa.


Directions : Circle the nouns and underline the relative

pronouns. Decides which ones are wrong. Correct

the mistakes.

1. In the Indus Valley, what is now Pakistan and western India, mostdwellings had drains for waste disposal.

2. Edgar Allan Poes reviews included principles of literary analysiswhich affected later writers.

3. The Illiaddescribes events of the Trojan War, which was foughtbetween fought between Greece and the city of Troy.

4. A species related to poison ivy is poisonous oak, which grows inthe Pacific Northwest of the U.S.

5. Before World War II, Polands economy depended on agriculturewhich employed about 60% of Polish workers.

Sample item

Jericho, what is believed to be the earliest known town, started to

A B

evolve from an area covering 10 acres into a town in 8000.

C D

You should choose option A because what does not refer toJericho. It

should be which.

b. Do NOT put who in place of which, and vice versa. Check yourunderstanding



the mistakes.

1. Political parties are organized groups of people who control agovernment.

2. Thomas Aquinas, who a great scholar, wrote Summa Theologica.


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3. Every grain has an outer shell which may be smooth or wrinkled.4. Jackson Pollock was an American artist who had an important

influence on modern painting.

5. Kublai Khan had a postal system which consisted of a network ofcourier stations.

Sample item

The history of modern architecture includes the technology and the

A B

architects which designed buildings.

C D

You should choose option C because which cannot refer to people the

architects. It should be who.

c. Do NOT use the relative adverb if/we with a preposition.Check your understanding.



the mistakes.

1. Polar bears hunt seals at holes in the ice the seals come up for air.2. A meadow stream-pond develops a place in where a slowly

moving stream widens as it flows over sloping land.

3. In the U.S., pontoons have been used as permanent bridges inplaces where deep water makes pier construction expensive.

4. In 1771, a porcelain industry developed near Limoges, wherekaolin deposits had been found.

5. Postal workers take mail from post boxes offices where it is sorted.Sample item

Worchester was the location of the battle of 1651 in where Oliver

A B C

Cromwell defeated Charles II, ending the English Civil War.

D


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You should choose option C because which should be used instead of

where. It should be in which.

5. Use the forms of other correctly. Another (singular) and others (plural)refer to nonspecific nouns. The other (singular) and the others (plural)

refer to specific nouns.

Note :

While anotherand the other can be used as adjectives that modify nouns

(another car, the other girl others and the others cannot (not others

people, not the others house.)

Check your understanding,

Directions : Circle the forms of other. Then, decide which ones

are wrong. Correct the mistakes.

1. Some enjoy outdoor activities while others like indoor activities.2. I need to do two things before leaving for school tomorrow : one is

water the plant and is feed my cat.

3. Do you still have the another work to do today ?4. The professor assigned us several math problems, but I could only

solve few of them. Others are too difficult for me.

5. The design process often includes packaging, styling, retail displays,and ether devices for distribution of mass-produced goods,

Sample item 1

Painting is one of the two techniques in decorating books in England in the

A B C

10 th and 11th centuries; another is colored-outline drawing.

D

You should choose option D because another cannot refer to the specific

noun technique. Therefore, it should be written the other.


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Sample item 2

While millions of refugees driven by civil war, natural disaster and

A B

persecution seek safety outside of their countries, millions of others people

C

leave for temporary work.

D

You should choose option C because others is followed by people. It

should be millions of other people.

6. The nonreferential it may be confused with the nonreferential there. Itemphasizes identification while there emphasizes existence.


Directions : Circle the introductory words and underline the

verbs. Decide which ones are wrong. Correct the

mistakes.

1. There is 150 breeds of dogs recognized by American Kennel Club(AKC).

2. It is clear that poverty occurs in nations with undeveloped resources.3. It is clear that American philosophers were the first to develop

pragmatism.

4. It is not known how humans and dogs first learned to coexist.5. There is a social organization helping certain people to become

members of the parliament. .

Sample item 1

_______ in physics that work has a much more specific definition.

(A)There is clear(B)It is clear(C)Clear it is(D)Though it is clearThe sentence needs a subject and the expletive itshould be used since the

sentence emphasizes identification. So, the correct answer is option (B) It


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is clear.

Sample item 2

_______ no distinction between axons, the nerve fiber, and dendrites in

invertebrates nerve net system,

(A)It has(B)There has(C)There is(D)lt isThe phrase no distinction is the subject of the sentence and the expletive

there should be used since the sentence stresses the existence of no

distinction. So, the correct answer is option (C) There is.


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UNIT 10

PARTS OF SPEECH

Adjectives and Adverbs

A. AdjectivesThere are different types of adjectives and this unit takes up descriptive

adjectives, participles, and noun adjuncts (nouns that modify other nouns, and

so, they function as adjectives).

Adjectives modify nouns, appearing before the nouns or after linking verbs.

They also modify pronouns, usually appearing after linking verbs [be,

become, remain, etc.).

Strategieses

1. Do NOT use nouns in place of adjectives, and vice versa.Check your understanding.

Directions : Circle the nouns and underline the adjectives.

Descriptive Adjectives

beatiful

intelligent

generous

Participles

Present Past

intereting unterested

boring bored

spoiling spoiledbreaking broken

selling sold

grinding ground

Noun Adjunct

a school bag

pencil cases

a night cap

Examples

He is intelligent

Pron. Adj.

James is a generous man.

Adj. N

They became bored

Pron. Adj.

The broken windows should be replaced.

Adj. N

The teacher awarded somepencil cases to her

N. Adjunct N

students.

Note :

Adj, : adjective

N : noun

Pron : pronoun


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1. Today, people are becoming more aware of the dangerous of smoking.2. One of mans basic instincts is to build shelter.3. The principal is facing student resistance to the new regulations.4. There are so many technique terms in the article.5. Nobody seemed amused listening to his jokes.Sample item

It is the long of the rod that determines how fast the pendulum swings

A B C D

back and forth.

You should choose option B because the article the should be followed by

a noun. It should be the length.

Sample item 2

The canal in Panama has made tourism in that country an importance

A B C D

business.

You should choose option D because an adjective should precede the noun

business. It should be an important business.

2. Use adjectives before nouns and after linking verbs.Linking verbs

be prove

look taste

seem smell

appear become

remain keep

feel sound



Decide which ones are wrong. Correct the

mistakes.


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1. The scientist looked confused when he read the report of theresearch.

2. The student committee plans to hold an annual meeting this week.3. A complete set of the books is necessary for the reference of the report.4. He decided to visit the girl because she did not sound healthy on the

phone.

5. They remained calm upon hearing the terrible news.Sample item 1

A hole small in the confer of the parachute canopy lessens the jolt when

A B C

the parachute opens.

D

You should choose option A because the adjective smallshould occur

before the noun hole. It should be small hole.

Sample item 2

The egg of a penguin remains warmly in the pouch above its feet.

A B C D

You should choose option C because the verb remains should be followed

by the adjective warm. It should be remains warm.

3. Be careful of participles. Present participles are active in meaning but pastparticiples are passive in meaning.



Decide which ones are wrong: Correct the

mistakes.

1. The students are assigned to read more about the amazed discoveries inphysics.

2. We decided to write about the electing president for our studentmagazine.

3. Moral issues are always interesting to discuss.4. Strongly motivated students usually succeed in their studies.


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5. The teacher looked satisfied with her students performance in thespeech contest.

Sample item 1

Harold Ickes opposed the exploitation of his country's limiting natural

A B C D

resources.

You should choose option D because a past participle is needed instead of

a present participle to modify the noun natural resources. It should be

limited natural resources.

Sample item 2

During World War II, all the fought nations transported troops behind

A B C

enemy lines by plane.

D

You should choose option A because a present participle is needed to

modify the noun nations instead of the past participle foughtIt should be

the fighting nations.

4. Be careful of the position of noun adjuncts. They are nouns but theyfunction as adjectives. So noun adjuncts always precedes nouns they

modify.


Directions : Circle the nouns and underline the noun adjuncts.


1. Our school will go on a trip field next week.2. The weather forecast predicted that there will be a heavy rain

tomorrow.

3. Show entertainments are mushrooming all over the worlds.4. We need to go to a drug store to buy the medicine.5. Some career women are taking post-graduate studies.Sample item

Paris, located on the Seine, is the beautiful city capital of France.


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A B C D

You should choose option D because the noun capitals used to modify the

noun city. It should be capital city.

B. AdverbsAdverbs modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or the whole sentence. This

unit discusses only the first three. The position of adverbs is flexible,

depending on what is being emphasized.

Strategieses

Do NOT use adverbs in place of adjectives, and vice versa.


Directions : Circle the adjectives and underline the adverbs.


1. The reference books are neat arranged in the library.2. She talked very fast as she careless explained the problems to us.3. The clothes are beautiful designed by the famous designer.4. They danced well enough throughout the performance.5. She quick became aware that he was looking at her.

Adjectives Adverbs

fast fast

hard hard

high high and highly

diligent diligenttlycareful carefully

attentive attentively

Other adverbs (not formed

from adjectives)

very

too

almost

never

often

just

merelyrecently

really

Examples

The boys workdiligently.

V Adv.

OR

The boys diligently work.Adv. V

The students ore studying hard

V Adv.

The students looked deeply impressedby

Adv. Adj.

the lecturer.

They listened very attentively the

Adv. Adv.

explanation

They are too young to be married.

Adv. Adj. .

Note :V : Verb

Adv. : Adverb

Adj. : Adjective


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Sample item 1

Clocks have special devices that give the pendulum a tiny push at regularly

A B C D

intervals.

You should choose option D because the word intervals is a noun and needs

an adjective instead of an adverb to modify the noun. It should be regular

intervals.

Sample item 2

Only a canal pilot with years of experience can safe guide fast ships through

A B C D

narrow channels and locks.

You should choose option C because the verb guide should be modified by an

adverb instead of the adjective safe. It should be safely guide.


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UNIT 11

SIMPLE SENTENSE

A simple sentence has one subject and one verb, although the subject and the verb

may be compound.

Examples

Peru is the third-largest country in South America.

S V

John and Marion have been studying and working in Tokyo for seven years.

Compound s Compound V

There are certain structures that can cause confusion in finding the subject and the

verb of a sentence. The structures taken up in this unit are prepositional phrases,

appositives and participial phrases.

Prepositional phrases are phrases that are preceded by prepositions like In, df, on,

to, by, behind fand they contain nouns as the object of preposition (OP). These

nouns are often mistaken for subjects.

Examples

The passengers on the bus were all sweating and restless.

S Prep.Phr. V

Only one out of 50 interviewees was accepted.

S Preposional Phr. V

OP = the bus

50 interviewees

Appositives are words or phrases that provide more information about subjects or

objects. Nouns in appositives are often mistaken for the subjects.

Examples

Carla, one of the brightest studei has been chosen to join the competition.

S Appositive V

The workers, desperate over the company policy, are going on strike.

S Appositive V

Participial phrases are phrases that are preceded by either present or past


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participles. In this structure, the participle, which modifies a noun, can be

mistaken for the verb of the sentence.

Examples

The children leaping out of their beds were screaming with fright.

S Present participial phrase. V

Greats essays,praised by the teacher, were submitted for the writing

S Past participial phrase. V

competition.

Strategieses

1. Make sure that the sentence has a subject and a verb.Check your understanding.

Directions : Find the subjects and the verbs. Decide whether

any are missing. Supply the missing subjects and

verbs,

1. Various people all over the world have practiced different forms ofmarriage.

2. The first experiences in the home mark the beginning of education.3. Home life influenced by the way a family is organized.4. In ancient Rome, had absolute authority over his children.5. The members of a family may have certain responsibilities toward each

other.

Sample item 1

________ was the patron and protector of the city of Athens.

(A)The goddess Athena(B)That the goddess Athena(C)It is the goddess Athena(D)Being the goddess AthenaThe sentence needs a subject. So, the correct answer is (A) The goddess

Athena.

Sample item 2

Tens of thousands of Maoris ____ between 1815 and 1840 in intertribal wars.


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(A)when died(B)they died(C)dying(D)diedThe sentence needs a verb. So, the correct answer is (D) died.

2. Make sure that there are no double or repeated subjects or verbs in a sentence.Check your understanding.

Directions : Find the subjects and the verbs. Decide whether

there are repeated subjects or verbs. Correct the

mistakes.

1. To curb waste of time at meetings, some executives they have resorted tothe use of stopwatches, whistles, and uncomfortable chairs.

2. Repeated studies have shown that the length, texture and coarseness ofone's hair they are not determined by how often it is cut.

3. Noisy toys register more than 100 decibels harm kids' hearing.4. For many people, gardening can provide contentment in life.5. Changes in earth's atmosphere and oceans caused by humans have

contributed to more frequent and more severe natural disasters.

Sample item

In a good season, a bee hive it can produce about 60 pounds of honey.

A B C D

You should choose C because there is a repetition of the subject. The sentence

already has a subject a bee hive and does not need the extra subject it. It

should be ..., a bee hive can ....

3. Do NOT confuse objects of prepositions with the subjects of sentences.Check your understanding.

Directions : Find the subjects and the verbs. Circle the objects

of prepositions. Decide which ones are wrong.


1. All the flowers in the garden is watered every day.2. Many students in Room 204 come from different parts of the world.


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3. Most information from the articles are inaccurate.4. In this university, students with a lot of work experience have a greater

chance of getting a part time job.

5. Farmers in this country still work by hand or with the help of animals.Sample item

In the Middle Ages, _______ of Western music used a system for notating

their compositions, so they couid be performed by musicians.

(A)that composers(B)composers(C)composers who(D)composers theyThe sentence needs a subject.In the Middle Ages is a prepositional phrase and

the middle ages is the object of preposition, not the subject. So, the correct

answer is (B) composers.

4. Be careful of appositives that explain or identify subjects or objects. Makesure that there is no unnecessary verb or construction within a sentence.


Directions : Circle the subjects or the objects that are explained

or identified by appos! fives. Underline the apposi

fives. Decide what is wrong. Correct the mistakes.

1. The Adams-Omnis Treaty, a transcontinental treaty, is an agreementbetween the United States and Spain.

2. That the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is an important conventioncenter for international African conferences.

3. Joseph Addison is best known for his collaboration with Sir Richard Steelein writing and publishing The Spectator, is a series of popular essays in

1712.

4. Joy Adamson, was an author and painter, became famous for her bookBorn Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds.

5. A Welsh politician and trade union leader, William Abraham was electedto Parliament in 1885.


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Sample item 1

A great Italian astronomer, _______ laid the foundations for modern

experimental science.

(A)That Galileo(B)Galileo is(C)Galileo(D)Galileo whoThe sentence needs a subject. So, the correct answer is (C) Galileo.

Sample item 2

The Acropolis, _____ in ancient Greece, dominates the city of Athens.

(A)a fortified natural stronghold(B)by fortifying a natural stronghold(C)to fortify a natural stronghold(D)fortifying a natural strongholdThe sentence needs an appositive. So, the correct answer is (A) a fortified

natural stronghold.

5. Be careful of the use of present and past participles. Present participles areactive in meaning and past participles are passive in meaning.

Directions : Underline the present and past participles. Decide


1. The furniture making by the carpenter is exported to many countries.2. The lady taught English in this school is my aunt.3. The first lesson taught by Professor Green was very difficult.4. The fried noodle serving in this restaurant is one of the most delicious

dishes.

5. The report written by Dr. Brown's secretary has many spelling mistakes.Sample item I

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease _______ deterioration of the joint cartilage.

(A)causing(B)be caused(C)to cause


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(D)causedThe sentence needs a present participle to explain a chronic disease. So, the

correct answer is (A) causing.

Sample item 2

An allergic reaction is sensitivity to a specific substance __________ allergen.

(A)be called(B)calling(C)called(D)to callThe sentence needs a past participle to explain a specific substance. So/the

correct answer is (C) called.


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UNIT 12

AGREEMENT

Subject-Verb

The basic concept of subject-verb agreement is that verbs must agree in person

and in number with their subjects. This unit discusses subject-verb agreement in

number since this is a very common problem in the TOEFL.

Agreement in number means that singular subjects must be followed by singular

verbs, and plural subjects by plural verbs.

Examples

The solution to the problems is quite simple.

S V

Some of the ink was spilled.

S V

The girls have breakfast at 6 a.m.

S V

Some of the students are Indians.

S V

Strategieses

1. Be careful of verbs after collective nouns.Collective nouns

family army jury

committee navy class

government flock band

team colony majority

group audience board

public council enemy

a. Collective nouns referring to the unit as a whole are followed by singularverbs.

Directions : Circle the nouns and underline the verbs. Decide



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1. The jury have finally come to a decision.2. The class arpdoing an exam.3. The board has agreed on the proposal.4. The majority are opposing the new government policy on income tax.5. The badminton team were one of the best in the world.Sample item

In other words, the ant colony consist of the queen and her children - the

A B C D

workers.

You should choose option C because the verb following the subject the ant

colony, a collective noun that refers to a unit as a whole, should be in

singular form. It should be consists.

b. Collective nouns referring to the different members comprising the unitare followed by plural verbs.


Directions : Circle the nouns and underline the verbs. Decide


1. The family hds been arriving from different towns.2. The band how tuning their musical instruments.3. A second group are now rehearsing their parts in the play.4. The committee jb


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some of the all of the

any of the none of the

most of the


Directions : Circle the subjects and underline the verbs. Decide


1. Most of the students know,s that there is going to be a test.2. None of the workers wanri to quit their jobs.3. All of the water has been used for the plants.4. Hardly any of the magazines contain good articles.5. Some of the journey was done by night.Sample item

Because much of the state of Nevada is barren desert, some of the

A B

governments nuclear bomb tests has been set off underground in this state.

C D

You should choose option C because the verb of the subject some of the

governments nuclear bomb tests, a plural noun, should be in plural form. It

should be have been.

3. The words on the list below are grammatically singular, and should alwaystake singular verbs.

anybody anyone anything each (-h singular noun)

everybody everyone everything every (+ singular noun)

nobody no one nothing

somebody someone something




1. Somebody is knocking at the door.2. Nobody wants to be treated unfairly.3. Everything seems to be working as planned.


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4. Nothing in this world iscertain.5. Each student in all of the classes isto write at least two papers in one

semester.

Sample item

There is a basic tenet of law that says everyone are innocent until proven

A B C

guilty.

D

You should choose option B because the subject everyone is singular and it

needs a singular verb. It should be is.

4. Be careful of prepositional phrases that come between subjects and verbs. Theverb must agree with the subject of the sentence, NOT with the noun in the

prepositional phrase.


Directions : Find the subjects and underline the verbs. Decide


1. The buildings behind our school are old.2. The participants of the seminar are all teachers.3. The students in the next classroom are all present.4. The population of many towns owgrowing too fast.5. The data of the poll show that many people still believe in the current

government.

Sample item

Governments in times of need often switches to flat money, which is not

A B

backed by reserves of another commodity.

C D

You should choose option A because the verb must agree with the plural

subject Governments. It should be switch.

5. Be careful of the expletive there. The verb agrees with the subject that comesafter the verb.


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Sample item

Among the childrens books published in the U.S. in 1944 were Esther

A B C D

ForbessJohnny Tremaine.

You should choose option D because the subject is Esther Forbes's Johnny

Tremaine, a singular noun that needs a singular verb. It should be was.

7. Some nouns with -s endings are singular and take singular verbs.aerobics physics genetics measles

athletics economics mechanics diabetes

billiards mathematics statistics mumps

cards linguistics politics rabies

bowls obstetrics electronics shingles




1. Mumps is a viral disease.2. Mathematics gives me a headache.3. Athletics is popular in my country4. Billiards is not so popular today5. Politics play an important part in modern life.Sample item

Mechanics, a branch of physics, concern the motions of objects and their

A B C D

response to forces.

You should choose option B because the subjectMechanics is a singular noun

that needs a singular verb. It should be concerns.


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UNIT 13

PARALEL STRUCTURE

When you present information in a series, it must be stated in the same

grammatical form or parallel structure. Words must be matched with words,

phrases with phrases, and clauses with clauses. Nouns must be matched with

nouns, adjectives with adjectives, and verbs with verbs. This unit focuses on

parallel words and phrases in sentences. The conjunctions and, but and or are

used to coordinate equally important pieces of information.

Examples

Words with words

Nouns : Do the rich know about disease, hunger, andpoverty Adjectives : Amanda is rich and intelligent, but unfriendly. Adverbs : She smiled sweetlyand politely.Phrases with phrases

Infinitives : Rita wants to teach in kindergarten or (to) write children'sstories.

Gerunds: Paul likes reading fiction, watching movies, andplayingoutdoor sports.

Verbs : After dinner, she cleaned the table and washed the dishes. Prepositions : The reward rests not ^n the taskbut m, the pay. (John. K.

Galbraith)

Strategieses

Words or phrases in a series must be the same part of speech or a similar parallel

form.


Directions : Circle the connectives and underline the supposedly

parallel parts. Decide which ones are wrong. Correct the

mistakes.


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1. Human beings are often ignorant, pitiless, and show brutality.2. A healthful diet should be rich in vegetables, fruit and cereals.3. She wanted to do two things : to work part time to finish her studies.4. Before acquiring language, babies detect differences in musical tones and

charys in the tempo and the rhythm of the music.

5. Women should exercise regularly but not excessively because hard physicalworkouts can trigger hormone production.

Sample item1

Dietary proteins are powerful compounds that build and _____ body tissues, from

hair and fingernails to muscles.

(A)repairing(B)repair(C)repaired(D)to repairThe word andused to connect the verb another verb in the same forrm So the

correct answer is (B) repair.

Sample item 2

The earliest Roman art is generally associated with the overthrow of the Etrus can

A B

kings and the establish of the Republic in 509 B.C.

C D

You should choose option D because the word establish should be parallel with

the noun overthrow. It should be establishment.


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UNIT 14

WORD CHOICE

A number of words in English often cause problems because they have an

apparently similar form, meaning, or sound. They are often used incorrectly in

place of each other.

Preposition Adverb

near nearly

Verb Adverb + Adjective

like a like

Prepositions

like

unlike

Nearis a preposition. It means close to.

Nearly an adverb. It means almost

Examples

He lives nearthe campus.

Prep.

Nearly all of the students in my doss participated in

Adv.

the outing.

Like is a verb, meaning enjoy. It can also be a

preposition followed by an object and meansimilar.

Unlike is a preposition, meaning not typical/similar.

It appears after a linking verb or before a noun.

Alike is an adverb meaning equally. It is also an

adjective meaning similar and appears after a

linking verb, but not before a noun.

Examples

Cathy likes ice cream.

V

Andy enjoys outdoor activities like jogging and

Prep.

hiking.

It is unlike Carlo to be so quiet.

Prep.

Unlike his brother, John has a sense of humor.

Prep.

Our parents treat us all alike.Adv.

The twins Maria and Myra look very much alike.

Adj.


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Strategieses1. Be careful ofnear and nearly. They have different meanings and functions.Check your understanding,

Directions : Circle the words near or nearly. Decide which uses are


1. We are nearly finished this paper.

Verb adjective

live alive

live

living

Adjective Adverb

hard hard

hardly

Verb

make

do

Live [liv] is a verb.Alive [alaiv] is an adjective used after a linking verb.

Live [laiv] and living are adjectives used before a noun.

Examples

My cousin livedin Surabaya but now he lives in Jakarta.

V V

The lady was still alive when I left her.

Linking VThey staged a live performance

Adj.

A living creature needs oxygen

Adj.

Hardcan be an adjective or an adverb depending on its

function in the sentences.

Hardly is an adverb, meaning barely or scarcely.

Examples

Clay becomes hardwhen it is heated.

Adj.

It rained handlast night.

Adv.

They could hardly blame him; he was not even there.

Adv.

The verb make means produce or create; the verb domeans perform or act These verbs are not

interchangeable and they are used in special collocations

such as make war, make the bed, do homework, do

research, etc.

Examples

They made me an offer of Rp 400,000.

They made a lot of mistakes.

Can you do repairs on my car ?

He didhis homework very well.


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2. Ill be seeing you in the nearly future.3. The detective solves the mystery nearly the end of the story.4. Arnold nearly gave up on the difficult project.5. The project is nearly completed.Sample item

The strongest winds on Saturn are found nearly the equator.

A B C D

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