TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC DUY TÂN

KHOA TIẾNG ANH

BỘ MÔN: ANH VĂN KHÔNG CHUYÊN

GIÁO TRÌNH NỘI BỘ

READING LEVEL 3
Mã môn học: ENG 216
Chủ biên: Th.S. Nguyễn Quỳnh Chi

Đà Nẵng, 2018

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page
CHAPTER 1: GRAMMAR
Lesson 1: Functions of To-infinitives and Gerunds 6
Lesson 2:Common Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives Followed
11
by a To-infinitive – Common verbs followed by a Gerund
Lesson 3: Common Expressions Followed by a Gerund -
15
Verbs Followed by either a Gerund or a To-infinitive
Lesson 4: Practice with TOEIC Actual Questions (1) 19
Lesson 5: Practice with TOEIC Actual Questions (2) 25

CHAPTER 2: VOCABULARY
Lesson 6: Comparison of Equality 31
Lesson 7: Comparatives 33
Lesson 8: Superlatives 36
Lesson 9: Other Structures of Comparison 39
Lesson 10: Practice with TOEIC Actual Questions 42

CHAPTER 3: READING COMPREHENSION

Lesson 11: Information 53
Lesson 12: Invitations 59
Lesson 13: Invoices 65
Lesson 14: Schedules 71
Lesson 15: Surveys 77

REFERENCES 83

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 INTRODUCTION TO TOEIC 4 SKILLS TEST

The Test of English for International Communication, TOEIC® is a standard and

objective assessment for English language proficiency in the workplace. The TOEIC®
is the most used test for Business English with more than 7 million worldwide test-
takers each year. The TOEIC® is recognized as proof of a person’s English language
competence by businesses, universities, technical colleges and business schools, when
considering potential candidates for admission to their organizations. In countries such
as the United Kingdom, the TOEIC® is a requirement for Visa applications. The
TOEIC® 4 Skills test offers a common standard of measurement for listening, reading,
writing, and speaking skills.
Test Format
• Non-incremental placement test (no pass-or-fail system)
• Paper and pencil (Listening & Reading)
• Online test (Speaking &Writing)
• Administered in authorized TOEIC® test centers
• Individual test sittings available by appointment
Language Level
A1-C1 in accordance with the Common European Frame of Reference
Usage
Evaluation and certification of English language skills are used at a specific point in
time for students, graduates, employees, job applicants and professionals, who may
require evidence of their language skills for their studies or jobs. The test can also be
used as an aid to monitor the learning progress of individual’s participating in language
training programs.
Structure
Listening: 100 multiple choice questions in 45 min.
Reading: 100 multiple choice questions in 75 min.
Speaking: 11 tasks (6 types of questions) in 20 min.
Writing: 8 tasks (3 types of questions) in 60 min.
Test Length
200 min. test duration plus a break of 30 min. between Listening & Reading, Speaking
& Writing

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Results
• Score reports for Listening & Reading and Speaking & Writing
• Individual analysis of strengths and weaknesses
• Correlation table with CEFR* mapping and Can-Do-Statements
• Certificate for all four skills (optional)
• Score evaluation within 15 business days, excl. postal time

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5
 LESSON 1
FUNCTIONS OF TO-INFINITIVES AND GERUNDS
I. FUNCTIONS OF A TO-INFINITIVE

❶To-infinitive as a Noun

Grammatically, when functioning as a noun, a to-infinitive can function as a subject,

an object, a subject complement, or an object complement.
Subject To recruit good employees is difficult.

Object She wants to quit her job.

Subject complement The goal is to increase sales.
Object complement He advised me to apply for the job.

A. Read the following sentences and point out the functions of the underlined to-
infinitives.
1. To succeed in finding a job is not easy.
Function: __ Subject
2. The manager encouraged the employees to work hard.
Function: ___ Object complement
3. My dream is to work for the HD Corporation.
Function: _ Subject complement
4. The manager wanted to interview three applicants.
Function: __ Object
5. They need to solve the problem now.
Function: __ Object
6. Jean helped me to complete the report.
Function: _ Object complement

B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. The SM Company needs ____________ more people.
A. to hire B. hire C. to hiring D. hired
2. The purpose of the meeting is ____________ the issue.
A. discussion B. discuss C. to discuss D. discussed
❷To-infinitive as an Adjective / Adverb

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To-infinitive as an Adjective
A to-infinitive can follow a noun and functions as an adjective modifying that noun.
He has a lot of work to do.
Ms. Smith has a business call to make.
To-infinitive as an Adverb
A to-infinitive can function as an adverb and expresses a purpose / reason, a judgment,
or a result.
Expressing a purpose/reason To pass the bar exam, Steve studied hard.
Expressing a judgment The owner must be stupid to say such a thing.
Expressing a result The boss advised her only to offend her.

A. Read the following sentences and point out the functions of the underlined to-
infinitives.
1. They made a plan to visit the office in Chicago.
Function: _____________________
2. He exercises regularly to keep in shape.
Function: _____________________
3. The first thing to do is to have a meeting with the staff.
Function: _____________________
4. I am so glad to hear the news.
Function: _____________________
5. It is hard to find a place to park at this hour.
Function: _____________________
6. The company downsized the workforce only to decrease its productivity.
Function: _____________________

B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. Mr. Kim worked hard ____________ a promotion.
A. to get B. getting C. got D. get
2. All the staff members were surprised _____________ the bad news.
A. heard B. hear C. hearing D. to hear

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II. FUNCTIONS OF A GERUND
A gerund is formed by adding the suffix –ing to a bare infinitive. It can function as a
subject, an object, or a complement in a sentence.

❶Gerund as a subject
Working overtime is sometimes unnecessary.
Speaking English well will help you get a good job.

❷Gerund as an object
All of the employees enjoyed participating in the seminar. (Object of the verb enjoy)
Thank you for answering my question. (Object of the preposition for)

Gerund as a complement
His concern is expanding his business quickly.

Tip Unlike nouns, gerunds may be followed by objects.

Explaining the concept was hard. (o)
Explanation the concept was hard. (x)

A. Choose the correct option given in brackets to complete each sentence then
point out its function in the sentence.
1. They suggested (get/getting) a new office. _geting object
2. (Test/Testing) a new device is always fun. _Testing Subject
3. (Solving/Solve) the problem took lots of time and money. _Solving subject
4. You can make a reservation by (to call/calling) the hotel. _Calling Subject
5. (Reduction/Reducing) the costs was more difficult than we had expected. Reducing
Subject

B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. Her job is ____________ phone calls from customers.
A. answered B. answering C. to answering D. answer
2. Many employees in the office are interested in ___________ medical checkups.

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 A. get B. to get C. getting D. gotten
PRACTICE

A. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.

1. We hope (gain / to gain) a greater market share.
2. Neil, Inc. has begun (produce / producing) memory chips.
3. Stress can prevent one from (sleeping / slept) well.
4. Our goal is (to attract / attraction) more customers.
5. I am writing (inquire / to inquire) whether my order was shipped.
6. (Read / Reading) the instructions on the package is essential.
7. We stopped (developing / develop) alternative fuels due to financial difficulties.
8. We will need (to enhance / enhancement) the security of our website.
9. Many people prefer (invest / to invest) in the IT industry.
10. You should look around before (joining / to join) a health club.

B. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.

1. The board members unanimously agreed ___________ Mr. Weber’s suggestion.
A. accept B. to accept C. accepted D. acceptance
2. ___________ the speech several is times before the ceremony necessary..
A. Practice B. Practices C. Practiced D. Practicing
3. Some residents wish ____________ their phone numbers after they move.
A. to keep B. keep C. kept D keeper
4. The accounting department may request receipts __________ your expense.
A. verifying B. verify C. be verified D. to verify
5. The Conen Company started ___________ wall paper with flower designs last
year.
A. making B. make C. made D. of making
6. ___________ the facilities before the upcoming event, the firm required several
staff members to work overtime.
A. To inspect B. Inspected C. Inspection D. Inspect
7. The company’s first’s priority is ___________ its customers with high-quality
products.
A. provides B. provide C. providing D. provided

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8. Every company has an obligation __________ its workers with a safe and healthy
work atmosphere.
A. provide B. provides C. provision D. to provide
9. The meeting’s purpose is __________ improvements in employee benefits.
A. discuss B. will discuss C. discussion D. to discuss
10. Competitiveness is maintained by __________ the skills of the employees.
A. upgrading B. upgrades C. to upgrade D. upgraded

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 LESSON 2
COMMON VERBS, NOUNS & ADJECTIVES FOLLOWED BY
A TO-INFINITIVE
COMMON VERBS FOLLOWED BY A GERUND

I. COMMON VERBS, NOUNS & ADJECTIVES FOLLOWED BY A TO-

INFINITIVE

1 Common verbs followed by a to-infinitive

want to refuse to wish to manage to prefer to learn to

hope to propose to offer to ask to seem to permit to
plan to expect to need to decide to attempt to arrange to
fail to afford to agree to promise to choose to intend to

The supplier offered to send samples.

The congressman agreed to aid small enterprises.
Some people refuse to pay their income taxes.

2 Common nouns followed by a to-infinitive

ability to plan to time to chance/opportunity to

right to effort to way to decision to

Consumers have the right to ask for a refund if the product is defective or of low
quality.

3 Common adjectives followed by a to-infinitive

be able to be willing to be pleased to be easy/difficult to

be eager to be likely to be about to be ready to

You will be able to purchase our goods and services online within a month.

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II. COMMON VERBS FOLLOWED BY A GERUND
Verbs following some typical verbs below must always be in the form of a gerund.
These gerunds functions as the object of the verbs.

enjoy deny practice postpone imagine

mind avoid suggest recommen appreciate
d
consider risk admit give up recall
finish keep miss put off involve

A. Fill the gaps with the correct forms of the verbs given in brackets.
1. (sign) The CEO agreed ________________ the contract.
2. (review) You can take your time _____________ the checklists.
3. (increase) The interest rates are likely ________________ in the first quarter.
4. (relocate) The corporation wishes ___________ outside New York.
5. (lower) The manager promised ____________ the sales quotas for new dealers.

B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. We are eager ______________ you and to talk about the issue.
A. to meet B. meeting C. meet D. met
2. I don’t think many people will have a chance _____________ for the job.
A. for applying B. applying C. to applying D. to apply

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 PRACTICE
A. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.
1. Profits are expected (to double / doubling) in the next quarter.
2. Those interested in (apply / applying) for the job position should send their résumé.
3. In order to (maintain / maintaining) the air purifying system, we hired another
mechanic.
4. I enjoyed (to talk / talking) with many representatives from overseas branches.
5. You are strongly advised (to purchase / purchasing) medical insurance before
travelling overseas.
6. They are considering (to offer / offering) a special discount for the upcoming season.
7. We asked our reception staff (to check / checking) the registration list very carefully.
8. I wish (to get / getting) a job at a stable company after graduating.
9. Museum visitors are not permitted (to take / taking) photographs inside the building.
10. They postponed (to open / opening) a new branch in San Diego.

B. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.

1. Please contact one of our customer service representative to __________ a
membership.
A. renew B. renewing C. renewed D. renewal
2. Coal production for the following quarter is expected __________ the last quarter by
five percent.
A. exceeding B. excess C. to exceed D. exceed
3. The firm is considering __________ strict policy regarding employee absences.
A. to introduce B. introduced C. introduce D. introducing
4. We strongly recommend ___________ rooms more than eight weeks in advance
during the busy summer months.
A. books B. to book C. booking D. be booked
5. You should call the hotel __________ your reservation at least one day in advance.
A. confirm B. to confirm C. confirming D. confirms
6. We are now considering _________ a better maintenance system to increase
productivity.

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 A. to develop B. develop C. developed D. developing
7. They finished the research but failed ____________ the results.
A. Reporting B. to report C. report D. for reporting
8. The company made every effort __________ customer satisfaction.
A. Boost B. boosting C. to boost D. for boosting
9. The marketing manager suggested __________ the logo to enhance the image of the
company.
A. change B. changing C. to change D. of changing
10. Toby Electronics requests that customers postpone __________ GXT 250 laptops
until the technical issues are resolved.
A. purchase B. purchased C. purchasing D. to purchase

Questions 11 – 13 refer to the following notice.

Date: August 10
Subject: Employee Awards Night

We have scheduled the ceremony ___________ awards to the company’s employees of the
11. A. present B. presents
C. to present D. presented
year for August 18. There will be a rehearsal on August 16, so please suggest Jane Williams
and Ryan Monk ____________ to the second-floor conference hall 5:00 p.m. My secretary
12. A. to reporting B. to report
C. reporting D. report
plans ___________ out the invitations to the employees and their families soon.
13. A. to mail B. mailed
C. is mailing D. mail

Questions 14 – 15 refer to the following letter.

Mr. David Hornsby

190 Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Dear Mr. Hornsby,

I am writing this letter ____________ that you will start working for Big Office Supplies
14. A. confirm B. to confirm
C. confirming D. for confirming
on April 12. Your job duties will be explained during the training session.
As we discussed before, you will be able ____________ twenty days of vacation and
15. A. have B. having
C. to having D. to have
three sick days. If you have any questions please let us know.
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 LESSON 3
COMMON EXPRESSIONS FOLLOWED BY A GERUND –
VERBS FOLLOWED BY EITHER A GERUND OR A TO-INFINITIVE

0 Common Expressions Followed by a Gerund

Below are some common expressions followed by a gerund, which are useful not only
in the TOEIC test but also in daily life.
have difficulty V-ing can’t help V-ing
be busy V-ing can’t stand V-ing
spend (time/money) V-ing look forward to V-ing
there is no use V-ing be good/bad at V-ing
be worth V-ing be devoted to V-ing
feel like V-ing be used to V-ing
with a view to V-ing be accustomed to V-ing

I had difficulty finding a firm to work at.

We look forward to working with you.
He is not accustomed to using a smartphone.

A. Choose the correct option given in brackets to complete each sentence.

1. This proposal is worth (to read / reading).
2. Do you feel like (to go / going ) out to eat?
3. The director is devoted to (promote / promoting ) sales.
4. The employees are not accustomed (to using / to use) the Intranet.
5. We are looking forward to (hearing / hear) from you.
6. The new secretary spends her time (to shop / shopping) online at lunchtime.
B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. The team is busy ____________ a new software program.
A. develop B. to develop C. developing D. development
2. Mr. Smith had difficulty ____________ used to the new working
environment.
A. getting B. to get C. get D. gotten

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 0 Verbs Followed by either a Gerund or a To-infinitive
Verbs followed by either a gerund or a to-infinitive with meanings unchanged.

like love hate start begin continue

They started to work on the project. / They started working on the project.
Verbs followed by either a gerund or a to-infinitive with meanings changed
Gerund To-infinitive
remember An action that was done in the past An action that needs to be done in the future
forget An action that was done in the past An action that needs to be done in the future
Give up/quit what one is doing/what
stop Make a break/pause in order to do sth
one does
try Experimenting Making an effort
regret An action that was done in the past An action that going to be informed

You should remember to mail this invitation before noon.

I remember meeting the guy at the conference.

A. Look at the following sentences and explain the meanings of the underlined
parts.
1. Don’t forget to submit the application form. ________________________
2. I forgot applying for the position, so I was surprised when they called me.
________________________________
3. I do not regret working at this company. _____________________________

4. We regret to say that your proposal has been rejected after a careful review.
_____________________________________
5. We all try to get the best results. ______________________________

B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. Please remember ____________ all the windows before you leave the office.
A. close B. closing C. closed D. to close
2. I do not regret ___________ my previous job, and I am pleased with my current one.
A. quit B. quitting C. to quit D. to quitting

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 PRACTICE

1. ____________ the restaurant will attract more customers.

A. Renovation B. Renovating C. Renovated D. To renovating
2. The newly hired secretary is good at ___________.
A. organizing B. to organize C. organize D. organization
3. The president suggested _____________ a new staff lounge to better serve the
employees.
A. to build B. build C. built D. building
4. We would like to thank you for ____________ in our annual conference.
A. participate B. participating C. to participating D. participated
5. Mr. Carter has had difficulty ___________ experienced research specialists since last
month.
A. find B. finding C. to find D. found
6. Because of the bad economic situation, we could not help _____________ our New
York branch.
A. close B. closed C. closing D. to close
7. You can simply book your ticket by _____________ our website on dropping by one
of our stores.
A. visits B visiting C. visit D. to visit
8. We regret _____________ you that your application has been rejected.
A. to tell B. told C. telling D. tells
9. They stopped ____________ the old model in order to promote a newly released
one.
A. to sell B. selling C. sold D. sell
10. ____________ the number of security guards will hopefully reduce the chance of
thefts.
A Increase B. Increasing C. Increased D. To increasing
11. Atlantis Co. Strictly prohibits its employees from _________ an office phone for
personal reasons.
A. use B. to use C. used D. using

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12. The company has considered ______________ its branch to Boston for the past few
weeks.
A. relocation B. to relocate C. relocating D. relocated
13. Do not forget ___________ the application form before submitting it to Ms.
Radowich at the front desk.
A. signing B. to sign C. sign D. signed
14. Ms. Wrigley has decided to stop ____________ applicants because she has found a
well-qualified person.
A. interview B. interviewed C. to interview D. interviewing
15. If you wish to exchange for size or color, please return it it us within 30 days of
__________ your order.
A. receipt B. received C. receiving D. receive
16. __________ various information regarding computer skill not only offline but also
online is part of our business.
A. Provide B. Providing C. Provided D. Provides
17. The secretary was busy ____________ calls to the customers who have cancelled
their orders.
A. make B. to make C. making D. to making
18. We could not afford _________ a new copying machine because it was quite
expensive.
A. buying B. to buying C. buy D. to buy
Questions 19 - 20 refer to the following letter.

Dear Mr. Myer,

According to our records, your membership with California Fitness will expire in a
few weeks. We would like to __________ you with a special offer. With
19. A. provide B. schedule
B. cancel D. approve
your renewal of your membership, you can continue ____________ our facilities
20. A. use B. used
C. using D. uses
and services at a discounted price.
Sincerely,
Jane Miller
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 LESSON 4
PRACTICE WITH TOEIC ACTUAL QUESTIONS (1)

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 LESSON 5
PRACTICE WITH TOEIC QUESTIONS (2)
Part 5: Select the best answer that completes each sentence.

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Questions 7 through 10 refers to the following letter.

10

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30
 LESSON 6
COMPARISON OF EQUALITY

❶ The comparison of equality is used to compare two people or things that are equal
in quantity or characteristics. The structure is as + adjective / adverbs + as.
The new machine is as expensive as the old one.
The order was shipped as quickly as possible to the customer.
Please respond to this e-mail as promptly as you can.
Notes: not as / so …. as … is used to express that one person or thing is not
equal to the other.
My report is not as / so comprehensive as yours.

❷ A quantifier must be used in the comparison of equality in the structure as + many /

much / few / little + noun + as.
I ate as many potato chips as you did.
Please complete as much information as possible.
The quantifier many / much must be used before the nouns in the comparison of
equality because the structure as + noun + as is incorrect.

 Another form of the comparison of equality is the structure the same (+noun) + as.
Nelly has the same dress as I do.
Nelly’s dress is the same as mine.

 Some adverbs that can modify adjectives or adverbs in the comparison of equality
are nearly, almost, just.
The book, the second in a series, is nearly as exciting as the first.

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A. Choose the correct option in brackets for each sentence.
1. The new printer is as (effective / effectively) as the old one.
2. His suggestion was as (creatively / creative) as mine.
3. They are as (qualified / qualify) as Mr. Armstrong for this work.
4. The plan is going as (smooth / smoothly) as we thought.
5. Mr. Thomson entered the meeting room as (quiet / quietly) as he could.
6. Please deal with these customer complaints as (fastly / fast) as you can.
B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. You should hand in the sales report to the boss as _________ as possible.
A. quick B. quickly C. quicker D. quickest
2. This year’s salary increase is as __________ as that of last year.
A. largely B. larger C. largest D. large
3. The upgraded computers run as __________ as the new ones.
A. efficiently B. more efficiently C. efficient D. efficiency
4. Studies have proven that laborers work twice _________ hours on average as
skilled professionals in any field.
A. as much B. more C. as many D. more than
5. In order to serve you best, we ask that you take the time to fill our questionnaire
in ________ detail as possible.
A. as B. more C. as much D. as many
6. At this firm, young, motivated candidates who show enthusiasm have
_________ value as experienced professionals.
A. a lot B. also C. as much D. as many
7. Piles of old newspapers must be stacked and tied as _________ as possible
before being loaded into the truck and brought to the plant.
A. tight B. tighter C. tightly D. tightest
8. All persons who wish to register for the Skills in Marketing Workshop must
sign up at the main office ___________ possible.
A. as soon as B. as long as C. as much as D. as many as
9. You can take ___________ booklets as you need.
A. as much as B. as many as C. as many D. a lot of
10. He speaks English ___________ Elaine.
A. as good as B. as well as C. as much as D. as many as

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 LESSON 7
COMPARATIVES
Comparative forms of adjectives or adverbs are used to say that two things are different
in quality or quantity.
❶Form
1. Regular comparatives
...-er more...
fast – faster (1 syllable) difficult – more difficult (more than 2 syllables)
busy – busier (2 syllable adjective carefully – more carefully (more than 2
ending in –y) syllables)
2. Irregular comparatives
good / well – better bad / ill – worse far – farther / further
many / much – more little - less
❷Meaning
To say that two people or things are unequal in a particular way.
 Public transportation is safer than driving.
 Rachel works better than most of her co-workers.
 The new building is more beautiful than the old one.
 Dennis examined the proposal more carefully than his supervisor.

Special expressions of comparatives

1. The adverbs much, even, still, far, a lot are added to emphasize the comparative
structure.
 The new program functions much better than the old one.
 Our marketing team works even more efficiently than ever before.
2. The + comparative, the + comparative
 The more you eat, the fatter you will become.
 The more salary you receive, the higher tax rate you have to pay.

–er / more … than expected / thought / scheduled / anticipated

 Sales were higher than expected.
 The components arrived earlier than scheduled.

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  Production was higher than anticipated.
A. Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
1. Suburban residents would benefit from (cheaper / more cheap) transportation.
2. The demand for our new vehicle is (much / more ) bigger than we had expected.
3. The (quiet / quieter ) the engine is , the more passengers feel comfortable while
traveling.
4. Data processing has become (much / so) faster than ever before.
5. Tommy has (good / better) qualifications than the other applicants.
6. Credit cards are issued more (easier / easily) now than in the past.
7. Using two chemicals together produces much (strong / stronger) results than
using one of them.
8. The larger a company is, (less / the less) satisfied its employees.
9. Please complete the budget report no later (than / as) September 24.
10. The dinner at the restaurant was (more / most) delicious than anticipated.

B. Complete each sentence with the correct comparative form of the adjective
or adverb given in brackets.
1. (high) The cost was __________ they had said.
2. (soon) The meeting finished _________ than we had though it would.
3. (carefully) You should review the report __________.
4. (greatly) The exports increased _________ than we had expected.
5. (fast) The oil prices are going to increase _________ now.
6. (much, serious) The traffic jam is ___________ before.

C. Choose the word that best completes each sentence.

1. Unfortunately the shipment will be delayed, as our factory is experiencing more
technical problems _________ we anticipated.
A. or B. while C. whether D. than
2. __________ we put off finishing these cases, the more work there will be do
over the weekend.
A. Longer B. Longest C. The long D. The longer

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3. Sending the memos by fax is far ___________ than attempting to deliver them
by express mail.
A. quickest B. quickly C. quicker D. quick

4. The productivity of the factory became ________ than before.

A. low B. much low C. lower D. as lower
5. The usage of the device was ________ more difficult than I had thought.
A. a lot B. very C. many D. so
6. Knowledge is acquired __________ by experience than by books or other
materials.
A. more easy B. easier C. easiest D. more easily
7. Our new blender functions ___________ than any of our other competitors’
products that are on the market.
A. so efficiently B. as efficient C. more efficient D.more efficiently
8. Using the two substances together produces much _______ results than when
either one is used alone.
A. strong B. stronger C. strongest D. strongly
9. Fun Films expects $20 million in ticket sales and _________ more from
licensing to foreign distributors.
A. all B. ever C. very D. even
10. Designing the bridge connecting the two regions was ________ than they had
thought it would be.
A. difficult B. difficulty C. more difficult D. much difficult

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 LESSON 8
SUPERLATIVES
Superlative forms of adjectives or adverbs are used to single out one thing as having a
unique quality. They compare three or more people or things.
❶Form
1. Regular superlatives
....-est the most …
fast – fastest (1 syllable) difficult – the most difficult (more than 2
busy – busiest (2 syllable adjective syllables)
ending in –y) diligently – the most diligently (more
than 2 syllables)

2. Irregular superlatives
good / well – better – the best bad / ill – worse – the worst
far – farther / further – the farthest / the furthest many / much – more – the most
little – less – the least

❷Meaning& Use
Used to pick out one person or things as having a unique quality
 She earns the most at her company.
 Mary seems the most successful of all the applicants / of all.
 He is the most intelligent guy I’ve ever met.
 Spring Park is the closest park in this area.

Special expressions of superlatives

1. The adverbs by far and quite are used to emphasize the superlative adjective /
adverb.
He was by far the worst roommate.
2. One of the + superlative + plural noun, at least, at most, at best, and at the latest.
 She is one of the largest girls in the group.
 I can drink at least six glasses of water a day.
 Please submit the survey by next week at the latest.

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A. Complete each sentence with the correct superlative form of the adjective or
adverb given in brackets.
1. (small) The company developed __________ laptop computer in the world.
2. (impressive) That was ___________ presentation.
3. (much) At least she worked __________ at the company.
4. (bad) We had __________ sales record this year.
5. (efficiently) I think he works ___________.
6. (good) The offer _________ quality seafood in the country.

B. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. Ms. Pitt is the _____________ employee in the Sales Department.
A. reliable B. most reliable C. more reliable D. reliablest
2. Our employees are the ___________ highly skilled in the industry.
A. so B. most C. such D. much
3. We expect a ten-percent increase in annual profits __________ unless our new
product becomes a hit.
A. at best B. at the best C. at the most D at the latest
4. We were glad to hear that Ms. Austin was recognized this quarter for making the
___________ contribution to the company.
A. greatest B. most greatest C. greater D. greatly
5. This is ________ price we have ever offer to customers before.
A. the lower B. the lowest C. the more lowest D. the most lowest
6. Of the many laborers at this plant, the ________ highly skilled will be
transferred to a newly opened facility.
A. so B. most C. such D. much
7. Although less popular than the phonograph, the projection box was the
__________ of the home viewing devices available in the early 1900s.
A. success B. successful C. most success D. most successful
8. Erickson Brands offers customers the ________ variety of cellular phone
accessories in the marketplace.
A. wider B. more widely C. most widely D. widest

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9. Bringing all of the brochure and website information up to date is the
__________ task the office team has ever faced.
A. challenged B. challenging
C. most challenged D. most challenging
10. In determining whether to close a bank branch, the impact on the majority of
community members is the __________ important factor.

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 A. very B. most C. much D. mostly

LESSON 9
OTHER STRUCTURES OF COMPARISON

❶Other comparative structures

Structures Examples

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 more than + There are more than 10,000 books in the library.
noun Less than five percent of the subscribers chose not to renew.
less than + noun * More than and less than also come before and adjective to emphasize it.

The meal he had at the cafeteria left him more than satisfied.
no later than The superior expects us to come in to work no later than 7:00.
no longer Mary no longer uses make-up.
no sooner … No sooner did Peter put the phone down than it rang again.
than
other than Other than cornflakes, crispy bacon is her favorite breakfast
food.
rather than The demonstrator stood his ground rather than run away like
the others.
would rather … I would rather read a book at home than watch a movie at the
than theater.

❷The comparison of equality and the comparative may also be used to replace
the superlative form.
 Comparative + than any other ….
This show is funnier than any other sitcom on TV.
* This sentence is equivalent to This show is the funniest among all sitcoms on TV.
 Have + never / hardly / rarely + been + comparative
 Herbs have never been more popular than they are now.
 No other …. / nothing + as + adjective + as
No other … / nothing + comparative + than
No other sitcom is as funny as this show.
When it comes to investing, nothing is more important than experience.
A. Decide which of the choices A, B, C or D best completes the sentence.
1. Customers wanting refunds must bring in the product and its receipt
___________ one week after the date of purchase.
A. No more than B. no later than C. No later as D. no more as
2. I would rather make the reservation now _________ risk not getting a ticket
down the road.
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A. than B. else C. whereas D. rather
3. Garson’s Manufacturing boasts in its advertisement that it can produce steel robs
_________ than any other producer in the business.
A. fast B. faster C. fastest D. the fastest

B. Choose a correct option for each sentence.

4. Due to flight cancellations, the convention will be held tomorrow rather (as / than)
today.
5. Second-hand car parts were obtained (easiest / more easily) in the past than they are
now.
6. Club members are allowed to join the raffle contest as (often / more often) as they
wish.
7. (Hardly / No sooner) had the package arrived than we received a call from the
sender.
8. Mr. Hanson’s proposals are (by far / far) the most far-sighted and well-balanced of
all the propositions submitted.
9. Purchasing the entire program is less costly (than / rather) buying and installing
components separately.
10. I believe Mr. Smith would be (much / just) as competent as the other candidate.

C. Decide whether each of the sentences below is correct or incorrect. If it is

correct, write “correct”; if it is incorrect, point out the mistake(s) and provide (a)
correction(s).
11. The nearer you live to a major transportation facility, more costly your home will
be. ______________
12. Although the building had been remodeled, the windows were the same style to the
previous ones. ______________
13. Martha is the most talented designer that I have ever encountered. ______________

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14. Buying commodities in bulk is more economically than making several trips to get
the same item. ______________
15. The turnout for the grand opening was even greater when anticipated. ___________
16. Please bring as much samples as you can to the interview. _____________
17. The number of people interested in world affairs is much high than it was three
years ago. _____________
18. Since you are on the waiting list, you need to wait at the least a week to place an
order. __________
19. The more information we have about you, the better prepared we are to meet your
needs. _____________
20. We would appreciate it if you turned in this file ten days from now at latest.
___________

LESSON 10
PRACTICE WITH TOEIC ACTUAL QUESTIONS
PRACTICE 1

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PRACTICE 2

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 LESSON 11

11

In Part 7, reading passages may be in the form of a piece of information that

can be found in daily life activities. It is, in fact, an announcement about a
company’s service, a hotel and its facilities, membership, an event, a local
performance, etc.

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The San Antonio Education Center is proud to announce that it will hold early-
childhood development classes for the community. The program is designed
to prepare young children to enter kindergarten with the necessary language
skills. The classes are partially subsidized by the City Council, which will
reduce the economic burden on low-income families. People who are
interested in signing their children up for a class should get a registration form
at the center’s main office.

Bayside Aquarium
This pass allows the holder to use the Bayside Aquarium parking area for one
day. This pass should be displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard while in the
parking lot. Any vehicle not displaying a pass will be towed at the owner’s
expense. Please note that the parking area closes 45 minutes after the
museum closes, and all vehicles must be removed by that time. Also, all
passes must be given to the parking attendant upon leaving.

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 Concord fax machine
Thank you for purchasing a Concord fax machine. Designed for use in a home-
office or small-business environment, this laser fax machine delivers superior
output at an affordable price. The Concord fax has 512 kilobytes of memory and
it can store up to thirty pages in memory. Also, the Concord fax makes it possible
to use a single phone line for both the telephone feature and faxing at the same
time. Transmission is about three seconds per page.
To fax, make sure you insert documents face down. The Concord fax accepts a
variety of paper sizes. Adjust the paper guides to fit the width of your document.
Enter the fax number. Then press “FAX Start” on the right corner of the
keyboard. The display shows you the status of the line. Tomake copies, enter the
number of copies you want (up to 99) using the dial pad and press “Copy”.

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 LESSON 12

12

In Part 7, reading passages may be in the form of invitations to a particular

event such as a welcome party to a newly appointed employee, a farewell
party to a retiring employee, a luncheon, an annual meeting, an opening
ceremony, etc.

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On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Department of Literature, the
Dean of St. Sebastian University’s Faculty of Humanities requests the
pleasure of your company at a reception for alumni and current students.
The event will be held on campus in the Grand Hall of the Margaret West
Building on June 4, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Formal attire is requested,
and light refreshments will be served. Please bring this invitation to the
reception.

You are invited to the grand opening celebration of Honest Angie’s

Furniture on February 1. Bring this invitation for a special preview of our
wide variety of home and office furniture, from traditional handcrafted
cabinets to contemporary computer desks. The event will be held from 6:30
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for invited guests only. As a special gift to our valued
customers, Honest Angie’s is extending a 20 percent discount on any
purchases made at the party. Please RSVP in advance.

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 The Attorney’s Association of San Francisco
requests the pleasure of your company
at its first annual banquet
for a festive evening
to celebrate the vibrant attorney community
In San Francisco
Thursday, April 27
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Pacific Ballroom
Lynch Hotel
Sixth & University Streets, San Francisco
Cost: $75 for attorneys and their guests; $40 for students
Reply to: Brenda Romero
bronero@attorneycom.com or 794-6108

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 LESSON 13

13

In Part 7, reading passages may be in the form of invoices which show

major details related to payment for commodities or services that a supplier
has done for customers.

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 Item Name Quantity Unit Price Total
SCH-09 Table set for 30 $80 $2,400
2
MXT-15 Conference 1 $1,200 $1,200
table for 12
LC-109 Cabinet 3 $350 $1,050
Total: $4,650
Deposit: $850
Total amount due:
$3,800

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This invoice is confirmation that your order for the following items has been
received:
- 10 boxes of Super Fine A4 paper ($10.50/box)
- 5 boxes of Black Gel pens ($6.95/box)
- 1 box of 3oz, paper cups ($3.00/box)
The total, including 10% sales tax, is $157.02. All orders of $100 and over are
exempt from shipping charges.

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 Office Experts
200 Front Toronto, ON, M5J 1E3
(555) 458-1622

Invoice Number: 1123461

Invoice Date: January 25
Shipped: January 23
Amount Due by: January 30

Bill to: Ship to:

Customer Number: 52341 Brian Dennis
Mack Publications Vega Solutions Co.
25 Richmond St. 12 King St.
Toronto, ON, M5C 1N2 Toronto, ON, M5H 1A1

Item # Description Quantity Price Total

20012 EZ LCD screen 2 $149.00 $298.00
21123 Overhead projector 1 $474.99 $474.99
42111 Box of pens (12 pcs 5 $15.00 $75.00
included)
Subtotal $847.00
Sales Tax (8%) $67.84
Total Amount Due $915.83

* The speakerphone you ordered is on back order. It will be sent out on January 27.
* Make all checks payable to Office Experts and send payment to the address above.

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 LESSON 14

14

In Part 7, reading passages may be in the form of schedules or timetables

such as schedules for a conference, a performance, an event, or travel
itineraries. Conference schedules generally show the presenters, the topic
presented, and the venue. Travel itineraries normally contain dates,
departures and arrivals, departure/arrival times, and flight numbers.

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 Departure Flight
Date Departure Arrival
Time Number
September 4 Tokyo Osaka 2:00 p.m. JAL 740
September 9 Osaka New York 9:30 a.m. JAL 918
September 13 New York Seoul 7:00 p.m. KE 1027

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The 7th Annual Robotics Technology Convention will be held at the
Imperial Palace Hotel from February 2 to 9. The daily agenda for the
convention will include information sessions with individual companies
in the morning, followed by speeches by leaders in the robotics industry
in the afternoons. On the weekend, practical workshops will take place
for people interested in learning about special topics related to robots.
Please be aware that advance registration is required in order to
participate in the workshops.

Date Exhibition Location Event

International Exhibition of
March 3-6 Atlantic Hall
Computer Sport Games
International Automobile
March 4-10 Pacific Hall
Exhibition
International Exhibition of
March 4-6 Indian Hall
Office Supplies
International Summer Fashion
March 5-6 Arctic Hall
Show

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 LESSON 15

15

In Part 7, reading passages may be in the form of surveys which usually

include information asking about customers’ satisfaction upon using a
particular product or customers’ opinion after using some kind of facility
such as a hotel or restaurant service.

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 HSGA Communication Survey

Services
* Installation
Excellent Good Poor
Ease of rescheduling installation time √ √
Preparedness of staff (equipment and materials)

* Problems
Excellent Good Poor
Satisfaction with the problem’s resolution √
Timeliness of response to a complaint √

* Overall Satisfaction
Excellent Good Poor
Overall quality of Service √

As a token of appreciation for your participation, as stylish LCD transparent

digital clock will be delivered to you. Please provide your name and company
address below for delivery.
Name: Dorothy Jackson
Address: 122 Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

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 REFERENCES

1. Yeong, P. H. & Won, J. J. (2012). Abc TOEIC- reading comprehension.

Hochiminh,Vietnam: Hochiminh city General Publishing House.
2. Cho, D. (2012), Hackers TOEIC reading. Hochiminh,Vietnam: Hochiminh city General
Publishing House.

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