Pre-Intermediate Level

Taking the
TOEIC
®

Skills and Strategies

T A K I N G • T H E • T O E I C
®

Taking the TOEIC® : Skills and Strategies

Wendi Shin
Published in Indonesia by PT. ASTA ILMU SUKSES

© Compass Publishing

First Published 2013

Second Reprint 2014
Third Reprint 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in

a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission
in writing from the publisher.

Acquisitions Editor: Anne Taylor

Content Editor: Rosalie Hirch
Copy Editor: Andrea Janzen
Cover/Interior Design: Design Plus

ISBN: 978-1-59966-188-9

10 9 8 7 6 5
16 15 14 13 12

Photo Credits
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pp. 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,
216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221 © Shutterstock, Inc.

Wendi Shin

T A K I N G • T H E • T O E I C • T E S T
®
Preface
Taking the TOEIC®: Skills and Strategies is intended for pre-intermediate students of English who need to
start preparation for the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test. The book is designed to assist students through
focused practice while developing familiarity with the format of the TOEIC®.

Chapter 1 Listening Practice

Each unit within the Listening Practice chapter features sample questions and answers and provides helpful
hints for developing strategies to recognize relevant information in listening passages. Part 1 introduces
common themes featured in Part 1 of the TOEIC®, such as the home, the workplace, and public places. Part
2 focuses on commonly tested question types and provides assistance in identifying appropriate answers for
each type. Parts 3 and 4 give sample short conversations and talks and focus on how to identify key points
in order to answer questions. Each part features a mini-test to provide practice of the strategies introduced
in this chapter.

Chapter 2 Grammar Practice

Units within the Grammar Practice chapter outline fundamental grammar points frequently tested on the
TOEIC®. Each unit begins with a brief explanation of the grammar target including key points and particular
structures of interest in the TOEIC®. The units also provide short exercises based on the format of TOEIC®
grammar questions, which allow students to practice their understanding of the grammar point. These exercises
include incomplete sentence exercises and word form exercises. Additional practice is provided in mini-tests
at the end of each unit. These mini-tests take the format of questions found in Parts 5 and 6 of the TOEIC®,
combining grammar and vocabulary practice. After every three units, students may measure their progress
with review tests.

Chapter 3 Reading Practice

The Reading Practice chapter introduces sample texts to familiarize students with the kinds of materials they
will encounter on the TOEIC®—such as emails, letters, brochures, tables, articles, and reports—together with
examples of the kinds of questions students may expect to find in this part of the test. The mini-test section
provides extensive test practice with the format of questions found in Part 7 of the TOEIC®.

Chapter 4 Practice Test

The Practice Test chapter provides students with a full-length practice test including 100 listening test questions
and 100 reading test questions.

Support
The Support chapter includes reference materials related to the above chapters including transcripts for all
listening tasks in each part of Chapter 1 and in the full-length practice test of Chapter 4; answer keys for the Theme
Notes and for the mini-tests in each chapter; and the answer key for the full-length practice test in Chapter 4 with
a blank sample answer sheet for use when taking the practice test.

The simplified grammar and thematically based texts of Taking the TOEIC®: Skills and Strategies provide
pre-intermediate students with access to TOEIC® practice materials appropriate for building their test-taking
skills without the frustration of encountering overly complicated vocabulary and grammar structures. Taking the
TOEIC®: Skills and Strategies provides an excellent foundation for students starting preparation for the
TOEIC® test.

5
 CONTENTS
Introduction ···························································································································· 8 7. Relative Clauses ·························································································· 116
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 118
Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 120
Chapter 1 Listening Practice {Theme Notes / Mini-test }

Part 1 Picture Description ·············································································· 16

8. Conjunctions and Prepositions ··························································· 122

Part 2 Questions and Responses ································································· 38 Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 124
Part 3 Short Conversations ··········································································· 42 Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 126
Part 4 Short Talks ····························································································· 56 9. Modification ··································································································· 128
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 130
Chapter 2 Grammar Practice { Grammar Notes / Mini-test } Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 132

1. Parts of Speech 72
···························································································· Review Test 3 ········································································································ 134
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 74
Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 76 10. Pronouns ·········································································································· 138
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 140
2. Tenses 78
················································································································ Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 142
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 80
Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 82 11. Comparisons ·································································································· 144
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 146
3. Voice 84
··················································································································· Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 148
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 86
Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 88 12. Negation and Word Order ······································································ 150
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 152
Review Test 1 ······································································································· 90 Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 154

4. Agreement 94
······································································································ Review Test 4 ········································································································ 156
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 96
Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 98
Chapter 3 Reading Practice {Theme Notes / Mini-test }
5. Infinitives and Gerunds ··········································································· 100
Part 7 Reading Comprehension ··································································· 162
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 102
Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 104
Chapter 4 Practice Test ······························································································· 215
6. Participles and Participle Clauses ······················································ 106
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences ········································································ 108
Part 6 Text Completion ··················································································· 110 Support
Review Test 2 ······································································································· 112
Transcripts ······························································································································· 260
Answer Key ····························································································································· 275
Answer Sheet ························································································································· 295

TT AA KK II N
N G
G •• TT H
H EE •• TT O
O EE II C
C •• TT EE SS TT T A K I N G • T H E • T O E I C • T E S T
®® ®
Introduction LISTENING TEST
In this section of the test, you will have the chance to show how well you understand spoken English.
About TOEIC® There are four parts to this section with special directions for each part.
TOEIC® stands for Test of English for International Communication. This book focuses on preparation for
the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test. The listening section tests the ability to understand spoken
English. The reading section tests the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary usage and the ability
Part 1 Picture Description
to read and understand short passages.
The directions for Part 1 of the TOEIC® appear on the test as follows:
There are a total of 200 questions on the TOEIC® test, and the test lasts about 2 hours. All of the
items are multiple-choice questions with three or four possible answers. The following chart outlines
the organization of the test at time of writing: Directions: For each question in this part, you will hear four statements about a picture in your
test book. When you hear the statements, you must select the one statement that best
describes what you see in the picture. Then find the number of the question on your answer
sheet and mark your answer. The statements will not be printed in your test book and will be
spoken only one time.
Organization of the TOEIC®
Look at the example below. You will hear:
You will see: Now listen to the four statements.
Section 1: Listening Test
(A) The woman is fixing broken computer parts.
Part 1 Picture Description 10 questions (B) The man has a screwdriver in his hand.
Part 2 Questions and Responses 30 questions (C) The man has just finished typing a letter.
(D) The woman is sitting in front of the man.
Part 3 Short Conversations 30 questions
Part 4 Short Talks 30 questions
Sample Answer
Listening Total 100 questions
45 minutes

Section 2: Reading Test Statement (B), “The man has a screwdriver in his hand,” best describes what you see in the
picture. Therefore, you should choose answer (B).
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences 40 questions
Part 6 Text Completion 12 questions
Part 7 Reading Comprehension 48 questions Tips

Reading Total 100 questions Preview the picture before the statements are read. Ask yourself, “Who?” “Where?” “What?”
1 hour 15 minutes

Who? a man / a woman

Where? indoors / next to a computer
What? a screwdriver / a computer / repairing

Focus on the meaning of the statements as a whole.

Answer the question as quickly as possible. If you don’t know the answer, guess and begin
previewing the next picture.

8 9
 Tricks Part 3 Short Conversations
Incorrect answers may contain similar-sounding words. The directions for Part 3 of the TOEIC® appear on the test as follows:
e.g. The man is mixing broken computer parts.
Incorrect answers may give wrong pronouns, numbers, and locations. Directions: You will hear some conversations between two people. You will be asked to answer
e.g. The woman is repairing a computer. / The man is holding two screwdrivers. / The woman three questions about what the speakers say in each conversation. Select the best response to
is sitting in front of the man. each question and mark the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet. The conversations
Incorrect answers may include some correct words. will be spoken only one time and will not be printed in your test book.
e.g. The man is fixing a computer outdoors. / The woman is standing with some friends.

Tips
Part 2 Questions and Responses
Preview the question to help you listen for the right information. If you have time, look at the
The directions for Part 2 of the TOEIC® appear on the test as follows:
answers as well.
While you are listening to the dialog, try to imagine where the speakers are.
Directions: You will hear a question or statement and three responses spoken in English. They Read all the answers before making your choice.
will be spoken only one time and will not be printed in your test book. Select the best response
to the question or statement and mark the letter (A), (B), or (C) on your answer sheet. Tricks
Watch out for answers that are true but are not related to the question.
Example: Don’t answer too quickly. Read all the options before you choose.
Watch out for distracting numbers. These may include dates, times, and numbers of things or
You will hear: You will also hear: people.
Good morning, John. (A) I’m fine, thank you.
Sample Answer
How are you? (B) I’m in the living room.
(C) My name is John.
Part 4 Short Talks
The directions for Part 4 of the TOEIC® appear on the test as follows:
The best response to the question “Good morning, John. How are you?” is choice (A), “I’m fine,
thank you.” Therefore, you should choose answer (A).
Directions: You will hear some short talks given by a single speaker. You will be asked to answer
three questions about what the speaker says in each short talk. Select the best response to
each question, and mark the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet. The talks will be
Tips spoken only one time and will not be printed in your test book.
The first word of the question will help you to know what kind of answer is required.
What, where, who, why, how—ask for information.
Do, does, did, are, is, will, can—usually need a “yes” or “no” answer. Tips
Questions that contain “or” and require a choice never have “yes” or “no” in their answers. Listen closely to the introduction preceding the talk. It will tell you what type of information
“Did you stay home or go out last night?” “I went to a movie.” you will hear (news report, weather report, advertisement, recorded message, announcement,
Sometimes you will hear a statement, not a question. However, it still requires a response. etc.).
“Thanks for dinner.” “You’re welcome.” Try to preview the questions before the talk begins. This will help you listen for the
information required by the questions.
Tricks Begin to answer the questions as soon as the talk is finished.
Pay attention to words that sound the same (homonyms).
e.g. two, too, to Tricks
Look out for tag questions that are added to the end of statements. Watch out for the same traps that are seen in Parts 1 to 3.
“That movie was great, wasn’t it?”
Watch out for indirect answers. Sometimes the answer to a yes/no question does not
include the words “yes” or “no.”
“Is there enough gas in the car?” “I just filled it yesterday.”

10 11
 READING TEST Part 6 Text Completion
In this section of the test, you have a chance to show how well you understand written English. The directions for Part 6 of the TOEIC® appear on the test as follows:
There are three parts to this section with special directions for each part.
Directions: Read the texts on the following pages. A word or phrase is missing in some of the
sentences. Four answer choices are given below each of these sentences. Select the best
Part 5 Incomplete Sentences answer to complete the text. Then mark the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet.
The directions for Part 5 of the TOEIC® appear on the test as follows: Example:
As of June 15th, employees will be _____ to wear full company uniform whenever they are
Directions: A word or phrase is missing in each of the sentences below. Four answer choices 1. (A) requiring
are given below each sentence. Select the best answer to complete the sentence. Then mark (B) requirement
the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet. (C) required Sample Answer
(D) require 1.
Example: on company premises. This _____ to all employees who work in areas of the building accessible
Because the equipment is very delicate, it must be handled with _____. 2. (A) considers
(A) caring (B) applies
(B) careful (C) works Sample Answer
Sample Answer
(C) care (D) implements 2.
(D) carefully
by members of the public. The full uniform consists of a white shirt, green pants, and the
The sentence should read “Because the equipment is very delicate, it must be handled with company tie for men.
care.” Therefore, you should choose answer (C).
The sentences should read “As of June 15th, employees will be required to wear full company
uniform whenever they are on company premises. This applies to all employees who work in
areas of the building accessible by members of the public.” Therefore, you should choose
Tips answers (C) and (B).
Don’t worry about spelling. Incorrect spelling is never part of an option in TOEIC® answers.
Look at the words on either side of the blank. They can give you clues about what the correct
answer is.
Tips
Read the whole sentence and understand the meaning before you answer.
Remember that you are looking for the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.
Tricks Read the whole text, not just the words around the blank. Try to understand the meaning of
the text.
Watch out for answers with the wrong word form.
e.g. drove, drives, driving
Tricks
Watch out for words that use the same beginnings or endings.
e.g. return, retire, reuse / introduction, reduction, correction Watch out for repetition and redundancy.
Watch out for commonly misused words. e.g. keep on continuing, finally at last
e.g. affect/effect, lend/borrow Watch out for words that don’t belong.
e.g. The apples they are fresh.
Pay attention to word form and verb tenses.
e.g. nice/nicely, had gone / has gone

12 13
 Part 7 Reading Comprehension
The directions for Part 7 of the TOEIC® appear on the test as follows:

Directions: In this part, you will read a selection of texts, such as magazine and newspaper
articles, letters, and advertisements. Each text is followed by several questions. Select the best
answer for each question and mark the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet.

Read the following example.

The Grenville Museum of Technology is a “hands-on” museum, designed for people to
experience science at work. Although this kind of museum may be fairly common

Chapter 1
nowadays, Grenville was the first of its kind in the US. Visitors are encouraged to use,
test, and handle the various objects on display. Special demonstrations are scheduled
for the first and second Wednesdays of each month at 13:30. The museum is open
Tuesday–Friday 12:00–16:30, Saturday 10:00–17:30, and Sunday 11:00–16:30. Admission
is $2 for children and $3 for adults.

At what times during the month can visitors see special demonstrations? Listening Practice
(A) Every weekend
(B) The first two Wednesdays
(C) One afternoon a week Sample Answer
(D) Every other Wednesday

The reading selection says that the demonstrations are scheduled for the first and second Part 1 Picture Description
Wednesdays of the month. Therefore, you should choose answer (B). Part 2 Questions and Responses
Part 3 Short Conversations
Tips Part 4 Short Talks
Pay attention to the introduction. It will tell you the number of questions and a hint about the
type of information in the passage.
As you read the passage, ask yourself, “Who is it for?” “Why was it written?”
First, glance quickly through the passage, and read the questions. Then, go back to the
passage, and try to look for the answers to the questions.

Tricks
Many answers use information that appears in the passage. However, they may not directly
answer the question.
As with all sections of the TOEIC ®, watch out for similar sounding words, confusing numbers,
wrong word forms, and words with similar meanings.
Don’t be confused by questions that follow these formats:
e.g. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the reading?
The text refers to all of the following EXCEPT . . .
Simply read the answer choices, and find the one that is unfamiliar or incorrect.

14
T A K I N G • T H E • T O E I C • T E S T
®
 1 Picture Description
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Part

Theme Notes C. Restaurants and Stores

Look at the pictures below. Mark or in the boxes. Words & Expressions
A woman is handing over a credit card.
A. House A woman has a pair of shoes in her hand. *cashier *checkout *clerk
*cutlery *groceries *menu
Example: *server *shopping cart
Words & Expressions *shopping center *store aisle
The family is playing in the yard. *waiter
The family has just finished having a picnic. The woman is holding up a bottle of wine. *to prepare a meal *to pour
*back yard *bathroom
*bathtub *bedroom The woman is pouring a glass of wine. *to set a table *to shorten
*coffee table *couch *counter *to sit down to/for a meal
*cushion *dining room *to take an order *to toast
*driveway *furniture *garden *to try on
*kitchen *laptop *living room *to wait on (someone)
The family is sleeping on the sofa.
*microwave *refrigerator The cart and shelves are empty.
The family is looking in the same direction. *remote control *sofa
The family is shopping for groceries.
*to chop vegetables
*to have a meal
*to make the bed *to plug in
*to rest *to unplug
There is a vase of flowers on the counter.
The curtains have been closed.

D. Other Public Places

The boats are on the lake.

Words & Expressions
B. Workplace The boats are full of people.
*airport official *audience
*baggage *boarding pass
Words & Expressions *carousel *escalator
Three people are sitting around a table. *flight attendant *harbor
The people are looking at the screen. The man is taking a book from the shelf. *information booth
*assembly line *blueprint *instruments *library *luggage
*business card *chart The man is sitting on the floor. *parking lot *passenger
*conference room *receptionist *performance *shelf *suitcase
*stock *warehouse
*to board a plane
The man is putting a shelf together. *to gesture *to check into a hotel
*to give a presentation *to check out *to claim one’s bags
The man is walking toward the shelf. *to have a meeting The people are playing their instruments. *to dust *to line up
*to make a copy *to send a fax
*to sign a contract *to supervise The people have put down their instruments.
*to take inventory
*to take a message *to take notes
The woman is typing on the computer.
The woman is taking a message.

16 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 17

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Mini-test
Listen and choose the statement that best describes what you see in the picture.

A. House Track 1

4. (A) (B) (C) (D)

1. (A) (B) (C) (D)

5. (A) (B) (C) (D)

2. (A) (B) (C) (D)

6. (A) (B) (C) (D)

3. (A) (B) (C) (D)

18 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 19

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

7. (A) (B) (C) (D) 10. (A) (B) (C) (D)

8. (A) (B) (C) (D) 11. (A) (B) (C) (D)

9. (A) (B) (C) (D) 12. (A) (B) (C) (D)

20 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 21

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

B. Workplace Track 2

13. (A) (B) (C) (D)

1. (A) (B) (C) (D)

14. (A) (B) (C) (D)

2. (A) (B) (C) (D)

15. (A) (B) (C) (D)

3. (A) (B) (C) (D)

22 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 23

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

4. (A) (B) (C) (D) 7. (A) (B) (C) (D)

5. (A) (B) (C) (D) 8. (A) (B) (C) (D)

6. (A) (B) (C) (D) 9. (A) (B) (C) (D)

24 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 25

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

10. (A) (B) (C) (D) 13. (A) (B) (C) (D)

11. (A) (B) (C) (D) 14. (A) (B) (C) (D)

12. (A) (B) (C) (D) 15. (A) (B) (C) (D)

26 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 27

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

C. Restaurants and Stores Track 3

4. (A) (B) (C) (D)

1. (A) (B) (C) (D)

5. (A) (B) (C) (D)

2. (A) (B) (C) (D)

6. (A) (B) (C) (D)

3. (A) (B) (C) (D)

28 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 29

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

7. (A) (B) (C) (D) 10. (A) (B) (C) (D)

8. (A) (B) (C) (D) 11. (A) (B) (C) (D)

9. (A) (B) (C) (D) 12. (A) (B) (C) (D)

30 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 31

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

D. Other Public Places Track 4

13. (A) (B) (C) (D)

1. (A) (B) (C) (D)

14. (A) (B) (C) (D)

2. (A) (B) (C) (D)

15. (A) (B) (C) (D)

3. (A) (B) (C) (D)

32 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 33

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

4. (A) (B) (C) (D) 7. (A) (B) (C) (D)

5. (A) (B) (C) (D) 8. (A) (B) (C) (D)

6. (A) (B) (C) (D) 9. (A) (B) (C) (D)

34 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 35

 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Support
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

10. (A) (B) (C) (D) 13. (A) (B) (C) (D)

11. (A) (B) (C) (D) 14. (A) (B) (C) (D)

12. (A) (B) (C) (D) 15. (A) (B) (C) (D)

36 Chapter 1 Listening Practice 37