Part 7 - READING COMPREHENSION
You need to answer 54 questions about single and multiple passage sets. For single passage sets, there will be 29 questions with 2 to 4 questions about each single text. For the multiple passage sets, you need to answer 25 questions throughout 2 sets with 2 passages and 3 sets with 3 passages. There will be 5 questions about each multiple passage set. Recommended Time: 50 minutes.
LET'S UNDERSTAND 1
STRATEGY 1:
Reading the questions first and understanding the different types of questions
| QUESTION TYPES | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|
Type 1. Positive detail questions These questions ask about information mentioned in the passage. They can ask about specific details or general information. These are the easiest and quickest to find the answer first. You can do these first. | "How much are the PNG34-Rs?" "What will Johannes Mill be responsible for doing?" "What service does Evergreen Consulting provide?" "How can the clients pay for the new product?" |
Type 2. Vocabulary questions These questions ask you to identify the meaning of a word as it is used in the passage. They will specify the line in a paragraph and have the same format. You can find the answers to these quickly. If you do not know the word or can't deduce its meaning, just guess and move on. | "The word 'exploit' in paragraph 2 line 5 is closest in meaning to (A) untilize (B) exhaust (C) adventure (D) explore |
Type 3. Implied meaning questions These questions ask you to choose the answer choice that best describes why a part of the text has been written. You can answer this by looking at the part where the phrase is located and read that section to understand why it's been written. All of the answer choices will probably give possible definitions, so you need to be careful in choosing the best one. | "In the text message chain, why does Jeffrey write "Not sure about that"? (A) He is not sure that he would be successful (B) He doesn't know if he wants to apply (C) He thinks Christine has the wrong job information (D) He doesn't think Christine should apply |
Type 4. Sentence Location questions These questions give you a new sentence and mark the text with 4 possible locations for the sentence to appear. You can answer them by reading the sentence first to understand the information it contains and figure out where you might typically find the sentence in a text. | "In which of the positions marked [1], [2], [3], and [4] does the following sentence best belong? "Does this sound like you?" (A) [1] (B) [2] (C) [3] (D) [4] |
Type 5. Main idea / inference questions Main idea questions ask you the gist of why the passage has been written, or what the passage's purpose is. They ask about the overall situation rather than about details. Inference questions ask about things that are not stated directly in the passge and often require you to make connections between information presented in different parts of the passage. They could ask about expectations, possibilities, or probable future actions. Doing the previous question types first will prepare you for these. | "What is the article mainly about?" "What is the main purpose of the email?" "What is learned about the company?" "What can be said about Ms. Lopez?" "Why were analysts surprised by the announcement?" "What can be inferred about Tabisuta Corp.?" |
Type 6. Negative detail questions These questions ask about information NOT mentioned in the passage. This means that three of the answer choices are found in the text. These can be the most time-consuming, so leave these last when you possibly have read enough information to help you choose the correct one. | "Which of the following is NOT included on the meeting agenda?" "What is NOT on sale?" "Which reason does Kelly NOT give for changing her reservation?" "What information is NOT mentioned in the letter?" |
SNEAK PEEK 1
Instructions: Read each question below and identify which question type it is based on LET'S UNDERSTAND.
| QUESTION TYPES | |
|---|---|
| Type 1 - Positive detail questions | Type 4 - Sentence Location questions |
| Type 2 - Vocabulary questions | Type 5 - Main idea / inference questions |
| Type 3 - Implied meaning questions | Type 6 - Negative detail questions |
1. Why does the author of the email write "Please do not hesitate"?
QUESTION TYPE:
2. Which items were NOT amended in the new order?
QUESTION TYPE:
3. In which positions marked [1], [2], [3], and [4] does the following sentence belong? "Breaks must be taken simultaneously."
QUESTION TYPE:
4. How much is the total cost of the merchandise?
QUESTION TYPE:
5. The word "reliable" in paragraph 1, line 4 is closest in meaning to
QUESTION TYPE:
6. What kind of email is this?
QUESTION TYPE:
STRATEGY 2:
Answering positive detail questions firstLET'S TRY IT 1
A. Instructions: Choose the positive detail questions from the list of questions below.
1. What is this notice mainly about?
2. The word "process" in paragraph 5, line 1 is closest in meaning to
3. When is the latest that the notice can be given in order to get the maximum refund?
4. What must people who want a refund on a fitness program do?
5. Where might you see this notice?
B. Instructions: Now, find the key words in the positive detail questions and answer choices. Then, scan the notice to find the portion that answers the questions.
1. When is the latest that notice can be given in order to get the maximum refund?
(A) Five days before the first lesson
(B) After the first lesson but before the second
(C) Before the second class but after the first
(D) Just after the second lesson
2. What must people who want a refund on a fitness program do?
(A) Give their instructor notice that they can not attend
(B) Provide a medical reason for the request
(C) Give back their gym and pool passes
(D) Give notice prior to the mid-point of the program
Summer program refund policy
The effective date of the withdrawal/cancellation is the date the withdrawal notice is received by the center, regardless of the date the participant stopped attending the class.
Withdrawal requests from all registered courses must be made before the second class is held. If the request is received 5 business days prior to the first class, the amount refunded will be the full amount, less the refund administration fee ($25.00). If the request is received after the first class, but before the second class, the amount refunded will be the full amount, less the cost of the first class and less the admin fee ($25.00). From the second lesson onwards, no refunds/credits will be issued.
If there is a medical reason for the request, it must be received prior to the mid-point of the program. Refunds for sports and fitness programs will NOT be processed until ALL gym and pool passes have been returned.
Please note that advising an instructor or not attending a program will not constitute a notice of withdrawal.
Cash/check remittances will be refunded by check. Please allow our office 4 to 6 weeks to process your refund. Credit card refunds will go back on the original card.
Do not start reading the entire passage until you know what you need to find. You can save time by reading the questions first and finding key words to find the answers more efficiently.
Answer easier questions first.It is important to know the type of questions for you to know which types you can answer more quickly. Answering the easiest questions first will give you enough information that will help you answer the more difficult ones faster.
LET'S PRACTICE 1
Instructions: Read the text below and answer questions 1 to 5. Apply the strategies you have learned in the previous sections.
Questions 1-5 refer to the following report.
The Chilean Commerce Service
Established to help Chilean firms compete more effectively in the global marketplace, the Chilean Commerce Service has a network of trade specialists located throughout Chile and 67 countries. Commerce Service offices provide information on foreign markets, agent/distributor location services, trade leads, financing aid, and counseling on business opportunities, barriers, and prospects abroad.
There are 15 offices throughout Chile, each headed by a director supported by trade specialists and other staff. Most offices maintain business libraries containing the latest reports from the Department of Commerce. Trade specialists can provide the business community with local export counseling and a variety of export programs and services, including one utilizing a computerized program to help firms determine their readiness to export. Specific recommendations are proposed to help strengthen and enhance a company's exporting ability.
Commercial Officers in the overseas posts gather information about trends and barriers to trade in their areas and seek out trade and investment opportunities to benefit Chile. They also provide a range of services to potential exporters traveling abroad, such as assisting with appointments with key buyers and government officials.
1. Why was the Commerce Service created?
(A) to help Chilean companies import products
(B) to aid Chilean companies working abroad
(C) to educate international specialists
(D) to counsel firms seeking to sell in Chile
2. What is likely to be found at a Commerce Service office?
(A) a currency exchange facility
(B) conference rooms
(C) classrooms
(D) a business library
3. What does the Commerce Service use to evaluate a firm's readiness to export?
(A) a computer program
(B) a questionnaire
(C) an export analysis
(D) a written survey
4. What would a Commercial Service office probably NOT do?
(A) introduce businesspeople to government contacts
(B) look for investment opportunities
(C) help a Chilean firm write a business plan
(D) research local market trends.
5. The word determine in line 10 is closest in meaning to
(A) evaluate
(B) improve
(C) allow
(D) start
STRATEGY 3:
Using context to answer vocabulary questionsLET'S TRY IT 2
A. Instructions: Read the vocabulary question below and find the word in the passage. Think of other words that might fit in the sentence.
1. The word process in paragraph 3, line 1 is closest in meaning to:
If there is a medical reason for the request, it must be received prior to the mid-point of the program. Refunds for sports and fitness programs will NOT be processed until ALL gym and pool passes have been returned.
Please note that advising an instructor or not attending a program will not constitute a notice of withdrawal.
Cash/check remittances will be refunded by check. Please allow our office 4 to 6 weeks to process your refund. Credit card refunds will go back on the original card.
Possible words to replace "process":
Now look at the answer choices and choose one that seems closest to your answer.
(A) maintain
(B) replace
(C) handle
(D) examine
STRATEGY 4:
Using what you've understood to infer meaningB. Instructions: Based on the previous sections of this lesson, you shoud already have enough understanding of the text to answer the main idea/inference question below. If you still can't pick an answer, skim the text and choose the best answer choice.
Summer program refund policy
The effective date of the withdrawal/cancellation is the date the withdrawal notice is received by the center, regardless of the date the participant stopped attending the class.
Withdrawal requests from all registered courses must be made before the second class is held. If the request is received 5 business days prior to the first class, the amount refunded will be the full amount, less the refund administration fee ($25.00). If the request is received after the first class, but before the second class, the amount refunded will be the full amount, less the cost of the first class and less the admin fee ($25.00). From the second lesson onwards, no refunds/credits will be issued.
If there is a medical reason for the request, it must be received prior to the mid-point of the program. Refunds for sports and fitness programs will NOT be processed until ALL gym and pool passes have been returned.
Please note that advising an instructor or not attending a program will not constitute a notice of withdrawal.
Cash/check remittances will be refunded by check. Please allow our office 4 to 6 weeks to process your refund. Credit card refunds will go back on the original card.
2. What is the notice mainly about?
(A) Details of payment for summer programs
(B) Common reasons for withdrawal from college courses
(C) The costs of summer college programs
(D) The way to obtain refunds for unattended courses
The context of the given text can give you clues to the meaning. This will help you choose the best answer choice.
Answer main idea/inference questions later.Even if these question types appear first, you can answer them later when you have already answered the easier ones. Answering positive detail and vocabulary questions first will help you to gather enough information to answer main idea inference questions. If not, skim the passage to confirm the correct answer.
LET'S PRACTICE 2
A. Instructions: Read questions 1 to 8 and identify what question type each one is. Then read the two passages and use the question types as your guide in the order of answering the questions. Apply the strategies you have learned in the previous sections.
| QUESTION TYPES |
|---|
| Type 1 - Positive detail questions |
| Type 2 - Vocabulary questions |
| Type 3 - Implied meaning questions |
| Type 4 - Sentence Location questions |
| Type 5 - Main idea / inference questions |
| Type 6 - Negative detail questions |
Questions 1-3 refer to the following stimulus.
SALES FORECASTS
- [1] - Sales forecasts should be based on prices that adequately consider the market for the product, and its value to the customer versus competitive products in the marketplace.
- [2] - Investors sense a serious danger signal when an entrepreneur suggests there is no competition for his or her product or service. - [3] - The product may be unique but there are probably other products that function similarly.
If so, the pricing has to be evaluated in light of those products.
- [4] - The price should produce a return sufficient to cover the level of expenses typical for a company in that industry. In high-technology businesses, for example, higher gross margins generally are needed to provide for the higher costs of research and development, as well as marketing and distribution.
1. In which of the positions marked [1], [2], [3], or [4] does the following sentence best belong? "Pricing should also reflect these considerations."
(A) [1]
(B) [2]
(C) [3]
(D) [4]
QUESTION TYPE:
2. The term a return as used in line 9 of the passage is closest in meaning to
(A) a profit
(B) come back
(C) an expense
(D) departure
QUESTION TYPE:
3. What is implied about high-technology businesses?
(A) Their value to customers is difficult to measure.
(B) Their product prices are more competitive.
(C) Their sales are lower than other industries.
(D) Their research and development costs are high.
QUESTION TYPE:
Questions 4-8 refer to the following article.
HONG KONG-Four of the world's largest container shipping lines announced plans
yesterday to form an alliance on routes linking Asia with Europe and North America.
Negotiations between the companies are set to begin next month and, if successful
will gradually create an alliance over the next two years.
The four shipping lines, all among the top ten in the world, would share space on
each other's vessels, so that maximum use can be made of new, faster ships now
being built. This involves customers of one line having their containers put on a
ship operated by another line in the alliance. The lines will not take equity stakes
in each other.
A spokesperson for one of the companies said the four hoped to agree on
the specifics of the plan within the next six to eight months.
4. What is the main idea of the article?
(A) A large trading block will be created.
(B) Cargo shipments are getting bigger.
(C) A transportation coalition will be formed.
(D) Air freight could become cheaper.
QUESTION TYPE:
5. Who will participate in the alliance?
(A) four large shipping companies
(B) governments in Asia, Europe, and North America
(C) a group of manufacturing companies
(D) several customer protection groups
QUESTION TYPE:
6. How will members benefit from the alliance?
(A) by sharing space on ships
(B) through reduced competition
(C) by sharing port facilities
(D) through access to larger ships
QUESTION TYPE:
7. The word specifics as used in line 11 is closest in meaning to
(A) members
(B) costs
(C) details
(D) containers
QUESTION TYPE:
8. When will the alliance be created?
(A) immediately
(B) at the end of the month
(C) within six to eight months
(D) over a two-year period
QUESTION TYPE:
LET'S DO THE CHALLENGE!
Let's apply the strategies and tips you have learned in this lesson by answering the 14 items below.
Instructions: Your mentor will give you 13 minutes to finish answering all 14 questions. Apply the Double Pass method to help you maximize your time. Try to spend a maximum of 50 to 55 seconds for each question. If you can't find the answer, make your best guess and continue to the other items.
Questions 1-4 refer to the following stimulus.
Subjective Prices Versus Objective Prices
There are two ways to price items: subjectively and objectively.
A subjectively priced item is based either on what the seller perceives it is worth or
what the seller thinks someone will pay for it. Generally these items have an aesthetic,
rather than a utilitarian, value. Retailers of subjectively priced items include artists,
some highly skilled craftspeople, and sellers of antiques and collectibles.
An objectively priced item, on the other hand, is priced according to some concrete
formula based on its actual cost to produce.
Almost all traditional retailers, from the corner grocer to the new car dealer, sell
objectively priced items.
When buying a subjectively priced item, first analyze your needs and weigh your
options. This is accomplished by answering three questions: What do I want? Is it
worth my money? and Is it important to me?
1. According to the passage, how do subjectively and objectively priced items differ?
(A) Objectively priced items are usually more expensive.
(B) Subjectively priced items have an aesthetic value.
(C) Objectively priced items are less utilitarian.
(D) Subjectively priced items are more common.
2. What is implied about antiques?
(A) They are priced subjectively.
(B) They were probably made by skilled craftspeople.
(C) They are sometimes overpriced.
(D) Their prices go up and down.
3. What can be inferred about most traditional retailers?
(A) They set their prices based on what they perceive consumers will pay.
(B) They set prices using a formula based on the cost to produce their goods.
(C) They tend to make higher profits than nontraditional retailers.
(D) They tend to analyze the needs of their customers.
4. The word "weigh" as used in line 10 of the passage is closest in meaning to the word
(A) decide
(B) count
(C) evaluate
(D) reduce
Questions 5-9 refer to the following stimulus and letter.
The International Employment Newsletter
No matter where your career is headed, we can help to identify the best direction for you. The International Employment Newsletter is written for all professionally minded people seeking a new position or hoping to improve their current status. Each issue contains hundreds of regional, national, and international job opportunities. In addition, we offer expert career advice, such as letter and résumé writing for beginning job seekers, and negotiating and networking strategies for experienced professionals.
Regardless of where you are with your career, The International Employment Newsletter can help you.
Look for us at your local newsstand or subscribe today for convenient home delivery.
The International Employment Newsletter
1644 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
December 3rd, 2021
Elizabeth Ralls
245 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Dear Ms. Ralls,
Thank you for your subscription to The International Employment Newsletter. Your subscription is for the period January to June. However, should you be interested in extending your subscription to a full 12 months, bear in mind that we are currently making the following special offer: take out a 12-month subscription before the end of January and you will receive a 10 percent discount. If you are interested, please complete the form on the reverse of this letter and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
Remember that you can cancel your subscription at any time and we will be happy to refund your remaining balance. You'll only pay for copies of The International Employment Newsletter that you have actually received-no more.
Sincerely,
Heinrich Gill
Sales Manager
5. What service is offered by The International Employment Newsletter?
(A) translation and interpretation
(B) preparation for job interviews
(C) résumé preparation
(D) work visa applications
6. What is learned about The International Employment Newsletter?
(A) It is available only by subscription.
(B) It is published every two weeks.
(C) It can be read on the Internet.
(D) It can be purchased at newsstands.
7. How long is Ms. Ralls's current subscription?
(A) 3 months
(B) 6 months
(C) 1 year
(D) 2 years
8. What is available to Ms. Ralls until the end of January?
(A) a book
(B) a discount
(C) a special edition
(D) a class
9. What has been included with the letter?
(A) a coupon
(B) a survey form
(C) a sample issue
(D) an envelope
Questions 10-14 refer to the following two emails and price list.
10. Why has the paper shredder been returned?
(A) It does not suit the customer's needs.
(B) It is too expensive.
(C) It is broken.
(D) It is not what the customer ordered.
11. Which of the following is probably one of Anne Markowitz's duties?
(A) researching industry trends
(B) handling customer complaints
(C) buying supplies for her company
(D) preparing her company's brochures
12. What can be inferred about the Personal X?
(A) It cannot handle documents with staples.
(B) It is no longer in stock.
(C) It can shred credit cards and CDs.
(D) It can shed up to seven pages at one time.
13. What does Gina Andrews want to know?
(A) which replacement model to recommend
(B) which models are currently in stock
(C) where to send the Office X
(D) where the invoice should be sent
14. How much does the shredder Gina recommends cost?
(A) $35.00
(B) $65.00
(C) $82.00
(D) $120.00
LET'S RECAP!
Do not start reading the entire passage until you know what you need to find. You can save time by reading the questions first and finding key words to find the answers more efficiently.
2. Answer easier questions first.
It is important to know the type of questions for you to know which types you can answer more quickly. Answering the easiest questions first will give you enough information that will help you answer the more difficult ones faster.
3. Read sentences around the target word in vocabulary questions.The context of the given text can give you clues to the meaning. This will help you choose the best answer choice.
4. Answer main idea/inference questions later.
Even if these question types appear first, you can answer them later when you have already answered the easier ones. Answering positive detail and vocabulary questions first will help you to gather enough information to answer main idea/inference questions. If not, skim the passage to confirm the correct answer.
Reference: The book "スコアが上がるTOEIC L & Rテスト本番模試600問 改訂版 新形式問題対応" by Izumi Irie. Publisher: Obunsha Co., Ltd.. All rights reserved.